The United Nations Resilience4Ports report has spotlighted the BilbOPS initiative, a pioneering project by the Port Authority of Bilbao, for its role in advancing climate resilience and fostering biodiversity within marine and coastal ecosystems. This recognition underscores the port’s efforts as part of the broader Sharm El-Sheikh Adaptation Agenda (SAA), which tracks climate adaptation measures globally.
The announcement was made during the ‘Resilience Action’ event at the COP29 Climate Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, and the report is now accessible on the International Coalition for Sustainable Infrastructure (ICSI) website. The Port of Bilbao’s strategies were lauded as models for sustainable, resilient port operations, aligning with global efforts to equip port systems with the tools to weather disruptions while maintaining safety and ecological integrity.
The report delves into the Port of Bilbao’s 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, which outlines its vision of becoming “green, competitive, and responsible.” This comprehensive plan includes upgrading infrastructure to mitigate climate risks and deploying initiatives that prioritize biodiversity and emission reductions. Central to these efforts is the BilbOPS project, a groundbreaking endeavor to electrify port docks using Onshore Power Supply (OPS) technology, minimizing vessel emissions while at berth.
The BilbOPS initiative features 11 OPS connection points, powered by renewable energy generated onsite. Plans include four photovoltaic plants, wind turbines, and a battery energy storage system integrated with the OPS grid. The project is co-funded by the European Commission’s CEF Transport program and reflects Bilbao’s commitment to diversifying its energy portfolio and embracing sustainable power solutions.
Beyond clean energy, the port has undertaken biodiversity-focused initiatives, such as creating biomimetic micro-reefs equipped with advanced monitoring systems. These concrete structures, designed to mimic natural reef habitats, promote marine life and enhance ecological health in the port’s waters. Additionally, collaborations with local conservation groups and the University of the Basque Country have yielded a biomonitoring plan to ensure the long-term sustainability of the surrounding ecosystems.
With the BilbOPS project projected to service 900 annual port calls from container ships, ferries, and cruise liners, its impact extends beyond environmental benefits. The reduction in emissions, noise, and vibration levels is anticipated to improve living conditions for 125,000 nearby residents and 10,000 port workers.
The Resilience4Ports initiative itself, led by ICSI, represents a global push for sustainable infrastructure in maritime environments. By leveraging partnerships with entities like the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, and the Port of Long Beach, it seeks to scale up resilience solutions across marine systems worldwide. On Resilience Day at COP29, the initiative called for ports to adopt the SAA’s Maritime Resilience Breakthrough targets, marking a new milestone in sectoral climate commitments.
