The president of Puertos del Estado visits the Port of Bilbao to learn about its main actions and challenges in operations, innovation, and the environment

Brexit, intermodality, innovation, and sustainability were the main topics addressed by the representatives of the Port Authority of Bilbao and Puertos del Estado during the first visit to the Port of Bilbao by its president, Álvaro Rodríguez Dapena.

In the meeting, the president of the Port Authority, Ricardo Barkala, and his management team had the opportunity to discuss with representatives from Puertos del Estado issues of interest, such as short-distance maritime transport and the actions taken by the Bilbao port community to prepare for Brexit and continue to be the main gateway for Spanish maritime traffic with the United Kingdom and Ireland. They also exchanged views on intermodality, the dry ports in which the Port participates, and the need to promote the Atlantic corridor. In terms of legislation and management, issues such as the stevedoring situation, the new Strategic Framework, or human resources competencies were among the matters discussed.

Rodríguez Dapena gained firsthand knowledge of the evolution of this port and its main challenges, including the development of a new strategic plan and an energy transition plan, which will be presented this spring. Ricardo Barkala emphasized the efforts being made in three lines of action: innovation, digitalization, and sustainability (economic, social, and environmental).

Subsequently, during their visit to the facilities, the representatives of Puertos del Estado had the opportunity to meet with port operators and firsthand witness significant projects, such as the new Central Breakwater and the urbanization of its first 200,000 square meters, as well as the extension of the AZ1 dock by 50,000 square meters. They also toured the Brittany Ferries terminal, where ferries for goods and passengers connecting Bilbao with the United Kingdom and Ireland dock. In March, this terminal will host the company's first LNG-powered vessel, and Repsol will have completed the construction of the LNG station.