Club Marítimo Mahón will manage a nautical-sports marina on the Levante quay of the port of Maó

Club Marítimo Mahón will manage a nautical-sports marina on the Levante quay of the port of Maó

01/07/2022

The Board of Directors of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) agreed yesterday at a meeting held in Palma to select the proposal submitted by the Club Marítimo Mahón for the management of a nautical-sports facility for small and medium-sized boats in the Levante dock of the port of Maó, between the area known as sa Punta des Rellotge and es Gatassus. This authorisation is aimed primarily at the promotion and teaching of water sports and consists of 165 moorings for boats from eight to fifteen metres long. The space, with an area of 19,167squaremetres of water and 698squaremetres of land, has four floating and occasionally piloted pontoons. It also includes an esplanade and a quay beside it, intended for the mooring of light boats for training, sports, and non-profit-making educational, social and cultural activities. As this offer was considered the most advantageous solution by the Board of Directors, a temporary authorisation will be granted for two years, with the possibility of its renewal every year up to a maximum period of three years. The initial occupancy fee was 160,862 euros per year, to which the Club Marítimio Mahón has added an improvement corresponding to 44,438 euros, in addition to the 4% activity fee.

Transport and infrastructure Socio-economic development Port-city Environment and CSR
The APB will occupy the Levante sub-basin of the port of La Savina and will use it for the operation of excursion boats

The APB will occupy the Levante sub-basin of the port of La Savina and will use it for the operation of excursion boats

01/07/2022

The Board of Directors of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) agreed yesterday in an ordinary meeting to take possession of the Levante sub-dock located in the northern area of the Poniente dock of the port of La Savina, integrating these spaces with the rest of those managed directly by the APB and taking charge of their normal operation and maintenance. Its plans included the transfer of passenger embarkation and disembarkation operations from excursion boats to this area. This resolution will be communicated to Marina Formentera, S.A., and will once again require the immediate delivery of the public domain that it is deliberately occupying since 28 May 2022 without the right to do so, warning of the responsibilities that can be attributed to its refusal to deliver the port’s public property and to its illegal occupancy.

Transport and infrastructure Socio-economic development Port-city
The work on the adaptation of the environment and the façade of the APB offices in Eivissa terminates

The work on the adaptation of the environment and the façade of the APB offices in Eivissa terminates

10/06/2022

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has started work to adapt the environment and the façade of the main office building of the APB in Eivissa, located at the access to the North docks. More specifically, lighting, garden and parking elements have been improved. This project was also intended to increase and renew the pedestrian space around the building. The area is illuminated by LED lighting, while the landscaped area includes an automatic watering system. In terms of accessibility, a ramp has been built attached to the façade and the emergency exits have been adjusted. Finally, linear pergolas made of galvanised steel have been installed. The work was performed by the company TECOPSA for 525,000 euros.

Port-city Transport and infrastructure
The APB celebrates International Archives Day by bringing to light the original project for the lighthouse in the port of Palma

The APB celebrates International Archives Day by bringing to light the original project for the lighthouse in the port of Palma

