News

From the 27th to 29th November, the Port Authority of Bilbao will take part in the Seatrade Med Cruise Convention, the most important European cruise fair, which will be held at Marseille this year. From its own stand, number 512, the Port Authority representatives will provide information about the infrastructures and services the Port of Bilbao offers cruise traffic, as well as the wide range of tourist opportunities to be enjoyed in the Basque Country.

Befesa Sulphur Valuation has inaugurated a sulphuric acid and oleum production plant in the Port of Bilbao parting from sulphur and other desulphurisation residues, which will be used in the cogeneration of electricity. The plant occupies 21,850 square metres on Dock AZ-1and the investment cost is 70 million euros.

The Spanish Government Cabinet has approved a royal decree whereby the Iron Dock at Portugalete has been declared Heritage of Cultural Interest within the monument category.

The Port Authority of Bilbao has hosted the meeting of the Shipping Messages Design Group (SMDG) – an international non-profit making organisation whose aim is to develop, coordinate and promote EDIFACT messages for the maritime industry.

Oil operator Esergui has opened a bio-ethanol storage tank at its Port of Bilbao facilities. This means that with this 600,000-litre capacity deposit, the company can now supply a volume of 1.2 millions of bio-combustible per year.

The Spanish Government has approved a royal decree updating the information processes demanded from merchant vessels when entering or departing from Spanish ports.

The Basque Government has approved several financial aid programmes for goods transport with a view to favouring the concentration of companies, combined goods transport, association forming and adopting environmental management and quality systems. The total assigned amounts to 910,000 euros.

The School of Maritime Administration of the Basque Country inaugurated its academic year for 2012-2013 with a homage to Mr Javier San José Amézaga for devoting his professional life to the port-maritime sector and also for his links with the School itself.

The cruise vessel will make seven overnight calls this season.