New FLOVAC Project at the Port of Bilbao, Spain

We are very happy to announce that we have commenced the design and supply of the vacuum sewage system of the Port of Bilbao. The port has taken a big step towards modernizing its sanitation system with the selection of Flovac for phase I of the sanitation project “Muelles Santurtzi y espigón central”. This innovative solution, which addresses the challenges of an area with 40 discharge points and a high-water table, offers an efficient and sustainable alternative without the need for deep trenches. In addition, the system will be equipped with monitoring that will allow the status of the vacuum network to be monitored and controlled effectively. This milestone adds to our revolution of vacuum sewer systems around the world.

In this project we faced a significant challenge in terms of sanitation due to the high concentration of discharge points and a high-water table in the Port of Bilbao. These conditions make the traditional sewerage system inefficient and expensive to implement. This is where Flovac vacuum sewer technology presents itself as a revolutionary solution.

Flovac’ s vacuum sewer system uses the difference in atmospheric pressure to transport waste efficiently and safely. Instead of relying on an underground pipe system, this system uses a smaller diameter pipe network, allowing space constraints to be overcome and the need for deep trenches to be minimized. With a single vacuum point, service can be provided to the entire area of the Port of Bilbao, even along the longest branch of more than 2.5 km.

Flovac Monitoring Systems

In addition, to guaranteeing optimum operation and efficient management of the system, Flovac has integrated its monitoring system. It is an advanced monitoring system that allows you to monitor the status of the vacuum network in real time. With this tool, port authorities will be able to detect any anomaly or blockage, ensuring proactive maintenance and a prompt response to any incident.

Therefore, the choice of Flovac as a supplier for the Bilbao Port sanitation project was based on our experience and proven excellence. The Basque Water Agency and the Bilbao-Vizcaya Water Consortium visited the largest vacuum sanitation facility in Europe, located in Santa Pola. This project has been operational since 2006, to obtain precise and valuable information on the implications both during the construction phase and in long-term maintenance. After this visit, they approved that the vacuum technology chosen was that of Flovacs.

In conclusion, the updated sanitation project for the Port of Bilbao marks an important milestone in the application of vacuum sewerage technologies in Spain. Flovac, as a leader in the sector, has been selected to implement its innovative system in the area of the Santurtzi Docks and central breakwater. We are sure that we will bring an innovative and long-lasting solution while bringing our efficient and sustainable approach to the vacuum sewerage system.

First Flovac Project in Denmark, Hages Badehotel (Beach Hotel)

Flovac’s first project in Denmark is linked wih Denmark’s largest infrastructure project and the world’s longest immersed tunnel. The Fehmarnbelt. The land used for the Hotel and housing project has come from the earth excavated from the tunnel project.

The project is located on the island of Lolland and the tunnel will connect Lolland with the German island of Fehmarn. It was vitally important for the developer Lidsøparken A/S and the architect Miami Ark to create a project that would fit in with the natural beauty of the area, looking after the birdlife and unique plant life. It was decided at an early stage that a vacuum sewerage system would be the only collection system suitable to meet all environmental criteria with low energy use and low impact.

STEEL ApS, who had some previous experience with vacuum systems decided in 2021 to enter a long-term relationship with Flovac, to use Flovac’s vacuum valves and equipment throughout Denmark.

The project’s first stage is a vacuum station and several collection pits servicing a restaurant and 72 houses with 124 apartments. The area is covered with reeds, small lakes with a clay soil and a high ground water table. The second and third stages will include a further 134 holiday houses and a luxury glamping area.

The Hages Badehotel and housing is built on stilts with the idea that this would create the least amount of impact on the land. And that in 100 years the development could be closed and there would be no sign of any impact on the area. This is another reason why a Flovac system was chosen.