The Port of Bilbao is set to make waves at WindEurope, showcasing its pivotal role in the development and logistics of the European wind industry. From March 20 to 22, the Port Authority of Bilbao will be a focal point at the WindEurope annual event, held at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC), where numerous companies and organizations from the wind energy sector will converge.
Andima Ormaetxe, the Operations, Commercial, Logistics, and Strategy Director of the Port Authority of Bilbao, will participate in a significant panel discussion titled “Onshore power supply for decarbonization of ports through electrification.” This round table, chaired by Pedro Otazua of Iberdrola, will feature notable figures including Maximilian Schnippering from Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy and Roland Teixeira de Mattos from the European Onshore Power Supply Association.
In sync with WindEurope, the Port of Bilbao will welcome several delegations keen to explore its facilities tailored for wind energy traffic. Organized by Basque Trade and Investment (BTI), the first visit on March 18 will host delegations from Scotland, Wales, and Turkey. The following day, the port will host the “WindEurope Ports Platform” meeting, a gathering of twelve European ports focused on wind energy, along with a press meeting attended by specialists from across the globe.
Bilbao’s significance as a wind energy hub is underscored by its hinterland, which boasts numerous companies engaged in wind energy, spanning manufacturing to service provision. Its commitment to innovation, coupled with the expertise of the Basque wind power sector, positions Bilbao as a global leader. Moreover, as an export port for wind energy components, Bilbao possesses the necessary infrastructure for seamless transport and logistics operations.
A recent highlight of the port’s initiatives is the installation of two 17-meter high suction sails on a general cargo ship owned by Amasus Shipping. These sails, installed by Bound4blue, represent the largest of their kind and mark a significant step towards decarbonization. This initiative, supported by the Ports 4.0 Fund and Bilbao PortLab, underscores the port’s commitment to sustainable practices.
By signing the European Wind Charter in December 2023, the Port Authority of Bilbao reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening Europe’s wind energy sector. Collaborating with over 300 companies and European Commission representatives, the Port Authority aims to align its actions with the energy transition goals.
