News

The Port Authority of Bilbao Central Office, known as the Olabarri Palace, is an architectural gem built in the late XIX century, which still arouses popular interest. In May, this singular building received 1,454 visits from 55 different groups as part of the “Bilbao Izan” (Know Bilbao in Basque) programme promoted by the Bilbao Town Council’s Department of Culture to make known the town’s history and heritage.

This morning, the Port Authority of Bilbao organised a visit to the works on the Arasur Rail Platform which were recently awarded. Among other authorities and company representatives, the Port Authority Chairman, Mr Asier Atutxa, was accompanied during the visit by the President of the Autonomous Basque Community, Mr Iñigo Urkullu, the Autonomous Basque Minister for the Environment and Territorial Policy, Ms Ana Oregi, the Deputy General of the Territory of Alava, Mr Ramiro González, the Vice Deputy General, responsible for Economic Development and Territorial Balance, Ms Pilar García de Salazar, the Mayor of Ribera Baja, Mr Peio Ruiz, the Chairman of Arasur, Mr Luis Viana and the Director of Arasur, Mr Asier Axpe.

First company in Basque Country to receive this Spanish Institute for Health and Safety in the Workplace award. At the First Congress of the Spanish Network of Healthy Companies: a 360º vision of employees’ health organised by the Spanish Institute for Health and Safety in the Workplace (INSHT in Spanish) in Madrid, the Port Authority of Bilbao received a diploma in recognition of its good practices for promoting health in the workplace. It is the first and only company in the Basque Country to receive this award.

The Port Authority of Bilbao, under the Basque Country Logistics brand, will again be present at Multimodal Birmingham to be held 10 -12 May. From Stand 1440(Hall 3/3a) its representatives will provide information about the competitive advantages Bilbao offers exporters – terminals and services for all types of traffic, the development of new port spaces, a maritime offer linking over 900 ports worldwide and fast and easy road and rail accesses.

The Port Authority of Bilbao has awarded the works for the construction of the Arasur rail siding to the Temporary Consortium of Companies made up of Construcciones Mariezcurrena, S.L and Construcciones y Promociones Coprosa, S.A. at a cost of 5,319,584 euros (less VAT) with a 15-month completion period.

The Port of Bilbao facilities handled 7.26 million tonnes between January and March, which is 7.7% more than in the corresponding period last year. This growth is due to the increase in liquid bulks, especially crude oil and refined products.

From 25 to 29 April, the Port Authority of Bilbao will be taking part in Expomin, one of the most important international mining exhibitions in the world, and the most important in Latin America, in Santiago de Chile. There, representatives of the Port, in collaboration with the Basque Agency for Company Development (SPRI), and the breakbulk companies with Pacific Zone-bound cargo operating in Bilbao will inform of the Port’s facilities and the maritime transport services offered by the sector – and especially those for special loads such as large pieces, machinery and containerised traffic.

In the Agrifood City of Tudela, sited in Navarre in the north-west of Spain, a 17,000-square metre multi-modal sea platform is being developed, with a view to increasing transport competitiveness in the Navarre area. Thus, exporting companies will have a competitive corridor between Navarre and the Port of Bilbao. The project will suppose a one-million euro investment.

20% increase in calls expected this season. On 5 April, P&O Carnival’s Azura will inaugurate the Port of Bilbao cruise season. This vessel, 290 metres long with a 36-metre beam, has a capacity for 3,600 passengers and 1,560 crew. It will arrive at about 8.00 hours from Corunna and will remain at Getxo until 18.00 hours, when it departs for the French port of La Rochelle.

ASK Chemicals, a company of international repute in the chemicals sector, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, has presented the project it is undertaking in the Port of Bilbao industrial zone. Here it will centralise its production due to the Port being a strategic outlet for the south-east European market.