Sustainability and service go hand in hand at BilbOPS

The Port Authority of Bilbao, aware that and must go hand in hand if it is to provide the best possible service to its customers, is taking forward the project for the electrification of the docks of the regular lines that use this strategic port in the Atlantic Arc.

The aim of the project is to equip the container, cruise and ferry docks with (, also known as ) technology, with a total of 11 connection points. Once commissioned, the technology will make it possible for those vessels equipped to do so to connect to the port's power grid while at berth, thereby enabling them to switch off their auxiliary engines. In addition to considerable fuel savings, this will also considerably reduce gas emissions into the atmosphere.

The Port Authority of Bilbao is also taking a series of actions designed to ensure that the power to be supplied is of renewable origin. These include setting up photovoltaic solar panels on the port breakwaters and on canopies in parking areas, and a study on the potential for constructing more wind turbines for power supply in the port facilities.

The project requires a total investment of EUR 78.7 million, of which 19% (EUR 14.2 million) will be covered through the 2021-2027 grant programme. In October 2022, the Port Authority of Bilbao and the European Commission signed the project grant contract, after which a EUR 5 million EU pre-financing payment was made to start the works. The project has also secured a grant of EUR 4.5 million for the new A5 Quay through the Recovery and Resilience Facility.

This initiative will bring Bilbao closer to delivering the targets set by the European Union to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030, as the electrification of the docks will reduce CO2 emissions by 38.8%. Furthermore, when the project is finally commissioned in 2026, the technology will considerably improve the quality of life of those people living in the local riverside towns and those working in the port, as it will not only cut nitrogen and sulphur dioxide emission levels but also reduce the noise and vibration produced by the vessels whilst docked at the quays.

In short, this strategic investment will place the Port of Bilbao at the forefront of the network of European ports to be equipped with this sustainable technology at the service of shipping companies.