Port accessThe Port Authority of Bilbao and the European Commission have signed the grant contract for the BilbOPS project, within the CEF Transport 2021-2027 Programme, triggering the receipt of a pre-financing advance of EUR 5 million to start the work. This initiative requires an investment of EUR 51.8 million, of which 30% (around EUR 14.2 million) will be subsidised through this CEF Transport call for proposals. In addition, a grant of EUR 4.3 million for the new A5 Quay has been secured for the project through the Recovery and Resilience Plan. The first of the BilbOPS project tenders will be launched at the end of 2022, with the new facilities scheduled to be commissioned in 2025.
Thanks to this strategic investment, by 2025, the Port of Bilbao will boast 30 MW of installed quayside OPS, where regular container, cruise and ferry lines berth. The OPS – onshore power supply – technology will provide vessels with power at berth, enabling them to switch off their auxiliary diesel engines during their stay in the port. Greenhouse gas emissions will thus be cut by 40%, and vibration and noise levels detrimental to the environment and to the people living in the area surrounding the port will be reduced.
To ensure a net zero power supply, a series of actions are planned to be taken to install sources of renewable energy, such as PV panels on breakwaters and canopies in parking areas. The possibility of deploying more wind power turbines in the port facilities will also be studied.
The BilbOPS Project and other complementary initiatives being taken forward by the Port Authority of Bilbao are aimed at providing better customer service, whilst at the same time contributing to delivering the EU “Fit for 55” objectives for a 55% reduction in emissions by 2030.
