Port accessThe Bilbao Port Authority has awarded, for 11,485,691 euros, the contract for the engineering project for the solar photovoltaic (PV) plants to be included in the OPS system of the Port of Bilbao, as well as for the corresponding comprehensive operation and maintenance service for the PV installations once the works have been completed. The deadline for the completion of the works is eighteen months.
The organisation that has been awarded the contract is a joint venture consisting of four different companies: Viuda de Sainz, S.L., Radimer Servicios Energéticos, S.L., Achiles Ingeniería Fotovoltaica, S.L. and Solar 360 de Repsol y Movistar, S.L.. Essentially, the contract consists of setting up four solar PV plants within the port service area, specifically in Zierbena Dock, with a maximum potential of 809.6 kWp; on the Santurtzi breakwater, with a maximum potential of 494.36 kWp; in the pre-boarding area of the ferry terminal at the A-6 Dock in Santurtzi, with a maximum potential of 2,424.4 kWp; and in the car park at the Olatua cruise terminal in Getxo, with a maximum potential of 527.12 kWp. Additionally, and as previously mentioned, the contract also includes the provision of a comprehensive operations and maintenance service for a period of two years, once the initial construction works have been completed. This maintenance contract may roll over for one year at most.
BilbOPS Project
The BilbOPS project, scheduled in its initial stage to enable vessels to connect to the onshore power supply at the ro-ro, ro-pax, container and cruise terminals, is currently being rolled out by the Port Authority. The project also provides for a series of actions to be taken to produce renewable energy in the Port of Bilbao to power the OPS system, such as the array of PV plants which have been the subject of the present tender.
The all-inclusive scope of this innovative, cross-cutting and pioneer initiative in Spain, combining power distribution and the production of renewable energy, has been designed to include 11 connection points, with a power output of 30 MW. The first phase will be completed in early 2026, with an investment of 4.7 million euros and a grant of 3.9 million euros secured from the Recovery and Resilience Facility.
The second phase, which began in 2025 and is scheduled to be completed in 2027, has a budget of 50.1 million euros, and is financed through Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funds and by the Port Authority’s own resources. A loan of 80 million euros has also been secured through the European Investment Bank (EIB), part of which will be used to finance this project.
From 2027 onwards, the power to be supplied to vessels at berth will be of renewable origin, supplied by the distribution company contracted by the Port or by the Port’s own power production system.
