Port of Bilbao

The controlling depth at Bilbao is 14 meters. Draft restrictions should be confirmed with the port authority before arrival, as silting, dredging operations, and tidal conditions can affect available depths. Pilotage is typically required for larger vessels.

The approach to Bilbao is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Fuerte de la Galea Lighthouse at 1.7 NM to the ENE. Other aids include Punta Galea (1.7 NM NE), Getxo Contradique de Algorta (1.9 NM ESE), Espigón de Portugalete (2.2 NM SE), Górliz (7.1 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.

The Port of Bilbao is located within the Mediterranean East-West corridor — a major trade route spanning the Mediterranean from Gibraltar to the Suez Canal. This strategic position influences vessel traffic density, anchorage availability, and port scheduling.

You can track vessels near Bilbao (ESBIO) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page or search for ESBIO on the live map.

The Port of Bilbao is a port in ES. Its UN/LOCODE is ESBIO — the five-character code the UNECE assigns to trade and transport locations, and the identifier used on shipping documents and in port calls.

The first two characters, ES, are the ISO country code for ES. The remaining three identify the location within that country. The code is issued by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and is the international standard for naming ports in trade and transport systems.

The Port of Bilbao operates in the UTC+1 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.

BILBAO (UN/Locode: ESBIO), Spain is a seaport located at approximately 43.35580° N, -3.06650° E.

Coordinates: 43.35580° N, -3.06650° E. Nearby terminals/ports:CASTRO-URDIALES — UN/Locode: ESCUR — 43.38000° N, -3.20000° EBERMEO — UN/Locode: ESBRM — 43.41963° N, -2.71802° EONDARROA — UN/Locode: ESOND — 43.32315° N, -2.42048° E

Depths: maximum draft approx. 14 m.

Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: no specific restriction; swell: no specific restriction; ice: none; overhead limits: none and other: none noted.

Communication & port formalities — telephone: not available; radio (VHF): not available; air services: not available; rail: not available; ETA message: not required; quarantine pratique: not available; deratting certificate: not available and first port of entry: not available. Pilotage & towage — pilotage: not available; tug assistance: not available and tug salvage: not available.

Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, Container, Fishing, Gas Carrier, General Cargo, Passenger, Ro Ro, Tanker, Tugs Harbor Craft and Unspecified.

Ship suppliers include Whale Maritime and Yankalfa India Private Limited.

Service providers include Inglasco International Ltd.