Port accessThe Board of Directors of the Port Authority of Bilbao has awarded the contract for the works of the “Construction project for the Central Breakwater of the extension of the Port of Bilbao in the Outer Abra (2nd phase)” to the joint venture formed by “SACYR CONSTRUCCIÓN, S.A. – CONSTRUCCIONES AMENABAR, S.A.”. The estimated cost of the work amounts to 55,148,345 euros, with a completion period of 26 months.
The project covers those aspects related to the construction of the vertical quay of reinforced concrete caissons, backfilling, the bedding layer and superstructure. However, the scope of the construction project does not, in particular and among other aspects, provide for the subsequent general filling of the esplanade of the quays generated. In this respect, the different institutions involved envisage that the filling and soil materials originally selected for the project will be replaced by surplus excavation materials from large-scale public works being undertaken in the area around the port of Bilbao.
This is a clear example of circular economy, in line with the specifications of the environmental impact statements applicable to the project, which essentially determine that the use of such materials is to be prioritised over the use of natural resources (dredging of the seabed, quarries, etc.).
The second phase of the central breakwater construction works will generate a new port area of 31.2 hectares and 1,011 linear metres of new berthing quays: 664 linear metres on the new A3 Dock and 347 linear metres as an extension of the current A4 Dock.
These works, a strategic project for the Port of Bilbao which began in the 1990s, will bring the expansion of the port in the Outer Abra to its conclusion, and will enable the port to meet demand for port land to accommodate new projects and, consequently, maintain its position as a port of reference in the Bay of Biscay, as well as generating wealth and employment for the Basque Country as a leading logistics, commercial and industrial hub.
