News APB | Ports de Balears

The APB encourages Balearic companies to participate in the fifth edition of the Ports 4.0 programme

28/01/2025

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) invites companies, start-ups, entrepreneurs, researchers and other agents in the Balearic Islands' innovative ecosystem to participate in the 5th call for proposals for the Ports 4.0 programme, in its Pre-commercial modality. This programme, led by Puertos del Estado, aims to promote innovation and technological development in the port and logistics sector.Ports 4.0 looks to build an open and innovative ecosystem that lets people tackle challenges in the sector and come up with disruptive solutions. This new call for proposals is designed to support projects that develop new technologies, introduce innovative products, services or processes, or improve existing ones, with a direct application to the port logistics system or links in the logistics chain.The 5th edition, focused on the Pre-commercial modality, is aimed at projects that require an increase in their level of technological maturity. The objective is to facilitate the leap from a proof of concept (PoC) to an advanced pre-commercialisation stage. The grants, awarded on a subsidy basis and through a competitive process, offer a great opportunity for Balearic companies wishing to stand out in the field of port innovation.The deadline for submitting applications is 24 March. Interested parties can obtain further information and advice by contacting the APB innovation team at innovacion@portsdebalears.com .

Technology and innovation

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands approves its first Equality Plan

24/01/2025

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has taken a decisive step towards equal opportunities for men and women with the approval of its first Equality Plan. This strategic document, drafted in collaboration with employee representatives, defines specific objectives and measures to ensure gender equality in all areas of work.The APB currently has a workforce of 367 people, of whom 111 are women and 256 are men. Female representation is particularly limited in areas such as the Port Police, where 81.8% of staff are men and 18.1% are women. Meanwhile, the figures for office staff show a more balanced distribution, with 57.2% men and 42.8% women.The Equality Plan aims to promote a balanced male-female presence in all professional areas, with a special focus on traditionally male-dominated sectors such as the Port Police. It also seeks to guarantee effective equality in access to employment, professional development and internal promotion, fostering an inclusive working environment. In addition, awareness-raising actions on gender equality will be carried out, the reconciliation of personal, family and working life will be facilitated, and the use of non-sexist language in internal and external communication will be promoted.The Equality Commission, made up of the APB and the signatory trade unions (CAP, UGT, CCOO and SPPLB), will be responsible for monitoring compliance with these measures, making sure they're implemented and evaluating how effective they are using indicators and timelines. This plan will initially remain in force until 2029 and will lay the foundations for a working environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment.With the approval of this first Equality Plan, the APB shows the strength of its commitment to building a fairer and more diverse workplace, leading the way towards full equality in the port sector.

Environment and CSR

The APB assures Portitxol boat owners that their recreational boating conditions are set to remain the same

23/01/2025

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has informed the directly managed mooring owners in the Portitxol roadstead in the port of Palma that the current conditions of the social moorings they enjoy will be guaranteed and that their situation will not be affected by a possible extension of the Portitxol Yacht Club concession, which expires at the end of this year.The APB president, Javier Sanz, met this morning with the newly created Social Mooring Platform of the Port of Palma, representing the owners of the directly managed moorings at Portitxol. The purpose of the meeting was to clear up any doubts regarding how the proposed extension of the yacht club's concession might affect their rights as users, and he assured them that their conditions would not worsen in any way.The APB intends to remain open to evaluating any project proposals submitted by the Portitxol Yacht Club aimed at preserving and improving the general interest and services enjoyed by mooring holders.Bilateral talksThe APB is aware that the managers of the Portitxol Yacht Club are drafting a project to request an extension of their concession, although it does not know the details. It also knows that the managers of the nautical club have met on several occasions with the users of the directly managed moorings and have offered them two options. On the one hand, they can become members of the yacht club with mooring rights and the same conditions as current members, or they can be managed by the yacht club, maintaining the services guaranteed by the APB but without the rights of members.Currently, there are around 425 small social moorings in the Portitxol roadstead of the port of Palma, managed directly by the APB, and around 300 moorings managed indirectly by the Portitxol Yacht Club.

