AAPA Seaports
Ever since September 1, 1993, the Management Consortium of the Port of Bahía Blanca has headed the administration and operation of that port complex. It is, in fact, the first autonomous port of Argentina resulting from a process spearheaded by the national government to privatize or transfer the entire Argentine port system which, for decades, was exclusively State-operated.
No doubt, the dream and strategic vision of the protagonists of this episode is now a reality. Noteworthy is the tireless work of its first CEO, José Egidio Conte, and of Valentín Morán, first general manager, who, along with another group of dreamers, supported the origins of the port’s successful present.
Both José Conte and Valentín Morán headed the AAPA Latin American Delegation and eventually became AAPA Chairmen. Along with other port colleagues with the same ideals, they have also built a much stronger Latin Delegation and multiplied platforms to get together, and share experiences and information, as well as the knowledge and expertise gained from their different port appointments.
The first 30 years of life of the first autonomous port of Argentina have brought great pride and satisfaction to the community. Right from the beginning, the Port has been an example of good management, a leader in the sector, and a relevant productive node, crucial for the fruitful development of the region, and of the whole country.
Port workers and a cluster of actors deserve to be highlighted and commended for their support and trust, strengthening the port community over these 30 years. Without them, the Port of Bahía Blanca would not be on its current path of success and achievement. A sincere recognition goes out to these visionaries who forged the present, and to each and every person that has been, and is now, part of this challenging project must be congratulated.
Since 2020, Federico Susbielles has chaired the Management Consortium of the Port of Bahía Blanca, displaying sustainable, productive, and innovative management, focusing on environmental preservation, and playing a key role in regional and national economic development. Susbielles helped Bahía Blanca become the first port in the country to have a specific area called a “SmartPort,” and strengthened the concept of “Port-City,” by consolidating the port’s link to the community.
In 2022, the Port of Bahía Blanca reached an extraordinary and historic milestone: For the first time it mobilized more than 30 million tons of cargo.
Focusing on innovation and work with startups, SMEs and the local technical-scientific system, a smart, efficient, sustainable, and community-focused port ecosystem is under development. Work has covered different strategic lines of action such as reducing the carbon footprint, becoming energy-efficient, and generating electricity through clean sources and the circular economy.
Argentina has everything necessary to become a key player in global energy transition, and Bahía Blanca could have a leading role. This energy transition must not be planned focusing on the present, but instead on the future, in areas such as investments, production, exports, and job generation. Bahía Blanca is currently the only port in the country with the necessary infrastructure to export and with the proven technical solvency, thanks to a strong network of providers.
The world has changed, and energy transition is pivotal in the global economy. Talk now revolves around energy security. Argentina is committed to reducing emissions. Besides clearly caring for the environment, energy transition is a significant opportunity for development. Bahía Blanca works to ensure this happens in an orderly, sustainable, and fair manner, in line with its competencies.
Bahía Blanca, and in particular the port, have the potential to become a productive pole of hydrogen infrastructure thanks to the development of a petrochemical hub, its industry, the science and technology system, and the universities. The new paradigm ahead opens up many opportunities for new value chains that could become smart springboards into the future.
Productive development and growth will have a direct and positive impact on the local community. Several articulated projects have represented better infrastructure, stronger local culture, and a tighter bond with the population.
The Port of Bahía Blanca strives to have an open-door management, and to drive national and international production, where development, efficiency, sustainability, and innovation prevail.
