The Port of Bilbao has continued solidifying its position as a logistics hub reporting a 10 per cent jump in traffic for the first six months of 2024. Between January and June, the Port of Bilbao handled 18 million tonnes of goods, 1.6 million more than the same period last year.

This is the highest percentage increase since before the pandemic, is above the average for State Ports (+3 per cent) and confirms the upturn in the business of the port, in line with the reactivation of the Basque economy.

Figures for bulk liquids and breakbulk are up 16 per cent and 11 per cent respectively, whilst those for container traffic and bulk solids have fallen by 5 per cent and 2 per cent, respectively. In general terms, the goods with the highest upturn in traffic have been diesel oil, crude oil, chemical products, steel products, minerals and paper and pulp, whilst those which have seen the biggest downturn have been natural gas, fuel oil, oils and fats, cement and clinker and soya beans.

Ro-Ro traffic is up 11 per cent and has exceeded 550,000 tonnes, whilst figures for ITUs (intermodal transport units) have also increased by 4 per cent. These results have been achieved despite the fact that Brittany Ferries has not operated in the first quarter of this year due to structural modifications undertaken to adapt the ro-ro ramp to the demands of its new vessels, which, like those of Finnlines – the other shipping company that carries ro-ro traffic – have greater capacity and are, in turn, more sustainable.

In terms of seaboards, Atlantic Europe leads the way with 43 per cent of the traffic, followed by Atlantic North America with 16 per cent, Atlantic South America with 14 per cent and Asia with 13 per cent. Of the twenty main countries to which the port imports and exports, twelve are outside Europe, which proves that Bilbao is a port with services and traffic for both short-sea shipping and transoceanic routes.

Turnover rising

The Port Authority of Bilbao also posted a robust financial performance for the first half of 2024, with turnover increasing by 16.8 per cent year-on-year to €39.2 million. The port authority’s healthy financial position, bolstered by €66 million in cash reserves, has enabled significant investment in infrastructure and new services.

Aligned with its 2023-26 strategy, the Port Authority has prioritised financial autonomy to drive innovation and support the energy transition. The authority has secured €30.8 million in EU funding to support a wider investment portfolio of €102.1 million across these key areas. These projects are currently in the implementation phase and are scheduled for completion between 2024 and 2026.

The port’s strategic focus on financial stability has positioned it for continued growth and development, enabling it to adapt to evolving industry trends and market demands.

The Port of Bilbao will host the upcoming edition of Project Cargo Summit. Book your spot and be among the decision-makers shaping the future of the project cargo sector. Register here!