Socio-economic development

The APB joins the European COSMIC project to optimise energy resources

27/12/2024

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has been selected as part of the COSMIC project consortium, which is fully funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe programme. This ambitious €10 million project aims to develop advanced solutions based on artificial intelligence (AI) and data for the optimisation of energy resources, in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal.The 36-month COSMIC project brings together partners from eight European countries, including research institutions, public authorities and technology companies. The APB plays a key role in this context thanks to its use case focused on the nautical sector.Innovation and sustainability for the nautical sectorThe use case led by the APB, with an allocated budget of €415,250, fully subsidised by the European Union, consists of implementing smart systems for the efficient management of energy resources in marinas. The main objective is to optimise their operation and reduce their environmental impact. These AI-based technologies will enable real-time monitoring and management of energy consumption, promoting a model that can be replicated in other European ports.Pilot tests and European impactThe COSMIC project will carry out 14 pilots in five countries, including Spain. These tests will validate integrated artificial intelligence systems (IAIS) in various industrial and nautical contexts, ensuring their scalability and acceptance by end-users.Beyond its impact on the Balearic Islands, the project aims to establish a sustainability framework that can be replicated throughout Europe. COSMIC will offer practical tools, lessons learned and recommendations for adoption in other regions, fostering collaboration between small and large companies within an innovative industrial ecosystem.

Environment and CSR Technology and innovation

Tender announced for the management of moorings and buildings for a recreational boating concession in the port of La Savina

18/12/2024

The Board of Directors of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) agreed at a meeting held this afternoon in Palma to launch a public tender for the management of a marina in the port of La Savina. The facility will have moorings for boats, a dry marina, two underground car parks, the operation of several buildings and the supply of fuel, among other services available to users.This decision responds to the APB's objective of providing legal stability for the nautical management of the port of Formentera, promoting competitiveness and the commercial offer of the port, optimising resources, maximising the use of the water surface and reducing management costs.The tender requires a minimum investment of €15 million from the successful bidder and will take into account in its terms and conditions any reduction in mooring fees, especially for boats up to eight metres in length. This also applies to fees for commercial premises, terraces, parking, electricity supplies, and dry dock lifting, beaching and launching services.In addition, priority will be given to the introduction of environmental improvements such as the use of renewable energies, the use of ecological materials, sustainability measures and technological innovation.These two aspects, investment and the reduction of fees, will be valued more highly in the tender than the rate to be improved, which is set at a minimum of €1.2 million plus 4% of turnover per year. The concession will last for a maximum of twenty-five years.The areas to be managed cover approximately 26,000 square metres of water surface and 23,000 square metres of land, which will include a dry marina for charter boats up to seven metres in length, a diesel fuel pump and other non-polluting energy sources, as well as several buildings for commercial premises, offices and restaurants, warehouses, seamen's services and toilets, among others.Basic and charter mooringsCurrently, there are around 180 moorings for boats in the port of La Savina. The successful bidder will be able to decide how to allocate the moorings, as long as there are at least 75 moorings available for charter during the four-month high season from June to September, 55 moorings available all year round, and six moorings for the APB's own use or for organisations such as the Civil Guard, Maritime Rescue, Customs, etc.Forty of the 75 moorings available for charter will be for boats up to six metres in length, 25 for boats up to eight metres in length and 10 for boats between ten and fifteen metres in length. In addition, the concessionaire will have a dry marina that will be expanded from 35 to 55 boats up to seven metres in length, 35 for charter and 20 for the seventh list.The APB is taking these measures in response to requests from small businesses, which have repeatedly asked for the charter business to be boosted in the port of Formentera, and to the social need to increase the number of moorings for small boats. The merger of the two existing concessions will optimise space, resulting in 42 new moorings for boats up to 8 metres in length. In addition, the concessionaire will be able to meet the demand for moorings during the low season, as it will not be able to allocate the 75 berths occupied during the summer to charter boats.Underground car parksThe new concession will have around ten buildings, some of which will need to be remodelled while maintaining the exterior appearance of the façades and architectural features, without increasing their buildable area. Other buildings will be demolished to make way for underground car parks and rebuilt on the same site.Four buildings will be demolished and four will be built or rebuilt. Two of these will be demolished once the Special Plan currently being processed has been finally approved. The buildings to be demolished to make way for new buildings include the Casa del Mar and the former fishermen's guild, which will be replaced by a new building. The buildings will be reorganised, but the current services will be maintained, including restaurants, offices, shops, maritime services, warehouses for the fishing industry and a children's playground.Work will be carried out in two phases, taking into account the final approval of the Special Plan for the port currently being processed and the expiry of existing concessions. All operations must comply with the current Special Plan for the port and the new plan currently being processed, which provides for a reduction in the height of buildings.The successful bidder will also build and manage two underground car parks with approximately 200 spaces for private use and prohibited to rental companies: one in the eastern area, covering almost 5,000 square metres, and another in the western area, covering 2,600 square metres.

