Port of Bilbao grows above the Spanish average
A total of 32.7 million t passed through the Port of Bilbao in 2022, up 1.5 million t (5.1%) on 2021 figures and 3% higher than the average of all of Spain’s state-owned multi-purpose ports.
Traffic has not yet returned to pre-pandemic figures but, with the stevedoring agreement reached and signed for the next six years and the investments and public and private projects underway, the port’s management believes that foundations have been laid for sustained growth and for the port of Bilbao to become more competitive, attract new traffic, extend its hinterland, and further reduce its carbon footprint.
The positive trend in total traffic can be mainly attributed to the 15% increase in liquid bulk, largely driven by the global energy scenario and clearly highlighting the relevance of the port of Bilbao as an energy hub. Crude oil and gas occupy the top spot in general traffic, up 30% and 34% respectively.
Conventional general cargo increased by 2%, while containerised cargo fell by 4.5% due to the slowdown in the economy, especially in Europe and, in particular, in UK, which continues to be the port's main market. (lh)