Ambassadors from twenty-one European Union member states visited the Port of Bilbao to examine its ongoing projects in energy transition, sustainability, and connectivity, with a strong focus on supporting resilient European logistics and decarbonising freight transport.
The diplomatic delegation, accredited to Spain, observed first-hand how Bilbao is positioning itself as a green port by adapting infrastructure and services to the evolving needs of industry while reducing environmental impact. The visit highlighted projects aimed at improving efficiency across maritime logistics, supporting the region’s competitiveness, and offering viable alternatives to road-based transport.
Focus on Green and Digital Maritime Corridors
Representatives from across Europe expressed particular interest in the development of green and digital maritime corridors. These corridors are designed to provide efficient and resilient supply chain routes, improve connectivity between European ports, and reduce reliance on carbon-intensive road haulage. The Port of Bilbao sees these initiatives as essential for aligning regional industry with EU decarbonisation goals.
BilbOPS: Shore Power for Vessels
The delegation also reviewed the BilbOPS project, which will enable ships to connect to onshore power supply during port stays. Electricity will be partly generated from renewable sources, including photovoltaic solar panels. Once operational in 2027, the system is expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions and reduce both noise and vibration levels within the port area.
BilbOPS has received co-funding from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), alongside significant investment from the Bilbao Port Authority. Additionally, an €80 million loan agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) has been secured, part of which will directly finance the project.
Wind Power and Renewable Hydrogen
The visit also placed a spotlight on the port’s role in the wind energy sector. Several companies operate in the hinterland, with some maintaining facilities directly on the quayside. These include Haizea Wind and Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, both key players in offshore wind manufacturing and logistics.
Discussions extended to the port’s collaboration with Amsterdam and Duisburg to establish a renewable hydrogen corridor linking the Basque Country to central Europe. The delegation noted ongoing investments from Petronor, part of the Repsol Group, which is constructing plants for synthetic fuels and electrolytic hydrogen production within the port.
Expansion of Port Infrastructure
Another project presented was the second phase of the expansion of the central breakwater. This work will create a new operational area of 31.2 hectares and add 1,011 meters of berthing quays. The development aims to accommodate new projects in energy, logistics, and heavy industry sectors, further strengthening Bilbao’s position as a strategic European logistics hub.
European Context of the Visit
The visit was organised by the Danish Embassy, coinciding with Denmark’s rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union. Beyond the port, the ambassadors also held meetings with Imanol Pradales, Lehendakari (First Minister) of the Basque Government, and engaged with representatives from the Basque region’s economic, social, and cultural sectors.
The delegation included representatives from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, and Sweden.
