At the Port of Bilbao, a port authority’s spokesperson notes that the main role of port management in attracting MoS services is that of ensuring that the correct infrastructure is in place. Money from the European Union Cohesion Fund was therefore used to build quay A3, which has been specifically developed to accommodate ro-ro traffic, particularly that relating to MoS services. Quay A3 now has a total operating area of 270,000 sq m and 900 m of quay. However, the MoS terminal has a potential development area available to it of 50,000 sq m. The quay length available for MoS services is 220 metres-285 metres, while alongside draught of 20 metres is not a problem. In addition to 3,000 metres of rail sidings, there are 200,000 sq m of warehouse and distribution area. Up to 400 trucks can be parked simultaneously, with special slots available for those conveying hazardous cargo. There is also office space for collaborating agents, while catering is also provided. A privately operated fuelling station has been located in the immediate vicinity of the quay.
“Ports wanting to attract these types of services have to have good terrestrial transport links. Quay A3, for example, has direct connections to the A8 and A68 motorways. However, this alone isn’t good enough. There also has to be speedy exchange of documentation to allow vessels and cargo to get in and out of port as quickly as possible. To expedite this, we have made available to our customers an electronic commercial platform, which groups all relevant information together on one screen,” says the spokesperson.
The port confirms the enormous potential of the service to get trucks to switch from overcrowded motorways to MoS services. The border crossing at Irún it identifies as a particular pinch point at the moment.
“It’s becoming ever more difficult for road haulage companies to move cargo by road around Europe. Things like the rise in fuel cost, working time directives, the difficulty of moving cargo by road at the weekends and so on all mean that the MoS services will contribute towards allowing road haulage companies to remain competitive,” says the spokesperson.