Servicios Logísticos Portuarios (SLP) has achieved a milestone by launching the first-ever rail service dedicated to transporting bulk solids from the Port of Bilbao. This inaugural venture, supported by Harineras Villamayor, the SAMCA Group’s Monzón Intermodal Terminal, the Bilbao Port Authority, and Renfe, marks a significant step towards enhancing intermodal freight solutions in the region.
The service debuted on November 27, with a convoy carrying 708 tonnes of wheat destined for Aragón. Departing in the early hours, the train was equipped with 14 wagons supplied by Renfe, which also managed the traction. This move allows SLP and the Port of Bilbao to diversify their logistics offerings, which previously focused on containers, breakbulk, and bulk liquids.
The train’s destination, the La Armentera industrial estate in Huesca, is a strategic hub on the main rail freight corridor. It serves as one of the principal hinterlands for ports along the Atlantic and Mediterranean Arc. Once in Huesca, the cargo will make its way to Harineras Villamayor, the ultimate recipient of the shipment.
This rail initiative is a testament to SLP’s growing influence and adaptability. The company, a linchpin in the Port of Bilbao’s operations, handled over 2.4 million tonnes of freight last year and acted as a shipping agent for 265 vessels. With this rail expansion, SLP anticipates further growth in its logistics footprint.
SLP operates on nearly 150,000 m² of port-concessioned land, including 44,000 m² of covered storage and a 2.4-kilometer berthing line with up to 20-meter draughts. This substantial infrastructure underscores the company’s ability to handle diverse cargo efficiently while adapting to new market demands, such as bulk solids transport.
For the Port of Bilbao, this development is more than just a new service; it’s a leap towards comprehensive intermodal connectivity. By integrating rail freight for bulk solids, the port cements its position as a pivotal logistics hub in Spain, serving both the Atlantic and Mediterranean corridors. The collaboration with partners like Renfe and SAMCA highlights the synergy required to push boundaries in modern logistics.
The service’s potential extends beyond the initial shipment of cereals. It signals a shift towards innovative solutions that could redefine how bulk goods move across the Iberian Peninsula. Could this be a turning point for intermodal logistics in the region? Only time will tell, but the foundation laid by SLP certainly seems promising.
