Expansion and electrification works at Bilbao

Bilbao has continued to benefit from its multi-purpose nature over the last year and the intention is to continue this into the future, so it’s spending considerably on its infrastructure.

Total investment made by the port authority during 2023 amounted to €18.7 million. Foremost among this investment was the extension of Dock AZ1 (€4.3 million) which focuses on meeting demand for land to increase the port’s business activities.

Infrastructure spending

The investment forecast for 2024 is €77.8 million, a high figure due, amongst other things, to the final phase of works at the Outer Abra and the central breakwater which will provide 30 new hectares of space.

Works are expected to be put out to tender at Easter for an amount of €54.4 million with a completion period of 26 months.

At the same time, within the framework of the Port of Bilbao Energy Transition Plan, the port is focusing on meeting its defined emission reduction targets.

Works on the electrification of the docks are being done so that ships can be connected to the onshore power grid and switch off their auxiliary engines, thereby reducing CO2 emissions and noise and vibration levels.

The BilbOPS initiative, which is expected to be operational in 2026, requires an investment of €78 million, of which €14.2 million will be subsidised by the European Commission under the CEF Transport 2021-2027 grant programme.

The project also entails that 20% of the power generated be from renewable sources, with the intention of increasing this figure to 50% by 2028.