Bilbao, Spain
Bilbao is a vibrant Basque city renowned for the iconic Guggenheim Museum and its dynamic blend of modern art, architecture, and tradition.
Port Overview
Bilbao is located in northern Spain, about 16 km south of the Bay of Biscay, and is the largest city in the Basque Country. Ranking as Spain’s tenth largest city, its metropolitan area has around 1 million inhabitants. Strategically positioned along the Nervión River, Bilbao serves as a key industrial and logistics hub for northern Spain, with its port playing a vital role in regional trade. The Port of Bilbao handles approximately 1 million TEU annually, making it one of Spain’s most important container ports.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Bilbao's port features diverse terminals, including those for containers, solid bulks, hydrocarbons, and cruise ships. Key facilities include Punta Lucero for oil and LNG, and the Getxo cruise terminal. The port is equipped with modern cranes and handling equipment, supporting a wide range of cargo types. It also offers ro-ro and breakbulk services, along with logistics and rail connections.
Container Terminals
Bilbao’s main container terminal is CSP Iberian Bilbao Terminal, featuring 3 berths with a total quay length of around 1,100 meters and a water depth up to 21 meters. The terminal’s annual capacity exceeds 900,000 TEUs. Automation includes automated gate access and advanced cargo flow management, but full automation of handling equipment is not implemented. Major operators are CSP Spain (COSCO SHIPPING Ports) and Noatum.
Port Services
- Container handling: Dedicated container terminals with modern equipment for efficient loading and unloading.
- Cargo operations: Facilities for general cargo, bulk (solid and liquid), project cargo, Ro-Ro, and specialized goods.
- Ship services: Bunkering, freshwater supply, technical repairs, ship spares, crew changes, and ancillary support.
- Warehousing: Multipurpose warehouses, bonded storage, temperature-controlled facilities, and logistics areas.
- Customs: On-site customs clearance, bonded warehouses, and electronic document processing for streamlined import/export.
Global Connectivity
Bilbao, Spain’s port is a key Atlantic gateway, serving northern Spain and the Basque Country with robust rail and road links to Madrid, Zaragoza, Valencia, and other major Iberian regions. It offers direct maritime routes to the UK (Portsmouth), northern Europe, and transatlantic markets. The port handles diverse cargo and supports efficient logistics for European, American, and Mediterranean trade, connecting with dry ports and logistics hubs across Spain.
Port Statistics
Port of Bilbao Key Statistics
Annual Container Throughput: Approximately 700,000 TEUs (with Q1 2025 reporting 102,000 TEUs, reflecting a 10% year-on-year decline)
Cargo Volume: Over 35 million tonnes annually
Specialization: Leading Spanish port for trade with the UK; handles bulk liquids, steel products, project cargo, and renewable energy logistics
Container Share: Short-distance container traffic reached 188,317 TEUs in 2024, representing 54% of all full containers
Strategic Position: Largest port in northern Spain, serving as a vital gateway for Atlantic trade routes with northern Europe and the Americas