09/06/2022

. The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) is bringing to light the original project for the construction of the lighthouse in the port of Palma (or lighthouse of La Riba) on the occasion of the International Archives Day. This is the central element of the exhibition that will be open to the public between 8 and 10 June, at the APB’s Institutional Headquarters on the Old Quay. The project, dated 1899 and signed by the engineer Juan Malberti Rigo, who was director of the Board of the Port of Palma de Mallorca between 1874 and 1912, can be seen in the first exhibition organised by the APB Archive, to celebrate the institution’s 150th anniversary this year. Juan Malberti designed the lighthouse at the turn of the century and inaugurated it on 1 November 1903. It remained in service until 1982, when it was definitively extinguished and replaced by other beacons installed along the quay. The building was dismantled stone by stone, numbered and rebuilt on the current site of the main road and backbone of the commercial docks at the port of Palma. During this period, it marked the end of the Paseo de la Riba, an endearing and very popular place among the people of Palma at the time. Today it represents the institutional image of the APB. The exhibition also includes other original projects for port works, period manuscripts, facsimiles and photographs. All these documents have been catalogued by the APB Archive, which begins its mission to bring a small part of its documentary heritage closer to society through this exhibition. International Archives Day Due to its uniqueness, the APB Archive is a true ark of knowledge. Its documentary heritage provides information on engineering, social changes, urban and port development, meteorology, economics, history, etc. All this outlines a map of the social, economic and cultural development of the cities. Ports are the most important pillars of an archipelago, and its city shapers. On the occasion of International Archives Day, 9 June, and coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the constitution of the Port Authority, the APB Archive is opening this exhibition, which will be located at the APB’s Institutional Headquarters on Palma’s Old Quay no. 3, between 8 and 10 June, from 10 am to 3 pm, except on Thursday 9th, when it will be open from 10 am to 7 pm.

Port-city 150th anniversary
The terms and conditions of the tender for the management of a nautical facility for small and medium-sized boats in the port of Eivissa have been approved

The terms and conditions of the tender for the management of a nautical facility for small and medium-sized boats in the port of Eivissa have been approved

08/06/2022

The Board of Directors of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has agreed to publish the terms and conditions of the public tender for the management of a nautical facility for small and medium-sized boats in the port of Eivissa, on the site currently occupied by Club Náutico Ibiza (Nautical Club). The most advantageous solution submitted will be chosen for the granting of a total area of 29,309 square metres (22,596 square metres of water and 6,713 square metres of land), with special attention to the promotion and teaching of the sport that is a benchmark for social responsibility in the nautical sector. The terms and conditions of the tender therefore prioritise the social role and the promotion of sport that the entity awarded the contract will bring to the port community as opposed to the usual nautical facilities that are more geared towards generating economic resources. This operation of this facility will be subject to administrative authorisation and includes the management of 269 moorings for nautical-sports vessels of up to 15 metres in length, bar-cafeteria-restaurant service, mooring of light boats and performance of educational, sporting, social and cultural activities of a non-profit nature, which will be proposed by the bidder. The annual amount of the occupancy rate for improvement by the bidder will be 334,101euros. Resident vessels As this is a facility for small and medium-sized boats, where the maximum length is limited to 15 metres, the mooring places will preferably be used for resident vessels. However, the holder of the authorisation is able to reserve some moorings up to a maximum of 15% for temporary users. The duration of the authorisation will be one year, renewable on an annual basis up to a maximum of three years. This public tender responds to a transitory situation and, therefore, what is intended is mainly to maintain the different services that have been provided within these facilities, as well as the areas that are dedicated to each of them. However, investments in improvements to safety and operating conditions can be proposed - and will be assessed - as well as those linked to the Contingency Plan, all with removable facilities, in the event of possible episodes of unrest occurring in their interior to this end, the APB will make available to the future licensee 3,000 square metres of land and 4,500 square metres of water, as well as 100 mooring places in the low season in the facilities managed by Marina de Botafoc. 180 square metres of floating pontoons will also be provided in the event of activation of the Contingency Plan, all in the interests of prioritising the safety and operational conditions of the facility for boats and users.

Transport and infrastructure Socio-economic development Port-city
The APB awards Igy Gestora Marinas Spain the management of the moorings for large vessels in the Levante basin of the port of Eivissa

The APB awards Igy Gestora Marinas Spain the management of the moorings for large vessels in the Levante basin of the port of Eivissa

