The Port of Bilbao, one of Spain’s most important maritime gateways, continues to play a central role in the movement of goods across Europe and beyond.
1. Introduction
While global trade has traditionally dominated the port’s operations, recent years have witnessed a significant rise in short-distance maritime traffic, highlighting its growing importance. In 2024, short-distance maritime trade represented 51% of the port’s total traffic, with an impressive 7% growth in volume, marking a clear shift in logistics dynamics.
2. The Growing Role of Short-Distance Trade
The Port of Bilbao handled a total of 17.5 million tons of short-sea traffic in 2024, underscoring the increasing prominence of short-distance routes in the global logistics network. This sector’s growth not only reflects a strong regional trade network but also the rising efficiency and environmental advantages of short-sea shipping.
3. Key Trading Partners and Routes
The Port of Bilbao’s short-distance shipping routes are mainly concentrated along Europe’s Atlantic coastline which represents the bulk of these movements, accounting for a robust 76% of all short-sea trade.
4. Environmental and Economic Advantages
One of the key benefits of short-distance shipping is its environmental efficiency. Short-sea shipping offers a reduced carbon footprint when compared to road transport or long-distance maritime routes, making it a more sustainable option for transporting goods. Moreover, these routes significantly reduce logistics costs and transit times, making them an attractive option for businesses looking to streamline their supply chains.
For the Port of Bilbao, this translates into a stronger competitive position within Europe’s transport landscape, while also aligning with broader EU sustainability goals to reduce carbon emissions in the transport sector.
5. Key Market Segments: General Cargo, Containers, and Ro-Ro
A standout feature of the Port of Bilbao’s short-sea traffic is the growth in general cargo, which saw a significant increase of 12% in 2024, reaching 4 million tons. This growth in general cargo demonstrates the port’s capacity to handle diverse types of goods, from machinery and automotive components to consumer products. The port’s specialized facilities, including Break-bulk, Containers and Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) terminals, further enhance its ability to manage this expanding sector.
In terms of container traffic, short-distance routes also represent a significant portion of the port’s activities. In 2024, short-distance container traffic reached 188,317 TEUs, which accounted for 54% of all full containers transported through the Port of Bilbao.
6. Ranking of Shortsea General Cargo Markets (2024)
Here is the ranking of the top countries by general cargo traffic through the Port of Bilbao’s short-sea routes in 2024:
This ranking illustrates the diverse range of international markets that the Port of Bilbao services via short-sea routes. The United Kingdom leads the pack with the highest general cargo volumes, followed by other key European markets such as Belgium and Ireland.
7. Policy Support and EU Green Objectives
The European Union has strongly supported the development of short-distance maritime shipping through initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and fostering economic integration within the continent. The Port of Bilbao has aligned with these policies, positioning itself as a green and efficient hub that facilitates the movement of goods while adhering to EU’s green transport goals.
partnerships, positioning it as a leading example of how short-distance trade can drive economic and environmental success.
Key Takeaways:
· In 2024, short-sea trade accounted for 51% of total port traffic at 17.5 million tons.
· The Atlantic façade (France, UK, Ireland, Netherlands) represents 76% of short-distance traffic, with a significant share going to the Canary Islands.
· General cargo saw a 12% growth, reaching 4 million tons, highlighting a diverse and expanding market segment.
· Short-sea container traffic reached 188,317 TEUs, representing 54% of all full containers handled at the port.
· The United Kingdom ranks as the top market for general cargo, followed by Belgium and Ireland.
· Short-distance maritime shipping offers cost-effective, environmentally sustainable, and efficient logistics solutions, key to the port’s future growth and competitiveness
*Article provided by Port of Bilbao for Port Strategy
Port of Bilbao are hosting Coastlink 29-30th April.Click here for more information and how to book, or contact our delegate team at sales@coastlink.co.uk
