The Port Authority of Bilbao has approved the call for tenders for the construction and operation of a container terminal on the central quay.
The Central Quay is the last large area of the port of Bilbao for which a concession can be awarded.
Works are being taken forward in two phases.
The first, already completed, has given rise to an operational surface area of more than 30 hectares, with 232,530 metres-squared currently available, after part of it was awarded by concession to a conventional goods operator.
The construction of the second phase will begin in 2023 and will also have an operational surface area in excess of 30 hectares.
The concession will be awarded for a maximum of 40 years.
The minimum annual traffic permitted is set at 1 TEU/metres-squared of concession plot, so the proposal must meet or exceed this figure.
The Port Authority of Bilbao has published the launch of the public tender in the Official State Gazette, to optimise the use of the public domain.
Proposals may be submitted within a maximum period of three months from the aforementioned publication.
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Improving the connectivity and intermodality of the port of Bilbao and attracting new traffic and shipping lines are strategic objectives of the Port Authority of Bilbao.
The existence of regular maritime routes which can be used for import and export by production and manufacturing companies, and by businesses in the catchment area of the Port of Bilbao may reduce costs and pollutant emissions.
It may also reduce logistical lead times and contribute to greater competitiveness in and around the port.
The port is therefore a key player in terms of improving the quality, efficiency, innovation and sustainability of its surrounding area.
The decision to designate the last large port area to container traffic is aligned to these objectives.
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The decision is the result of various consultation processes that point to an opportunity for growth in containerised cargo traffic in the port of Bilbao.
This has also been endorsed by several international operators who have confirmed that the port of Bilbao is in a favourable position to be a real alternative to address the problem of congestion in the ports of Northern Europe.
The commissioning of a container terminal will have a significant impact on business activity, employment and the economy, and will benefit the logistics activity of the port and the competitiveness of its hinterland and catchment area.