Transport and infrastructure

The Alcúdia seafront promenade unveils new lettering made from recycled materials

13/12/2024

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has updated the decorative sign on the seafront promenade of the port of Alcúdia, which has become an iconic feature of the town over the years. This €16,647 project not only aims to revitalise this emblematic symbol, but also to align it with a firm commitment to sustainability and the conservation of the marine environment.The new sign has been designed to stand out for its innovation, sustainability and connection with the marine environment. As a major innovation, the new letters are made from recycled plastic collected from the sea and the coast. In addition, the material is more resistant to combat wear and tear caused by intensive use and environmental conditions, which led to repeated repairs of the old letters.This project symbolises a double commitment, maintaining a tourist attraction in the port of Alcúdia and contributing to the fight against marine pollution. Plastic waste extracted from the sea is transformed into unique pieces, giving these materials a second life and reinforcing the message of care and respect for the environment.With this initiative, the APB strengthens its commitment to integrating sustainable values into port management and contributes to the port of Alcúdia remaining an environmental benchmark in the Balearic Islands.

Environment and CSR Port-city

Margalida Vinyes dona vida al calendari de l’Autoritat Portuària de Balears 2025

12/12/2024

Margalida Vinyes, one of Mallorca's most prominent illustrators, has been commissioned to create the illustrations for the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands' 2025 calendar, dedicated to the port of Alcúdia. Her unique style and deep connection to the island's landscapes make this project a visual tribute to the islands and their ports.Margalida, tell us what this assignment has meant to you.As an illustrator, this project has allowed me to illustrate the landscapes of my homeland. It has also been an opportunity to capture how I experience my region.The calendar focuses on the ports of general interest in the Balearic Islands. How do you draw inspiration to capture the essence of these spaces so closely linked to the sea and island life?In general, my illustrations are contemplative, with small details, pleasant to look at and recognisable.As for the port of Palma, I know it very well, since I am from here. Even so, I walked around the entire port to capture different perspectives. I like to observe and search for details. But the truth is that I knew I wanted to draw a mooring bollard. I also saw that there was a colony of cormorants. That's how I got the idea of depicting a cormorant on top of a bollard.I spent the whole afternoon walking around Alcúdia. Architecturally speaking, the port isn't very eye-catching. That's exactly why I focused on the sculptures that adorn the promenade.In the case of the port of Mahón, I asked my cousin to take photographs from different angles. One of them was of the Sirena de Mô, and I decided that this statue would be the main feature of the illustration, adding a small bird that is often seen on the island of Menorca, the bee-eater.In contrast, the illustration of the port of Ibiza is more postcard-like, very contemplative. It's the first image you see of the island when you arrive by boat.Was there a particular port or scene that you found most special or emotional to illustrate?Drawing the port of La Savina was the most complicated because it was difficult to recognise the location. In the end, I decided to draw the ferry terminal, with its distinctive blue columns and the sculpture of a heart on the terrace.Your work has a very distinctive style. How would you describe your visual language? What techniques did you use to create the illustrations?My style is a combination of comics, following the clear line style, and figurative illustration, with a strong focus on details.The technical process begins with pencil sketches and continues with clean lines in wax pencil. I like black to stand out in a very pure way. Finally, I finish the process digitally with vivid colours that accentuate the shapes and textures.How was the preliminary research process? Did you visit the ports in person or did you rely on photographs and documentation?I generally spend more time on documentation than on execution. I like to photograph landscapes in person, from the angle and perspective that most appeals to me from an artistic point of view. But when it's not possible to be on site in the spaces I have to illustrate, I use technology, such as Google Earth.This balancing act between direct exploration and digital tools has allowed me to capture the uniqueness of each of the islands' settings.The figure of the woman plays an essential role in your illustrations, as do the animals. Why?All the illustrations feature a character, whether it be an animal, a person or a sculpture. When it comes to women, I always try to depict them in occupations where there are few women, such as fishing. Illustrations are a testament to an era, but they also help to project the world we would like to live in.However, the land does not belong only to us, to people it also belongs to the flora and fauna. That is why I also wanted to give animals a leading role. Furthermore, having an animal as a reference point has been the perfect excuse to situate myself in the scene. For example, the donkey in the illustration of the Cala Figuera lighthouse alludes to the Mallorcan landscape. Similarly, the goat refers to the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, the lizard to Formentera and the bee-eater to Menorca.The cormorant and the dolphin are the only two marine animals that appear in your illustrations. Why?I love the sea, but I prefer to look at it from land. I'm not a seafaring person. Therefore, all my views are from land towards the sea.Were you familiar with all the unique characteristics that differentiate each of the Balearic lighthouses?Once I realised how diverse lighthouses are, I thought it would be a good idea to put them all together so we could see what a treasure we have. This fun composition, featuring 12 lighthouses in different shapes and colours, ended up becoming the Christmas card. I also wanted to avoid the typical image of lighthouses at night, with their light shining brightly. Instead, I wanted to paint the minutes that pass between sunset and when the lighthouse lights come on.From a more visual and artistic point of view, the lighthouses with black and white lines are very interesting. They are more aesthetically pleasing and attract more attention. You could even say they are more romantic. In fact, they remind me of a Christmas lollipop.What do you hope the public will perceive when they see the calendar? What message or emotion do you want to convey with your illustrations?I wanted to convey the beauty of our islands and the need to protect their landscapes and living beings. With these illustrations I would like to invite you to contemplate and appreciate the cultural and natural wealth that we have in the Balearic Islands.

