Port accessBilbao Port Authority has joined The Waterborne Technology Platform (TP), the maritime transport technology platform formed by classification societies, shipbuilders, shipowners, maritime equipment manufacturers, infrastructure and service providers, universities or research institutes, and with the EU Institutions, including Member States.
This technology platform focuses its efforts on establishing a continuous dialogue between all stakeholders in the waterborne transport sector and in other waterborne-related sectors on R&D, with the aim of contributing to the widest possible consensus regarding R&D and to focusing of efforts and resources. It also seeks to develop a common medium- and long-term vision and a Strategic Research Agenda (SRA); to promote the appropriate mobilisation and allocation of the necessary financial resources (private/regional/national/EU sources); and to contribute to social expectations regarding clean, competitive and safe waterborne transport as well as regarding other waterborne-related activities, including education and training.
The President of Bilbao Port Authority, Ivan Jiménez Aira, said: “It is a great honour for us, as a port, to join this dynamic community that is driving innovation and sustainability in the maritime and inland waterway sectors”. He also stated that “at the Port of Bilbao, we firmly believe that ports have a crucial role to play in the future of sustainable transport and the decarbonisation of the logistics chain. Ports are becoming energy hubs, and there are more and more ports involved in decarbonization projects with OPS and alternative fuels. In the case of Bilbao, we are developing the BilbOPS project”.
“Through our participation in this platform – he emphasised – we are eager to collaborate with fellow members, exchange ideas, and share best practices. Together, we can accelerate the transition towards greener, smarter, and more resilient waterborne transport”.
The Secretary General of Waterborne TP, Jaap Gebraad, added: “The application for membership by the Bilbao Port Authority further strengthening our working group ‘Ports & Logistics’. In addition, the Port of Bilbao’s contributions will also help shape our broader research agendas, as the waterborne sector is a highly interdependent ecosystem”.
About The Waterborne Technology Platform
The Waterborne Technology Platform provides policy guidance to the European institutions towards research, development, innovation and its deployment, and coordinates the private side of the Zero-Emission Waterborne Transport Partnership. Besides the activities in the framework of this partnership, the Waterborne TP has working groups dealing with all other elements of ships & shipping, as well as blue economy activities and ports & logistics.
Recently, it has updated its Strategic Research Agenda, laying down the mission and visions of the working groups with a timeline of 2040 and 2050. In the area of ‘Ports & Logistics’ the research activities will focus on port operations, digital and green maritime and hinterland corridors as well as port infrastructure.
It’s currently detailing the Strategic Research and Innovation Agendas (SRIAs). These documents include the technological roadmaps outlining the research, development and innovation needs to achieve platform’s objectives. The SRIAs will provide essential input for the framework programme starting in 2028, and for related developments, such as the upcoming industrial maritime and port strategies.