08/06/2022

The Board of Directors of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has agreed to choose Igy Gestora Marinas Spain, S.L. for the most advantageous offer to manage moorings for large vessels in the Levante basin of the port of Eivissa. As a novelty, this concession will allow the mooring of vessels of between 20 and 40 metres in length, in the case of resident vessels - or rather, with a minimum stay of six months a year - or temporary moorings in the low season. This measure is taken with the aim of guaranteeing a greater presence of vessels and thus boosting economic activity in the Marina area throughout the season. In high season the limitation for temporary vessels is set at more than 40 metres. As with the previous concession, this new one includes the management of 42,152 square metres of surface area - 38,852 m2 of water and 2,745 m2 of land - and two mooring lines, one of 240 metres on the Levante quay and another of 115 metres on the east side of the Contramuelle (opposite quay), popularly known as es Martell. The ground floor of the es Martell building will also form part of the concession, measuring some 600 square metres, which may be used for commercial premises for those activities authorised by the APB in accordance with the DEUP (Delimitation of Port Areas and Uses) (mixed use 2: commercial, nautical sports and complementary use). The roof and stairs of the building will continue to be for public use as before, similar to the quay area, where the installation of enclosures or partitions that prevent pedestrian use is prohibited. Concession period The maximum concession period will be eight years and five months. The initial occupancy fee was 408,019.20 euros per year, to which Igy Gestora Marinas Spain has added an improvement corresponding to 1,325,000 euros, in addition to the 4% activity fee. The APB will hand over the facilities to the concessionaire in the state in which Sovren Ibiza left them on the date of expiry of its concession, with some of the works unfinished.

Transport and infrastructure Socio-economic development Port-city
The APB reminds owners of restaurants with terraces on Palma’s seafront promenade to comply with closing times

The APB reminds owners of restaurants with terraces on Palma’s seafront promenade to comply with closing times

24/05/2022

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has sent these restaurants a letter reminding owners that they are obliged to comply with the authorised opening hours. As stated in the terms and conditions under which the licences for these spaces are granted, the opening and closing hours are generally from 07:00 to 00:00 on Fridays, Saturdays and the eve of public holidays they are from 07:00 to 00:30 and, exceptionally, from 1 April to 31 October the closing hours will be extended by a further half hour. The above complies with the Municipal Ordinance on the Occupation of Public Thoroughfares issued by Palma Council. With regard to the occupation of the terraces, restaurant owners are reminded that the free movement of pedestrians must be respected and that these terraces must be dismantled when the establishment is closed. The APB has found that in the area of Avenida Gabriel Roca in the port of Palma the habit of keeping the terraces open until the early hours of the morning is becoming more widespread. This has increased since the restaurants were allowed to extend the occupation of the terraces to one of the vehicle traffic lanes. In addition, numerous complaints about the noise late at night have been received from neighbours, as it disrupts their rest. Finally, the letter reminds all establishments that failure to comply with these conditions will be reported and consequently lead to the termination of their occupancy permit granted by the APB, where applicable. This report will also be sent to Palma City Council so that it can ensure compliance with its municipal ordinances on the occupation of public thoroughfares and noise.

Port-city
The company Poon Hill SL will manage the moorings in the area of the d’en Reynés slipway in the port of Maó

The company Poon Hill SL will manage the moorings in the area of the d’en Reynés slipway in the port of Maó

24/05/2022

The Board of Directors of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has agreed to grant the company Poon Hill SL. authorisation to occupy public domain for the management of mooring places in the area of the de’n Reynés dry dock on the Levante quay at the port of Maó. This temporary authorisation involves the management of a total surface area of 11,019.30 square metres of water mirror and 247 metres of mooring line, where the successful bidder will manage 48 moorings of between eight and thirty metres in length. The APB has chosen the most advantageous solution to grant the bidder an administrative authorisation to operate this area for a period of two years, renewable for up to a maximum of one year. The operation consists of the management of moorings for leisure boats, the supply of water and electricity to boats, and the provision of telephone and data transmission services to users. The tender specifications established an initial occupancy fee of 107,120 euros and an activity fee of 4% of turnover. The winning bid has additionally proposed a fixed annual amount of 130,000 euros for the improvement of the occupancy and activity fees, which is added to the previous amounts.

