The Port of Bilbao in Spain is currently working with connected-intelligent transportation system (C-ITS) provider Kapsch TrafficCom to launch a connected vehicles project that has the goal of improving safety and increasing sustainability within the port. Bilbao’s port handles cargo and ferry services that connect it to England, France. and Ireland. In 2023, the port reported a 26.5% increase in the number of passengers passing through and a 0.1% increase in overall traffic in 2022.
Three new roadside units (RSUs) will be strategically placed throughout the port to facilitate seamless communication between vehicles and its infrastructure, along with one virtual RSU. The RSUs will collect and share data with the Connected Mobility Control Centre that is part of the city’s new A8 highway project, which also uses a C-ITS. This system integration will enable drivers in the Port of Bilbao to receive the same critical information available to highway users. This information includes: weather conditions; accidents; roadworks; traffic congestion; obstacles; and speed limits. Drivers will also be able to contribute information to the system, improving the information quality and timeliness.
The port’s connected vehicle system is expected to go online later this month.
“By providing drivers with accurate and timely information, the Port of Bilbao will increase awareness of traffic conditions and improve overall traffic safety,” said Javier Aguirre, managing director for Spain and Portugal at Kapsch TrafficCom. “For an economic hub, it is exceedingly important to ensure a steady flow of traffic to avoid congestion and stalled delivery of goods.”