The Port of Bilbao maintains its upward trend

Figures for liquid bulk and dry cargo were up 3% and 2%, respectively, with solid bulk increasing by 14.5% within the category of dry cargo. Containerised cargo was up 1% in terms of TEUs, whilst the volume of ro-ro freight increased by 2% in terms of UTIs (intermodal transport units). Conversely, conventional cargo, mainly steel products, fell by 6.5%.

In terms of types of goods, the biggest increases were in diesel, natural gas, soya beans, cereals, biofuels, minerals, coal and coke, petrol and machinery. Likewise, the 17% increase in fruit and vegetable traffic is what mostly accounts for the 29% increase in reefer containers (refrigerated goods). Figures fell mainly for fuel oil, crude oil, chemicals and steel products.

Throughput of special transport for loading purposes increased by 22%. The number of vessels / calls also rose by 5.4%, as did their size, with a growth of 8.5% in GTs (Gross Tonnage, a measure of vessel capacity). In total, 1361 vessels of all types and sizes called at the port in this six-month period.

The main markets have been the United States, Russia, Brazil, the United Kingdom and Mexico. 40% of traffic through the port of Bilbao is attributable to imports and exports with Atlantic European countries, 19% with North Atlantic America, 8% with South Atlantic America, a further 8% with Atlantic Africa, 6%.

Read the article online at: https://www.drybulkmagazine.com/ports-terminals/07082023/the-port-of-bilbao-maintains-its-upward-trend/