Port of Bilbao backs innovation projects
The Port of Bilbao has reinforced its status as a hub of innovation in the port-logistics sector by securing approval for eleven new projects through the third call of Spain’s Ports 4.0 programme.
Spearheaded by Bilbao PortLab – the port’s innovation hub – these initiatives focus on improving logistics efficiency, environmental sustainability, security and digital transformation.
The eleven ideas were selected under the ‘General Ideas’ category and will each receive €15,000 in funding to develop proof-of-concept prototypes. These projects aim to advance from Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1–2 to TRL 3 by testing in a real-world setting at the Port of Bilbao.
Among the selected projects are ESTREM’s AI-based productivity tool, HUPI’s satellite-enabled environmental impact monitor, a fuel cell generator from 360GASES and Fagor Ederlan, and a CO₂ capture system for vessels by SBS.
Others include autonomous robots for cold storage, real-time cargo monitoring, recycled plastic valorisation and fentanyl detection training tools for dogs.
The approval of these eleven projects brings the total number of innovations tested at the Port of Bilbao under the Ports 4.0 initiative to 36.
Managed by Puertos del Estado, Ports 4.0 aims to transform Spain’s logistics sector through advanced technologies, enhancing its competitiveness, sustainability and digital capacity. Bilbao PortLab currently has more than 1,400 stakeholders.
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