sustained growth thanks to job stability, competitiveness and commitment to sustainability
In the first place, because the signing of the stowage Agreement, which guarantees the operational stability of the port for the next six years. A unique agreement in Spanish ports that implies greater productivity and flexibility in the organization of work.
Added to this are some modern port infrastructure, with drafts for large ships (between 20 and 30 meters) and extremely well connected, to facilitate intermodal transport. And, finally, the implementation of agile and paperless processes and services, through telematics applications that facilitate operations.
If to this is added the concern for the supply of services and fuels that reduce the carbon footprintthe complex presents the Port of Bilbao as the leading alternative in its sector.
A HISTORICAL FIRM
On September 22, representatives of Bilboestiba, the stevedoring companies, unions and the Bilbao Port Authority made clear their firm commitment to the stability and competitiveness of the Port of Bilbao after signing the stevedoring agreement for the next six years.
“The agreement substantially changes the situation of the port and has been possible thanks to the generosity and high-mindedness of the parties, who have been able to overcome prejudice and compromise,” said the CEO of Bilboestiba CPE, José Manuel Guardo. This same has underlined “the valuable contribution of the Port Authority of Bilbao as mediator and facilitator of the agreements” and the fact that “the six years of validity of the agreement configure a horizon of extraordinary and unprecedented stability in the Spanish port system”.
For his part, the President of the Port Authority of Bilbao, Ricardo Barkalahas pointed out that this port stability “is an asset of great value that will allow us to reposition ourselves on the map of logistics chains and that lays the foundations for a solid and stable recovery”.
SUSTAINED GROWTH IN 2022
The numbers for the first half of 2022 show a clear upward trend. Between January and June, the Port of Bilbao exported or imported close to 16 million tonswhich represents 4.4% more than in the same period last year.
On the one hand, the increase of more than one million tons of liquid bulk (+14%) mainly due to the recovery in refinery production and the growth of natural gas imports; and, on the other, the increase in conventional merchandise (+7) pushed by paper and pulp, machinery and construction materials.
The merchandise rolled continues to show an upward trend and until June it has warned 29%. Within traffic, a special chapter deserves the cproject loads (special transport). Until June, the number of large pieces that have entered the port to be shipped has increased by 6%.
On the other hand, in this first semester the railway transport The upward trend continues, with an increase of +7% in the number of trains, which translates into 2,208 units.
DEVELOPMENT OF TELEMATIC APPLICATIONS AND SUSTAINABILITY
Port of Bilbao has also set out to be a benchmark in digitization and innovation. For this reason, it has promoted the e-puertobilbao telematics platform, which has seen a 20% increase in the number of companies, certified customers and messages processed through this tool.
Within this platform, one of the most recent initiatives has been the development of a service for coordination of railway operations. Through it you can find out about the train schedule and information about the goods they transport.
A set of improvements that allow a greater quality in the work to the 427 companies, 1,111 certificates of use Y 735 carriers who have registered in this App.
On the other hand, in the innovation and sustainability sections, three milestones stand out: the commissioning of more environmentally friendly boatsthe start of work for electrify the docks and the agreement to install a system of sanitation pioneer.
NEW SURFACES
The Port Authority has invested 42.9 million euros in 2021 and the investment plan contemplates that in 2022 this investment reaches 50.6 million. Among the new facilities is the development of the first phase of the Central Breakwater and the extension of the AZ1 wharf.
Regarding the first action, 203,000 square meters of the First Phase of the Central Pier. This wharf, which will be developed in stages according to demand, has a total of 1,120 meters of berthing line and 362,000 square meters of surface, and the total investment made reaches 112 million euros. It was selected for funding by the European Commission in the 2014 “Connecting Europe Facility” call and will contribute up to 20.9 million euros, which represents 20% of the eligible expenses.
In addition, in September the works of expansion of the AZ1 wharf, that will provide 50,000 square meters, and will have a line of dock of 251 additional linear meters. The investment amounted to 27.4 million and the works will end at the beginning of 2023.