Spanish Port of Bilbao recorded a 7% cargo volume growth by handling 34.2 million tons in 2017, a 2.2 million-ton increase over 2016.
As informed, this is the greatest yearly tonnage increase in the port since 2006.
The main tonnage increases were in the liquid bulks segment and in goods such as natural gas (811,000 tons), gasoil (470,000) and crude oil (277,000). In the dry cargo segment, increases were seen in scrap iron, iron and steel products and other minerals, the port authority said.
Container traffic stood at 604,870 TEUs, a rise of 1.37%.
In addition, 5,514 pieces classified as heavy loads were shipped. This figure represents a 23% increase over the previous year.
Ferry and cruise passenger traffic moved 186,546 people, a drop of 2%. There were 123 ferry calls and 61 cruises.
Turnover rose to EUR 68.8 million (USD 84.9 million), 5.47% more than EUR 65.2 million seen in the previous year, according to the port authority.