Socio-economic development
Port Med Formentera will manage the moorings and premises of the Poniente dock at the port of La Savina

Port Med Formentera will manage the moorings and premises of the Poniente dock at the port of La Savina

24/05/2022

The Board of Directors of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) agreed yesterday, in a meeting held in Palma, to choose as the most advantageous solution the bid submitted by the company Port Med Formentera, S.L. for the management of mooring places and premises in the western inner dock at the port of La Savina (Formentera). As this offer was considered the most advantageous solution by the Board of Directors, an administrative authorisation will be granted for one year, with the possibility of its renewal every year up to a maximum period of three years. The tender conditions establish the management of a total surface area of 13,408 square metres, of which 9,183 square metres correspond to water and the rest to land. It also includes the management of three buildings for commercial activities, as well as a fuel supply station for pleasure boats. The tender specifications established an initial occupancy tax of 507,786.90 euros and an activity tax of 4% of turnover. The winning bid has additionally proposed a fixed annual amount of 1,010,000 euros for the improvement of the occupancy and activity fees, which is added to the previous amounts. Rearrangement of the space The APB Board of Directors agreed, at its meeting on 23 February, to relocate passenger embarkation and disembarkation from the boats used for sea trips to the vicinity of the maritime station. Specifically in a space that is currently part of the concession granted at the time to the company Marina de Formentera SA, which ends on 27 May. Therefore, this area of the port does not form part of the scope of this new authorisation, but it will include the space on the body of water that will be left free on the Pantalán quay and Ribera quay with the transfer of the boats used for sea trips. This space is proposed to be dedicated to the management of moorings of up to six metres in length, which in high season - and at the request of the Consell Insular de Formentera - may only be used for nautical charter boats. This reorganisation of the space is compatible with the current planning instruments of the port of La Savina and with the new Special Plan (currently being processed), as well as with the current layout of the recently built port promenade.

Socio-economic development
The tender specifications for the management of the Botafoc moorings in the port of Eivissa have been approved

The tender specifications for the management of the Botafoc moorings in the port of Eivissa have been approved

24/05/2022

The Board of Directors of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has agreed at today’s meeting to approve the tender specifications and clauses that will govern the public tender for the management of mooring places and commercial premises at Botafoc, in the port of Eivissa. The purpose of this tender is to select the most advantageous solution for the granting of an administrative concession for the management and operation of a plot of 97,706 square metres, of which 43,279 square metres correspond to areas of land, on which 16 buildings are built for commercial use and an area for mooring and repairing boats, and the rest to a water body, where mooring services are provided for 432 boats distributed over five pontoons. The duration of the concession will be 18 months, renewable up to a maximum of 9 months. The annual amount of the occupancy fee will be 2,432,378.32 euros and the activity fee is established as 4% of the turnover.

Socio-economic development
The strong economic performance of the Balearic Islands Port Authority (APB) will allow more than 18 million euros in bonuses to be applied to goods and passengers

The strong economic performance of the Balearic Islands Port Authority (APB) will allow more than 18 million euros in bonuses to be applied to goods and passengers

