Moving toward a sustainable maritime practices, the Port Authority of Bilbao and Portsmouth International Port recently inked a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement solidifies their commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at fostering growth in freight and passenger transport between their respective ports. The primary focus of this strategic alliance is to enhance port operations through sustainable, efficient, and rapid multimodal initiatives.
Advancing Technological and Infrastructural Synergy
The bilateral cooperation emphasizes technological and infrastructural advancements, with a particular emphasis on onshore power supply for vessels at both ports. Bilbao is already making strides with its BilbOPS project, an ambitious initiative to electrify docks, enabling vessels to tap into renewable electricity from the onshore grid during their port stays. This project, backed by a EUR 78 million investment, with EUR 14.2 million from the European Commission under the CEF Transport 2021-2027 grants program, is scheduled for operation by 2026. Concurrently, Portsmouth International Port’s Sea Change project aims to establish, construct, and operate an onshore power system at its busiest docks.
Paving the Way for Green and Digital Shipping Corridors
The MoU also charts a course for joint efforts in developing green and digital shipping corridors between the two ports. The objective is to transition traffic from conventional road haulage to sustainable shipping routes. Information exchange and promotion of advanced systems and automation infrastructures for efficient handling of passengers and goods at ferry and cruise terminals are integral components of this collaborative endeavor.
Digital Transformation Initiatives
Both ports are actively engaged in digital transformation initiatives. Bilbao’s Port Authority has implemented the e-puertobilbao digital platform, enhancing efficiency, security, and traceability in goods and vessel management. Portsmouth is aligning its efforts by initiating steps toward the creation of an electronic terminal, with plans for further development through increased utilization of smart port technology and innovation starting in 2026.
Notable Ratification and Attendees
The MoU was officially ratified by Ian Palacio, Business Development Manager at Portsmouth International Port, and Andima Ormaetxe, Director of Operations, Commerce, Logistics, and Strategy at the Port Authority of Bilbao. Key figures from both sides attended the event, including James Evans, Head of Operations at Portsmouth International Port; Daphne Comber, Head of Portico Logistics-Customs; Francisco Alvarez, and Sarah Cowley, Public Policy Attaché and Head of Mission of the British Embassy in Madrid, respectively. Also present were José Luis Briceño, Honorary Consul at the British Consulate in Bilbao, and representatives from the Port of Bilbao.
This strategic alliance marks a significant leap toward greener and more efficient maritime operations, showcasing the commitment of Bilbao and Portsmouth to a sustainable shipping future.
