From 4 to 6 February, the Bilbao Port Authority will once again be taking part in the annual Fruit Logistica trade fair in Berlin (Hall 25, Stand A61), showcasing its logistics, maritime and intermodal services, latest innovations and the facilities for fruit and vegetables that the Port of Bilbao and its companies have to offer.
This leading event in the sector brings together more than 91,000 visitors from 151 countries, seeking opportunities in new markets where logistics is essential and competitive for exporters. The Port of Bilbao handles around 107,000 tonnes of fruit and vegetables, offering exporters a fast, safe, traceable and sustainable alternative to road transport for traffic with Germany, Northern Europe and the British Isles. It is also Europe’s port for South America, from where a large percentage of fruit and vegetable products originate. The port also works in close collaboration with Mercabilbao, the largest distribution centre for perishable foodstuffs in the north of Spain and the south of France.
The port boasts specialised facilities and companies with experience in transporting perishable goods. Its container terminal is the largest in northern Spain, with 540 reefer container sockets and automated access that streamlines and simplifies all operations, a key feature for this type of traffic. This terminal is served by shipping lines connecting it to five continents, with MSC recently launching two new weekly direct transatlantic container services from Bilbao: one connecting to the west coast of South America and the other to Canada.
The South American route calls at the ports of London, Rotterdam, Antwerp and Bilbao, in Europe, before heading to Caucedo, in the Dominican Republic, and then on to Cartagena, Colombia; Cristóbal and Rodman, Panama; Callao, on the Pacific coast of Peru; and San Antonio, Coronel and Valparaíso, in Chile. The transit time between the port of Bilbao and the first American port is 16 days, and 33 days to the final port of call. The service to Canada connects the Port of Bilbao with the port of Halifax, with a transit time of approximately two weeks.
These new services further strengthen the role of the Port of Bilbao as a key logistics hub in northern Spain, increasing its capacity to offer customised reefer solutions, flexible routes and direct access to major distribution hubs. The port also has ro-ro and multipurpose terminals, with services connecting it to the United Kingdom, Ireland and northern Europe. Exporters have access to cold storage warehouses and a state-of-the-art Border Control Post (BCP), one of the most advanced in Spain in terms of its size and the logistics facilities it offers, with 15 loading/unloading bays equipped with industrial refrigeration systems, thermal insulation and easy-to-clean, resistant and durable finishes, all designed to ensure optimal conditions for fruit and vegetable logistics at all times.
The Bilbao BCP offers all the authorisations required for the control of animal products, non-animal products, animal feed, vegetables, vegetable products, wood and wood products. Furthermore, the Port Authority is currently investing 534,052 euros in replacing the refrigeration equipment in the cold stores and loading bays.
