Adapting the Green Marine Europe framework to ports: the Port of Bilbao’s contribution

In 2024, Green Marine Europe (GME) launched a process to adapt its environmental performance framework to the port sector. This initiative continues in 2025, with a kick-off meeting on March 4 and the goal of certifying the first ports by 2026.

True to its collaborative approach, GME is leading this project in close coordination with maritime stakeholders, including three ports: Port Atlantique La Rochelle, Bordeaux Port, and the Port of Bilbao. These ports are contributing their expertise to adapting GME's framework for the European port sector, but they are not currently pursuing GME certification.

Today, we focus on the motivations behind the Port of Bilbao’s support for this initiative.

The Port of Bilbao: a key logistics and transport hub in the European Atlantic Arc

Located in the heart of the Bay of Biscay, the Port of Bilbao is one of the European Atlantic arc's leading logistics and transport hubs. With more than 700 years of history, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and excellent land and sea connections, it plays a pivotal role in the economic development of northern Spain.

Despite an uncertain economic context, the port recorded a 5% increase in freight traffic in 2023, reaching 34.44 million tonnes. This growth is part of a broader sustainability strategy in its 2023–2026 strategic plan, built around three pillars: a sustainable, competitive, and responsible port.

Among its concrete commitments are reducing CO₂ emissions by 40% by 2027, and equipping 100% of docks serving regular lines with an OPS (Onshore Power Supply) network.

An environmental approach that echoes Green Marine Europe’s objectives

This ambitious shift is embodied in the BilbOPS project, co-funded by the European Commission’s CEF Transport 2021–2027 program and the Recovery and Resilience Facility. The initiative involves installing 11 OPS connection points across 7 docks serving container, cruise, and ferry traffic powered by solar energy. This will be generated by installing 4 photovoltaic panels: 2 located on the docks and 2 others on parking canopies, providing an installed capacity of 4.25 MWp out of the 30 MW planned for the BilbOPS project. Once operational, it will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, noise pollution, and vibrations.

The Port of Bilbao is also committed to water quality, notably through a Biological Monitoring Plan developed with the University of the Basque Country. It is also engaged in marine biodiversity enhancement through innovative pilot projects conducted in collaboration with universities and start-ups. Additionally, a new vacuum sanitation system is being rolled out to reduce wastewater discharge into the sea—phase 1 of the works was completed in 2024.

Environmental monitoring is another key element of the port’s strategy. It includes a network of air quality and noise sensors, the MACHSENSE AI-based project to monitor PM10 emissions, and an internal app for real-time reporting and tracking of environmental incidents.

All these initiatives are aligned with the goals of the Green Marine Europe program and reflect the Port of Bilbao’s commitment to helping shape a relevant, ambitious GME framework for European ports.