Port-city

The Port of Palma as a consensus-based strategic axis for urban integration and sustainability

04/12/2024

The future of the Port of Palma took the spotlight at this morning's forum held at the institutional head offices of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB), which was organised by Grupo Serra's specialised newspaper, El Económico. Under the slogan “A consensus project for the city, economy, territorial connectivity and industrial competitiveness”, the forum explored the opportunities and challenges arising from restructuring this strategic space, with the project already underway. Bringing together prominent political, business and technical leaders, the event featured keynote speeches that highlighted the port's importance as Palma's economic, social and cultural driving force. The president of the APB, Javier Sanz, delivered a speech in which he outlined how the port of Palma is to be redeveloped, emphasising the port organisation's commitment to sustainability, urban integration and improved economic competitiveness, as well as the consensus achieved in its approach. During his presentation, Sanz highlighted how this project seeks to balance port needs with the creation of accessible spaces for citizens by promoting cultural, educational and recreational activities in the freed-up areas. “We want the Port of Palma to serve as a model of sustainability and connection with the city. This project not only responds to the economic and logistical challenges, but also to the need to build a more people-oriented port, which is available to citizens and respectful of the environment,” said the president of the APB. The Port Authority's objective is to establish the Port of Palma as a global benchmark for innovation, sustainability and competitiveness. To do so, the project includes a reorganisation of port uses, maintaining ferry activity and boosting the nautical industry in the West dock. New urban spaces will also be created for education, culture and sport, which will democratise access to the port. There are also plans to reduce the environmental impact through renewable energies, clean technologies and energy efficiency. Lastly, this project will strengthen the local economy by consolidating key sectors such as maritime transport and ship repair. A forum to discuss the port's future The forum also included presentations and panel discussions attended by political and business representatives and those from educational, cultural and sporting bodies. The president of Puertos del Estado (State Ports), Álvaro Rodríguez Dapena, highlighted the strategic role played by the ports as driving forces for sustainable development. The Mayor of Palma, Jaime Martínez, also spoke about the need to integrate the port into the city's urban dynamics, promoting its sustainability and connectivity with the surrounding area. The panel discussions tackled key aspects such as logistical efficiency, the nautical industry's opportunities and port-city integration. Experts such as Matteo Catani (GNV), Adolfo Utor (Baleària), Pedro Suasi (Balearic Marine Cluster) and Albert Forés (Museu Marítim de Mallorca) contributed valuable perspectives on the future of the Port of Palma. A consensus-based project focused on the future The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands conducted a participatory process to define the future of the Port of Palma, where over 65 interest groups put forward their needs and suggestions and reached widespread consensus that reinforces its viability and social acceptance. The project to redevelop the Port of Palma has become a driving force for transformation that strengthens the city's cultural identity, boosts innovation and meets the sustainability objectives established at local, national and European level. The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands once again confirms its commitment to this vision, promoting an intelligent, sustainable and well-integrated port that adds value to the city, its citizens and the natural environment. To close the forum, APB director Toni Ginard summarised the most important aspects discussed by the participants and noted that the word ‘consensus’ was the most frequently heard word throughout the day. “This project represents our shared responsibility to convert the Port of Palma into a benchmark, where sustainability, integration and progress work together harmoniously and benefit everyone,” he concluded.

