🚤 ⚓ Second Call of Finnlines Hybrid Vessels Significantly Boosts Traffic at the BilbaoPort with Northern Europe 🚤 ⚓
⬆ Operations from the Consignaciones Toro y Betolaza terminal have recorded a 133% increase in semi-trailers and a 31% increase in containerized cargo during the first half of the year⬆
The traffic between the BilbaoPort and Northern Europe has seen a significant boost following the implementation of the second call of Finnlines hybrid vessels, which began operations in January of this year. Operations from the Consignaciones Toro y Betolaza terminal, Finnlines' exclusive agent in Bilbao, have recorded a 133% increase in semi-trailer operations and a 31% increase in containerized cargo.
The excellent results achieved by these services are due to the optimal twice-weekly connection between Bilbao and Vigo with Zeebrugge, which links to the UK, Ireland, Sweden, and Norway. Additionally, the extensive ro-ro network connects with the Baltic, West Africa, South America, the United States, Australia, China, and Japan.
Exporters of semi-trailers, vehicles, steel products, project cargo, containers, and a wide variety of other goods have responded positively to this versatile and highly competitive offering. Furthermore, the services are provided by "Ultra Green" hybrid ro-ro vessels, which are considered among the most environmentally friendly in the world.
These are "Eco Class" units that incorporate the most advanced technology: lithium batteries for maneuvers and port stays with zero emissions, 600 m² of solar panels to produce sustainable electricity for onboard use, "Promas Lite" systems to increase energy efficiency, and an innovative lubrication procedure to optimize hydrodynamics, among other features.
The three new sister ships—"Finneco I," "Finneco II," and "Finneco III"—that provide this service are tangible proof of the commitment to sustainability and innovation by Finnlines, the Grimaldi Group, and Consignaciones Toro y Betolaza. It also reflects the BilbaoPort's commitment to the energy transition. With a cargo capacity of up to 420 semi-trailers or 2,500 vehicles, they are designed to transport all types of general cargo as well as wind components, such as wind turbine blades. Their contribution to emission savings in logistics operations is considerable. For example, a trailer transported in their holds between Belgium and Spain pollutes 27% less than on a traditional road route. 🌱
The partnership between Consignaciones Toro y Betolaza and Finnlines has been ongoing for over 50 years. It is currently facilitated through an advanced multipurpose terminal, which boasts a surface area of nearly 250,000 m², an additional available area of 60,000 m², and a storage area of 55,000 m².