Bilbao General Information

With over 700 years of maritime heritage, the Port of Bilbao stands as one of the most significant commercial and logistics gateways on Spain’s Atlantic coast. Strategically located in the Bay of Biscay at the mouth of the River Nervión, the port connects over 800 destinations worldwide and serves as a key link between Northern Europe and the Americas.

Operating 24/7, 365 days a year, the port is equipped to handle all types of cargo and vessel classes. Its modern infrastructure, deep-water access, 

and extensive hinterland connections by road and rail make it a preferred choice for shipowners, managers, and charterers seeking efficient and reliable maritime support.

The port is designed to serve the full spectrum of marine needs—from cargo operations to crew changes, ship spares, and technical assistance. MH Bland’s presence in Bilbao ensures vessels receive prompt, professional port agency services backed by local expertise and the trusted standards expected throughout our network.

  • Isps: yes, prevailing level 01.
  • Un/locode: esbio
  • Port-type: seaport
  • Latitude: 43º 22′ 43”. 43n
  • Longitude: 03º 04′ 57”. 47w
  • Size: Biscay bay main port hub (north spain)
  • Restrictions arrival/departure: 24/7 (no restrictions), tidal restrictions up the river
  • Tidal range: 4,60mtrs (max.
  • Pilotage/linemen: compulsory over 500mt grt; towage available (six (6) tugs available, up to 105 tn bp)
  • Entrance orientation: NW
  • Width (mouth): 500 mtrs
  • Draft (mouth): 32 mtrs
  • Water depth:
  • Up the river: 3,4-6,5 mtrs
  • Cruises terminal: up to 11,0 mtrs
  • Inner port: 8,5-16,0 mtrs
  • Outter port: up to 21,0 mtrs
  • Petrochemical area: 9,0-30,0 mtrs

Port Areas & Terminals

Container Terminal (CSP Terminal):

  • Formerly Noatum Container Terminal Bilbao.
  • Berths: 2            
  • Berthing line:1,500.00m                            
  • Depth: 20m . Annual Yard capacity: 950,000 TEUS

 

RO-RO & Ferry Services:

Operators: Britanny Ferries, Finnlines

  • The Biscay Bay is a key point for the Ro-Ro, Ro-Lo, Ferry & Short Sea Shipping.

BBG LNG Terminal

  • Bahía de Bizkaia Gas regasification Plant’s unloading capacity: LNG carriers up to 270,000m3
  • No restrictions for current LNG/C fleet for inbounding and safe operations.

Petrochemical Area :

  • Operators: Petronor, Esergui, Tepsa, DBA, Exolum. up river, BASA (for Tar operations).
  • Jetties Punta Lucero & Punta Ceballos: 24/7, Liquid Bulk loadings, up to 30m draft (depending on jetty)
  • Max. Draft allowed: from 9m for LPG/C & up to 30m for Tankers & DWT 300.000 tons.

Project Cargo: 

Operators: Haizea Wind, Lointek, Navacel

  • N.B. Lointek no berthing line restrictions and almost 20mtrs depth along-side
  •  
  • Navacel: tidal-restricted & air-draft restricted -41m.  Currently under dredging ops for a max. depth up to 7m

Cruise & Yachts:

Operators: Bilbao Olatua Terminal, Getxo Cruises Terminal

  • Jetties: 3            
  • Berthing Line: 680m    
  • Max Draughts along-side 12m

Services include: forklift & cranes, cherry-pickers, FW & Bunker Supplies & Gangway Rental,

 

Repairs & Ancillary Services:

Shipyards: Murueta & Zamakona

Services Include: Chandlering, Diving-related Services, Hot Works & Technical Reparations, Immigration Formalities & Crew Change, Chandlering, Surveyance & Cargo Inspection, Medical Assistance, and Customs.

 

Dry Bulks, Vegoils, and Breakbulk Cargoes:

Operators: Bunge, Deposa, Saps, SLP, Bergé, Toro y Betolaza, Vicinay and Weylchem.

Several Terminals & Stevedores operate at different sections of the Port; Ampliación, Inner Port, River, covering steel-prods imports and exports, dangerous and hazardous goods, project cargoes & windmill equipment, ore and bulk cargoes; coke, sulphates, sands, limestone, scraps, coal, cement, agri-products; soy-bean imports, liquid-bulks loaded/discharged by hose, such as CSO, CPO and PFAD

Location

Edificio Albia I, Calle San Vicente 08, Office 4A,

48001, Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain

Contact Us

T: +34 944 146 612 (24h)

E: agency.bilbao@mhbland.com