Port-city Transport and infrastructure Socio-economic development

La Lonja Marina Charter wins the tender to manage the moorings at the Lonja quay in the Port of Palma

27/11/2024

The Board of Directors of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) reached an agreement at its latest session held last week in Palma to select the company La Lonja Marina Charter to manage the moorings at the Lonja quay in the Port of Palma. The nautical facility will only serve Spanish vessels on the sixth list or foreign vessels exclusively for charter or rental. The Lonja Marina Charter emerged as the most competitive solution of all the bids submitted in the tender to manage an area of over 18,000 square metres of public port space in one of the Port of Palma's most historic areas. The concessionaire will invest around €3.5 million for an eight-year tenure and will contribute an annual amount of more than €1.6 million in occupancy and activity fees. Environmental improvements La Lonja Marina Charter has managed this nautical facility since 2009 and is now committed to refurbishing and upgrading existing quays and pontoons, as well as installing office, workshop and storage units. Highlights of the project include the environmental improvements committed to minimising water and electricity consumption, cleaning the water surface, improving marine biodiversity, as well as installing solar pergolas to produce almost 220,000 kilowatt hours per year.

Transport and infrastructure

The APB raises the barrier on the Marina promenade of the Port of Ibiza on 1 December for the entire winter

27/11/2024

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) will raise the access barrier to the Marina promenade in the Port of Ibiza on 1 December to allow road traffic to pass through. With this, the APB upholds its agreement with the Ibiza Town Council to boost mobility and facilitate parking during the winter months. This is the same initiative that was very successful last year. Car parking on the Marina promenade will continue to be allowed 24 hours a day, although there will be a two-hour limit between 8 am and 10 pm in order to encourage vehicle rotation. Motorists will be required to place a piece of paper in a visible place in the car with the start time of the parking period. The spaces reserved for loading and unloading will also be kept to support commercial activity in the area. By repeating this initiative, the APB and Ibiza Town Council have responded to the positive response from citizens, local residents and shopkeepers. It is also a sign of their collaboration to facilitate mobility and offer greater comfort during the winter months.

Port-city

The APB puts the restaurant at Menorca’s Artrutx lighthouse in Menorca up for public tender for 15 years

21/11/2024

At its last meeting, held yesterday in the port of Palma, the Board of Directors of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) approved, the specifications and clauses governing the public tender for the management of an establishment providing tourism services in the Artrutx lighthouse (Menorca). This time, the administrative concession will be for a maximum of 15 years. The Artrutx lighthouse restaurant opened its doors in 2009, the only lighthouse in Menorca and just the second in the whole of the Balearic Islands to provide such a service, together with the one at Formentor (Mallorca). Ever since it opened, it has been managed by the granting of short term authorisations. The purpose of this tender is to choose the best solution for the granting of a concession for the exploitation of several spaces, including several rooms in the lighthouse building, the lighthouse keeper’s house, a warehouse and annexes, as well as its terraces. The annual amount of the occupancy fee will be 22,144 euros and an activity fee of 4% of turnover has been established.

Transport and infrastructure

The management of the Botafoc moorings in the port of Eivissa is put out to tender

21/11/2024

The Board of Directors of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) agreed at the meeting held yesterday afternoon in the port of Palma to approve the specifications and clauses that will govern the public tender for the administrative management of mooring places, the service station, the dry dock area and commercial premises at Botafoc, in the port of Eivissa. The duration of the concession will be two years, renewable up to a maximum of three years. At present, the Special Plan for the Port of Eivissa is being processed, which conditions and precludes a call for tenders for the granting of a concession, with long terms of 20 to 30 years that would allow the amortisation of the significant investments that this installation requires. Specifically, the reorganisation of land and water spaces, the complete renovation of maritime infrastructures and buildings on land, in order to improve the quality of the services provided at this facility. For this reason, the APB is obliged to launch a tender for site occupancy authorisation for a maximum period of three years. It should be noted that the processing of the Special Plan is currently at a very advanced stage, so it is hoped that it will soon be approved. 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 ninety-seven square metres, of which forty-three square metres correspond to areas of land on which a series of buildings for commercial use will be constructed, a service station to supply fuel to recreational craft, an area for mooring and repairing boats, and an area providing mooring and repair services for boats. Furthermore, there are more than fifty-four square metres of water mirror where mooring services are provided to 432 boats distributed over five pontoons. The annual amount of the occupancy fee will be 2,215,013.76 euros and the activity fee is established as 4% of the turnover.

Transport and infrastructure