11/05/2022

The president of the Balearic Islands Port Authority (APB), Francesc Antich, presented the economic state of the organisation today at a press conference with regard to the figures of the 2021 report, which recorded income of around 85 million euros and expenses of 56 million euros, resulting in a positive margin of 28.8 million euros for the port authority. From 2019, one of the busiest years for the ports in history, we can see that income amounted to 89 million euros and expenditure to 62 million euros. In contrast, in 2020, at the height of the pandemic, income fell to 66.7 million and expenditure remained at 54.8 million. All signs point to a recovery, though not yet fully achieved, of pre-pandemic activity. In terms of figures by lines of business, the outstanding nature of the ports of general interest of the Balearic Islands in the port system is evident, with shipping representing 69% of income (58.1 million), followed by 12% of general merchandise (10.1 million) and 7% of passengers (6.3 million). In addition to this exceptional nature, the management of the maritime stations is characterised by limited space, works, management and maintenance. Furthermore, the large percentages of income from the nautical sector in the Balearic Islands makes it easier to make heavy investments while at the same time significantly subsidising regular transport, which is why the APB is applying the maximum allowed by law in terms of subsidies for regular transport and applying reduction coefficients that place the APB at the forefront of the State in this area. All this adds up to more than 18 million euros that the APB is no longer collecting in fees, to which special bonuses will be added in 2022, as in the case of the port of Maó, where an additional 40% bonus will be given to vessels and, in addition, from 1 April to 30 June 2022, 80% of the final tax quota will be deducted from the vessel's fee, which means 2.2 million euros for lines with the mainland. Commitment to the territory All this revenue, according to Antich, “has a direct impact on the economy and employment in the region”. Indeed, according to a study carried out in 2017, which will soon be updated, shipping and shipping agents accounted for half of the turnover of maritime activities and employment. According to the same study, “maintenance and repair activities, nautical sports and nautical charters were the second largest source of activity and employment in ports, accounting for more than 30%”. Therefore, directly, indirectly and induced, port activity represents a contribution of 2,500 million euros to the Balearic economy and 17,000 jobs. As such, in addition to fulfilling the general interest of guaranteeing the maritime transport of goods and the mobility of passengers, the ports of general interest of the Balearic Islands are also an important focus of the economy. Furthermore, the Balearic ports are unique in that practically everything that is collected is reinvested in the ports of general interest and lighthouses that they manage, in short, in the territory. In 2021, these investments amounted to 27.9 million euros, almost the same as in 2020. In 2021, 13.7 million tonnes were shipped in the five ports, 10.2% more than in the previous year. Looking at the first quarter of 2022, we can confirm a moderate post-pandemic recovery. In terms of passengers, the figures for 2019 have not yet been regained, but in 2021 this was already 37.1% more than the previous year and there was a general increase across all ports. Business up, staff down Antich pointed out a contradictory development in recent years. While in the last 15 years turnover has increased from 59.8 million euros to 84.8 million euros (a 42% increase), the number of employees has decreased by 12.5%. At the same time, these years have seen an increase in management complexity, more environmental requirements and more budgetary control, meaning that, in order to cope with the large volume of business, more training, better trained people and more organisation are needed. Thus, in the words of the president of the APB, “we find ourselves at a time of particular difficulty, and we urgently need a workforce and structure appropriate to the challenges we are facing”. You can watch the press conference here

Environment and CSR Port-city Technology and innovation Transport and infrastructure Socio-economic development
The new call schedule for the Eivissa - la Savina line comes into force

The new call schedule for the Eivissa - la Savina line comes into force

19/04/2022

The Board of Directors of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has approved the ordinance establishing the organisation and assignment of berths in the ports of Eivissa and La Savina. This is the first time that a call schedule for the regular Eivissa - la Savina line has been drawn up, and the new safety criteria established for this traffic in the service area of both ports. This new schedule means that the ships on this regular line will carry out manoeuvres one at a time in the Restricted Navigation Zones defined close to the berths assigned to this line in each of its ports. This new measure improves port traffic safety and avoids the waiting times that occurred last season. The application of these new criteria in the call schedule for the regular Eivissa - la Savina line, the busiest in the country, has been achieved through the collaboration of the shipping companies operating on this line, the Ibiza and Formentera Maritime Captaincy, the Ibiza Pilots’ Corporation and Salvamento Marítimo, and supported by the Balearic Government and the Formentera Council. Since July 2021, they have been working together with APB technicians to implement these and other measures to improve the service and safety of this strategic regular line for the Pine Islands. On 8 April 2022, this new schedule began a test phase, and once the new ordinance comes into force it will be implemented according to a compulsory procedure that must be complied with within the deadlines set by that ordinance.

Transport and infrastructure Socio-economic development