The Port Authority of Bilbao and Portsmouth International Port have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to help expand freight and passenger travel between the ports.
To that purpose, they will share information and work together to offer long-term, efficient, and fast multimodal port operations.
This agreement aims to strengthen inter-port collaboration in terms of technology and infrastructure, particularly for onshore power supply to vessels operating out of both ports.
Bilbao is already working on the BilbOPS project, which aims to electrify its ports with recurring traffic to provide renewable power from the onshore grid to vessels while they are in port.
This project will cost approximately €78 million ($85 million), with the European Commission contributing €14.2 million ($15 million) under the CEF Transport 2021-2027 funding programme, and is expected to be operational in 2026.
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Portsmouth International Port’s Sea Change project will design, construct, and manage an onshore power system at its three busiest ports.
The MoU also calls for further collaboration on the establishment of green and digital shipping corridors between the two ports to assist move traffic away from road haulage and towards sustainable shipping routes.
Tothis end, the two ports will share information and promote the use of modern technology and automated infrastructures for passenger and cargo management in their ferry and cruise ports.
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In this regard, the Port Authority of Bilbao has already developed and deployed its e-Puerto Bilbao digital platform to improve efficiency, security, and traceability in the management of goods and vessels.
Meanwhile, Portsmouth has reportedly taken the first steps towards the development of an electronic terminal and intends to expand it further through increased use of smart port technology and innovation beginning in 2026.
The agreement was signed by Ian Palacio, Business Development Manager at Portsmouth International Port, and Andima Ormaetxe, Director of Operations, Commerce, Logistics, and Strategy at the Port Authority of Bilbao.
Recently, ABB won an order with Portsmouth International Port to supply a shore connection solution for visiting ferries and cruise ships.
