Port accessTurnover on 30 June 2017 stood at 33.2 million euros compared with 32.1 million for the corresponding period last year, representing a 3.3% increase.
It must be mentioned that in line with the strategy to make Bilbao a more competitive port, in the first half year, the Port Authority has drawn up a new proposal for the valuation of the lands and waters in the Port service zone, with a view to reducing the port taxes paid by users on these lands. The new taxes are expected to come into force in 2018, once all the relevant procedures have been finalised.
With regard to investment the PORT AUTHORITY OF BILBAO plans to invest 65.4 million euros in 2017, of which 24.1 million were invested between January and June, that is 37% of the anticipated total. The following works stand out:
- First Phase of Central Pier– Future Proofing Bilbao
The works contract was awarded in June 2016 at a cost of 79 million euros. The European Commission will contribute 20% of this amount under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Programme.
The project comprises a new dock known as the Central Pier. In the first phase, 334,000 m² of land will be reclaimed from the sea and 1,081metres berthing will be created with 21-metre depths. The surfaces obtained will amount to more than half of the 600,000 m² of the completed pier. The works will require 22 concrete caissons to be constructed measuring 24 metres high, 17 metres wide and 55 metres long. The project also includes the stabilisation works on the old Punta Lucero quarry.
- Arasur rail sidings
The project is being carried out in conjunction with the Autonomous Basque Government and the Territorial Council of Alava at a cost of 5.3 million euros. The works commenced in June 2016 and will be completed at the end of 2017.
- Maritime cruise station and mobile gangway
Works on the Port of Bilbao’s new passenger terminal at Getxo Cruise Pier 3 commenced in spring 2016 and it was inaugurated on 29 March. Total investment amounts to 6 million euros, of which 4.6 correspond to the building itself, 1 million to the gangway and 0.4 million to the annexing land development.
- Warehouses for logistics-industrial activities
In May, the Port Authority awarded at a cost of 17.59 million euros the construction of a warehouse for logistics-industrial activities which will be licensed out to Haizea Wind to set up a manufacturing and exporting plant for marine wind towers and other components. The first stone laying ceremony for the warehouse will take place on 17 July.
Outstanding PRIVATE INVESTMENT is as follows:
- Noatum Container Terminal Bilbao,
Noatum, the company operating the container terminal, will invest 34 million euros in the period 2016-2036, of which 10 million is to be used between 2016-2018 on the acquisition of yard cranes and one railway crane, new automatic gates and
truck accesses, and to the extension of the four existing rail tracks from 450 to 550 metres.
- ASK Chemicals,
In 2016, ASK, a company of international reference in the chemicals sector, has invested 10 million euros to centralise its production in the Port of Bilbao because the Port is a strategic access point to the south-western European market.
- DBA Bilbao Port
This petroleum products operator has acquired the 22,231-square metre plant previously occupied by Agaleus Investment & Logistics. Investment amounts to 2.3 million euros.
- Txeguru Services
In the first half year, the company has completed the logistics storage centre on a surface of 8,500 square metres. Investment amounts to 689,000 euros.
- Haizea Wind
In February, the Board of Directors of the Port Authority of Bilbao granted a licence for 77,355 square metres of land to Haizea Wind for the installation on Dock AZ2 of the Port of Bilbao Extension a marine wind tower manufacturing plant and other components which will create 300 new jobs. It is expected to commence activity in the first quarter of 2018. The plant construction and machinery installation will require an estimated investment of 55 million euros.
- Gamesa Eólica
The Company has requested 74,000 square metres on Dock AZ-3 at Zierbena to be dedicated to loading, unloading and storage of large merchandise for the wind power industry. A series of minor works will be carried out like fencing off the land, placing module system offices and assembling prefabricated pavilions.
- Progeco
This company will construct a 5,358 m2 -warehouse with a 1,135 m2 –strip equipped with eight loading bays in the north zone and ten in the south. Investment amounts to 873,396 euros (based on tender including VAT).
- C, Toro y Betolaza
Has requested a plot of 105,047 square metres on Dock A-3 of the Port Extension to be dedicated to general cargo operations, after moving from Bizkaia Dock. A 21,600 m2 –warehouse will be built at a cost of 5 million euros.
