Port accessThe development of a new dock and the extension of another one are the main projects it will be taking forward to support the economy and employment
The Port Authority of Bilbao will go ahead with all its planned investments this year, with a view to helping reactivate the economy and employment. The forecast of a reduction in logistics and industrial activity, which will lead to a drop in traffic and, therefore, in turnover, will not mean that the organisation responsible for managing the port of Bilbao will give up its investment plans.
Apart from certain adjustments to time schedules in the field of procurement as a consequence of the crisis, the Bilbao Port Authority will go ahead as planned in 2020 with investments totalling around EUR 67 million.
One stand-out project is the beginning of the development works of the first phase of the central breakwater. These works will be conducted in three stages, the first of which comprises 201,399 m² and has been put out to tender for EUR 9.3 million.
Another project designed to increase floor space for strategic projects, in this case industrial projects, is the extension of Dock AZ1. The works will be tendered this year for approximately EUR 30 million, since the project is at the design stage, and will provide 50,000 m² of surface area and a new wharf of just over 200 linear meters.
Other works to be undertaken in the course of the year include:
New road access to ZAD 2, with a budget of just under EUR 5 million. This work aims to lighten the existing traffic congestion at the Kalero control gate, enabling direct and separate access from the inner port road to ZAD 2.
We are in the process of obtaining technical approval from the State Ports Authority for the subsequent tender and awarding of the contract, which is expected this summer.
The project for structural improvements to the surface area of Dock A2 is also at the design stage, with a budget (pending completion of the project) of between EUR 15 and 20 million.
In addition to these works, other minor works will be put out to tender in the course of 2020, such as an emergency quay (EUR 1.2 million), structural reinforcement of the viaduct on the N644 (EUR 1.1 million) and a wide range of other minor works.
Other financial measures
These investments are in addition to the financial measures being taken by the Port Authority to support its suppliers and the companies based in the Port of Bilbao as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. These measures are mainly designed to improve cash flow in the sector, reduce costs, defer charges and advance payments.
Furthermore, in those cases in which possible non-compliance with the minimum activity level, as set out in the concession licence and attributable to the Covid-19 crisis, can be proven, no penalties or any other consequences foreseen under the licence agreement shall be applied in 2020.
