Bilbao starts engagement to design a new and sustainable facility in Getxo

27/11/2025 | by Cruise Europe Press

The Bilbao Port Authority (BPA) is working on the design of a new sustainable and participatory management model for the Getxo marina and cruiseship terminal, in line with the metropolitan strategy and the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

This initiative is supported by the UN Local2030 Coalition Secretariat for the implementation and development of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a view to making Bilbao an example for other ports around the world.

The Getxo Town Council and other stakeholders will be actively engaged in this process, which will include a period of active listening and public participation to collectively draw up the best possible plan for the future.

The design of the new model provides for an open, modern and sustainable area, fully integrated into urban life in Getxo and looking to further strengthen the role of the port as a driver of the economy and social development through cooperation and dialogue.

Within a wider context, this strategic transformation is in keeping with that of the Bilbao metropolitan area itself over recent decades, forming part of a vision of local development in which the transformation of the port is catalytic and contributes to the transformation of the entire province of Bizkaia.

The roadmap, entitled Getxo/Bilbao Sustainable Port-City: An Integrated Approach 2030, covers the area of the Getxo marina and the current cruiseship terminal, both of which form part of the Spanish State Ports Authority (Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda of the Spanish Government).

The port authority is thus ushering in a new era for the port. The project is expected to be structured and defined within a maximum period of two years, though the institutions involved are keen to present it sooner.

As Amaia Agirre, mayoress of Getxo, explains: “We are working together as institutions to protect our common heritage and to ensure a stable and shared future for the marina and its surroundings. Getxo is now embarking on an exciting new chapter: a more open, more sustainable and better integrated marina that will be a source of pride for all the people of Getxo.”

Ivan Jimenez, president BPA, emphasised that “this process, in collaboration with Getxo Town Council, marks the beginning of an ambitious transformation, rooted in institutional cooperation and a strong commitment to the people of Getxo and the province of Bizkaia.

“The port authority is fully involved in the design of a new model of green port that is of use for society, combining nautical activity with environmental, economic and social sustainability within a project that aims to be an international benchmark in port-city integration.”

For his part, Sebastien Vauzelle, head of the UN Local2030 Coalition Secretariat for the implementation and development of the SDGs, stated: “The Getxo/Bilbao Sustainable Port-City project is an inspiring example for ports and cities around the world through the Local2030 Hub Euskadi.”

Cruise Europe Press
susanparkersp@gmail.com

Share on Facebook :Share on LinkedIn Share via Email

BILBAO | Spain

Bilbao starts engagement to design a new and sustainable facility in Getxo

This could be of interest to you

2|3|4

25/02/2026

The first CE at Sea is widely applauded

The first Cruise Europe at Sea has taken place and, by all accounts, it was a resounding success. Jens Skrede, managing director, said: “We are delighted to have been able to host this special event for our members and truly grateful to MSC Cruises for taking such good care of us.” The 110 members enjoyed a four-day passage on MSC Splendida where they participated in workshops and meetings with MSC Cruises and the management of Costa Crociere but also heard about the EU regulatory framework for protecting the cruise ecosystem from Nikos Mertzanidis, executive director Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Europe. Visiting Barcelona, Marseilles, Genoa and Naples also gave members insight into cruise operations as well as tourist attractions. Valerie Conan, cruise director, Greater Le Havre Tourist Office, said on LinkedIn: “This immersion has consolidated our partnerships and confirmed the importance of collective work and constant dialogue to support the evolution of the sector.” While Melanie Henderson, cruise & marketing manger, Lerwick Harbour, said: “Good quality time spent with Cruise Europe colleagues elevated the programme, strengthening connections and all-important knowledge sharing so crucial across this industry.” And David Castro, head of commercial division, Port Authority of Vigo, said: “All of us who had the opportunity to be part of this journey witnessed first-hand the cruise industry’s firm commitment to sustainable, economic, social and environmental development.” For Niamh McCarthy, owner and managing director at Excursions Ireland, the big takeaway: “Collaboration, creativity and shared responsibility are the engines that will drive the cruise industry’s sustainable growth.”

Host MSC Cruises presents in-depth analysis of its workings

2|3|4

25/02/2026

Host MSC Cruises presents in-depth analysis of its workings

MSC Cruises will have a fleet of 33 ships by 2033, and its sister company Explora Journeys will have six luxury vessels by 2028. Linden Coppell, VP sustainability & ESG at MSC Cruises, explained on board MSC Splendida: “We place sustainability at the heart of everything we do”. Her presentation covered topics including how the company has implemented impressive operational measures, including full food-waste management, onboard water production via desalination, and its continuous focus on energy efficiency and innovation. In terms of shore power, the company made 223 connections using 11,851MWh worldwide during the year. Northern European ports are up there when it comes to connectivity with Southampton being cited as a top port for connections (28) alongside Valletta (33) and Miami (24). For MSC Cruises’ path to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, it says it is committed to pursuing a credible, robust and transparent energy transition plan focusing on three main decarbonisation levers: ship and engine technology; operational efficiency; and renewable fuels. Linden said: “We expect to achieve peak emissions in 2030 (CO2-equivalent on a well-to-wake basis) and will then begin to really see absolute emissions reduce as we accelerate the transition to renewable fuels”. The importance of community engagement was also a focus of Linden’s presentation as she explained the need for strong cooperation with and within the communities that MSC Cruises’ ships visit which strengthens local relationships, creates development, and increases the local value creation.

2|3|4

25/02/2026

Outlining what CLIA is doing in Europe

Mertzanidis talked about what CLIA is doing to defend the cruise ecosystem in Brussels, outlining some of the EU framework that is in place which effects the industry, such as Fit for 55 and the Industrial Maritime Strategy. He also outlined CLIA’s EU strategic agenda which covers 2024 to 2029 and includes EU and IMO alignment to unlock innovation investment and maintain competitiveness, as well as unlocking funding, finance and investment to encourage innovation and accelerate decarbonisation. Mertzanidis said the the EU Industrial Maritime Strategy is “vital for maintaining European competitiveness and leadership in the global maritime sector.” He also highlighted that the EU Emissions Trading System review is a critical policy area of the cruise industry’s decarbonisation efforts. One of CLIA’s four key messages is to ensure a level playing field for all shipping segments and avoiding carbon leakage that could undermine environmental goals. In conclusion he said: “We remain committed to driving innovation, investing in green technologies, and fostering collaborative partnerships to achieve our shared environmental goals, all while continuing to deliver unparalleled economic and social benefits across Europe. Atle Kristian Johannessen, port director at Port of Kristiansand, posted on LinkedIn: “The sessions with CLIA in Europe with Nikos Mertzanidis and the Environmental Port Index (EPI) further underlined that transparency, environmental data and operational readiness will define competitiveness in Northern Europe in the years ahead.”