The Port Authority of Bilbao and the Consortium of Commercial Ports of Nouvelle-Aquitaine have formalized a cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening cross-border logistics, sustainability, and offshore wind energy development along the Atlantic coast.
A cross-border logistics arc
The deal, signed during the Agri Vrac trade fair in Anglet, brings together the Port of Bilbao with the ports of Bayonne, Bordeaux, Rochefort-Tonnay-Charente, and La Rochelle. Both parties outlined their intention to enhance the overall competitiveness of their hinterland by creating a coordinated logistics arc spanning the southwest of France and northern Spain. The focus is on improving connectivity between ports, making better use of existing infrastructure, and offering integrated services to regional industries.
Part of the agreement includes exploring real-time data exchange to streamline port operations, reduce inefficiencies, and enable more synchronized supply chains across the region.
Offshore wind and sustainable logistics
The partnership places significant emphasis on renewable energy, particularly offshore wind development along the Atlantic coast. By supporting initiatives in marine renewables and green technologies, the ports aim to align with European decarbonization targets. Efforts will also target reducing the carbon footprint of port operations and advancing digital solutions to optimize supply chains.
Both organizations committed to promoting joint initiatives in sustainability, digitalization, and logistics innovation, with the goal of positioning themselves among Europe’s leading ports in sustainable maritime transport.
Trade and economic growth
The agreement also highlights the importance of expanding import and export capacity to serve international markets. By facilitating cross-border flows of goods, the ports expect to stimulate trade and support regional economic growth while boosting the logistical capabilities of southwest Europe.
Agri Vrac as a platform
The announcement took place at Agri Vrac, the agro-industrial trade fair organized by the Port of Bayonne. The event gathered companies and professionals from the cereals, fertilizers, and animal nutrition sectors, drawing participants from both France and Spain.
Conferences during the fair addressed logistics connections between the two countries, multimodality, and industrial decarbonization. Discussions also covered opportunities for sustainable and efficient cross-border agro-food logistics. Agri Vrac provided a meeting point for logistics service providers, port operators, ship agents, and the agro-industrial sector to explore solutions for bulk food supply chains.
