The Port of Bilbao continues to strengthen its position as a leading hub for innovation in the logistics and maritime sector, with Bilbao PortLab supporting 11 out of the 39 approved innovation ideas in the latest Ports 4.0 resolution. This brings the total number of initiatives facilitated by the port to 36, all co-funded through the programme.
The Ports 4.0 Capital Fund is designed to attract innovation into the Spanish port sector, encouraging startups, researchers, and corporations to address industry challenges. It aims to advance technological solutions that improve efficiency, sustainability, digitalisation, and safety within the logistics-port environment.
Focus on Innovation and Development
Under the latest call, the selected ideas span various critical areas, from AI-driven solutions to environmental sustainability and logistics optimisation. The financial support for the “Ideas” modality amounts to €15,000 per project, facilitating the transition from early-stage development (TRL 1-2) to proof of concept (TRL 3). The initiative fosters cutting-edge breakthroughs in logistics efficiency, environmental sustainability, digitalisation, and port safety.
As the innovation hub of the Port of Bilbao, Bilbao PortLab acts as a bridge between port community challenges and technological solutions. With over 1,400 stakeholders, it provides a collaborative environment where projects can be tested and refined in real-world conditions.
Key Approved Projects
The 11 approved initiatives under this call reflect a diverse range of technological advancements:
- ESTREM is working on an AI-based solution to enhance workplace commitment and productivity while reducing absenteeism.
- HUPI aims to develop an AI-driven system to monitor environmental indicators, such as turbidity and hydrocarbon levels, in real-time using satellite imagery.
- 360GASES, in collaboration with Fagor Ederlan, is developing a high-power electric generator based on fuel cell technology.
- AOTECH, alongside SLP, is creating an IoT platform for real-time monitoring of bulk cargo quality during loading and unloading operations.
- ZENIT SOLAR is focusing on energy efficiency and sustainability solutions tailored for port environments.
- WE ARE CLICKERS is developing an AI-powered data quality tool to improve accuracy, fill data gaps, and detect outliers in port databases.
- FOLLOW INSPIRATION, a Portuguese company, is designing an autonomous mobile robot capable of operating in extreme cold conditions, ideal for refrigerated warehouses and cold storage logistics.
- SBS is working on a CO2 capture system using HECO technology, which repurposes alkaline waste to reduce carbon emissions from vessels.
- AUZIKER is developing safe canine training baits for fentanyl detection, enhancing law enforcement capabilities in drug seizures.
- BIRZIPLASTIK is creating a system to recycle port-generated plastic waste into reusable raw materials.
- ASIMOB is integrating LiDAR and artificial vision to assess the impact of oversized transport on road infrastructure, identifying potential obstacles and planning necessary modifications.
These projects underscore the Port of Bilbao’s commitment to fostering technological advancements that drive efficiency, sustainability, and digital transformation in the maritime industry.
Driving the Future of Smart Ports
With the continued success of the Ports 4.0 programme, Bilbao PortLab remains a crucial catalyst in the evolution of smart ports. By supporting innovative projects that tackle key industry challenges, it strengthens the port’s role as a dynamic testbed for next-generation logistics and maritime solutions.
