The Bilbao Port Authority has announced that, starting on 20 December, the Port of Bilbao will form part of the weekly direct service, operated by MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, connecting northern Europe with the West Coast of South America.

This new service is one of the most significant milestones in recent years for the Port of Bilbao and significantly strengthens its position as a strategic hub for international trade.

Bilbao will be the last port of call on the Iberian Peninsula and the penultimate port in Europe before the voyage to South America, offering unbeatable transit times for exports and imports from its extensive hinterland. In addition, the line will be operated with the largest container ships that the Bilbao container terminal has received to date, highlighting the capacity and competitiveness of its facilities and services.

“For the Port of Bilbao, the addition of this direct MSC service to the west coast of South America is excellent news and a source of enormous pride. Furthermore, it consolidates Bilbao as a leading port in the Atlantic Arc and opens up new opportunities for the industrial and export fabric of our region”, said Ivan Jimenez, president of the Bilbao Port Authority.

This commitment of MSC to Bilbao also strengthens the port’s connection with an unrivalled network of ocean services in northern Spain, enabling access to key South American markets for shippers in the Bilbao hinterland and consolidating the port as a high value-added logistics platform.

“We would sincerely like to thank MSC for the trust it has placed in the Port of Bilbao and for its close collaboration and efforts to make this project a reality. The new service not only connects us better with the world, but also boosts the competitiveness of our companies and contributes to the sustainable economic growth of our region”, Mr Jimenez added.
The Bilbao Port Authority also recognises the work of the technical and commercial teams from both MSC and the port itself and its community, who have worked to attract and consolidate this long-awaited direct service.

Bilbao – Halifax
MSC has also announced the launch of a direct service between Bilbao and Halifax starting 22 December, with an approximate two-week transit time. Key advantages include competitive transit times, guaranteed space and equipment on all sailings, and strengthened connectivity with major North Atlantic ports.

“This new connection reinforces the Port of Bilbao’s role as a key logistics hub in northern Spain. We are delighted to work with MSC to offer direct access to North American markets, supporting economic growth and creating new business opportunities for companies across our region”.
Source: Bilbao Port