The port of Maó opens its doors to the public with the "Viu el Port" event

The port of Maó opens its doors to the public with the "Viu el Port" event

 13/05/2025

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) will be holding the first Open Day at the port of Mahón on Saturday 7th June with the initiative "Viu el Port". This proposal, which is free and open to everyone, was created with the aim of bringing citizens closer to the reality of the port and to vindicate the social, economic and cultural importance of this strategic space for the island of Menorca. The event has the collaboration of more than 40 public and private entities.The day will start at 10 am and will last until midnight, with a varied programme designed for all audiences. The port will become a lively and dynamic space, with guided tours of heritage sites such as La Mola, San Felipe Castle, Fort Marlborough, the Naval Station, the Favàritx lighthouse and the Isla del Rey. Visitors will also be able to visit the mussel beds of La Solana, the Fishermen's Guild, professional boats and port facilities to learn about the work of the teams and services operating in the port.Activities at sea will be one of the highlights of the programme, with canoeing exhibitions, a demonstration of the Asian Dragon Boat and the opportunity to explore the port of Maó from the sea. In addition, a coastal regatta will be held as part of the Balearic ORC Cruiser Championship, which will offer a unique and exciting sporting spectacle.The event will also include photographic exhibitions, displays of traditional boats and fishing gear, as well as spaces to reflect on oceanography and the role of women at sea, as in the case of the exhibition on lighthouse keepers at the Cavalleria lighthouse. Talks and workshops focusing on science, sustainability and innovation will enable the public to discover the challenges and the future of the port.For the whole familyThe little ones will enjoy an offer specially designed for them, with creative workshops, shows, entertainment, storytelling and a road safety circuit. They will also be able to discover in an experiential and participative way the professions linked to the port and become aware of the importance of caring for the sea and the natural environment.The highlight of the day will come in the afternoon with the awarding of the Balearic Port Authority Trophy, as part of the Balearic ORC Cruising Championship, organised this year by the Club Marítimo Mahón. The award will recognise the best teams participating in the regatta, which will have started at 11:30 a.m. at the Cruiser's dock. Afterwards, music will take over with a concert by the Menorcan musician Joan Bagur, which will put the finishing touch to a day full of activity, emotions and discoveries.To facilitate access and guarantee comfortable and sustainable mobility, the APB will provide a free little train service connecting the main points of interest in the port. It is also recommended to arrive on foot, by bicycle or public transport, to avoid congestion and contribute to a more environmentally friendly celebration.Some of the programmed activities require prior registration. All detailed information is available on the event's official website: viuelport.com.

Port-city
The APB extends the authorisation to Puertos y Litorales Sostenibles for another year in the port of Ibiza

The APB extends the authorisation to Puertos y Litorales Sostenibles for another year in the port of Ibiza

06/05/2025

The Board of Directors of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) agreed today, in a session held this afternoon in the port of Palma, to grant two extensions to the company Puertos y Litorales Sostenibles, SL (PyLS), the current awardee of the administrative authorisation for the management of a nautical facility for small and medium-sized vessels in the port of Ibiza, commercially known as Port Nàutic Ibiza.The first of the approved extensions adds another year to the authorisation, until 6 May 2026. The second extends the deadline for completion of the works associated with the facility to 15 November 2025, with a shutdown scheduled between 15 June and 30 September, due to the impossibility of carrying out work during the summer season.This decision is based on the APB's internal technical analysis, as well as a favourable report from Puertos del Estado. Both documents conclude that the solution presented by PyLS in its building projectto install a floating breakwater sufficiently minimises the safety and operational problems of the dock, as required by the public tender specifications for authorising the extension.The reports also consider that the work planning is feasible and provides for adequate margins to absorb unforeseen events. The company's arguments justifying that part of the delays in execution are attributable to causes beyond its control, such as extreme weather conditions and administrative delays, have also been taken into account.Delays due to the DANAThe report notes that due to the DANA, which severely affected the province of Valencia on 29 October 2024, it was very difficult to obtain the necessary resources to carry out the earthworks at the site chosen for the construction of the breakwater, which was finally decided to be the port of Alicante.However, the Board of Directors has agreed to initiate the administrative process to apply penalties for delays in the execution of the entire works as stipulated in the conditions of the authorisation.The APB stresses that, although the extension is granted, it does not exempt the company from complying with the conditions imposed in the authorisation or from assuming the penalties stipulated for delays, in the event that these are not duly justified.Complaint managementAlongside these actions, between June 2024 and April 2025, the APB received several complaints from the Ibiza Yacht Club and the Association of Boat Owners in the harbour subject to authorisation, regarding alleged breaches by PyLS in the management of Port Nàutic Ibiza, including moorings for boats that did not comply with regulations, unauthorised works, and the lack of services such as a sailing school or boat storage.To this end, the APB is continuing with the preliminary investigation and information gathering process. No sanctions have been imposed to date, nor has the expiry procedure been initiated, although these possibilities remain open as the preliminary investigation processes arising from the complaints have not yet been completed.

Socio-economic development
The APB approves the future of the management of nautical sports in the port of La Savina in consensus with the Consell de Formentera

The APB approves the future of the management of nautical sports in the port of La Savina in consensus with the Consell de Formentera

 06/05/2025

The Board of Directors of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) unanimously agreed at a meeting held this afternoon in the port of Palma to approve new specifications for the tender of the mooring management service in the port of La Savina, which incorporates important modifications agreed with the Consell Insular de Formentera (Formentera Island Council).The new specifications maintain the proposal for a single concession to manage the marina moorings in the port of La Savina. However, the duration of the tender has been changed from 25 to 16 years, with the reduction in the bidders' proposals being viewed positively.The term reduction is due to a considerable reduction in investment requirements. The removal of one of the planned car parks and a considerable amount of square metres earmarked for new buildings are particularly noteworthy in this regard.In the new tender, a single underground parking facility with 90 parking spaces is maintained and the specifications are adapted to the current Special Plan for the port, so that the construction of a new building to the east of the port is also eliminated from the new tender, as well as the assignment of two other buildings in the southern area, which were conditional on the approval of a new special plan, currently being processed.Moorings and premisesThese changes have been decided in close coordination with the Formentera Island Council, the body that represents the island's citizens on the port authority's board of directors, and are part of the APB's commitment to ensuring balanced, sustainable management that is tailored to the needs of the region.As a result of talks between the APB and the Consell de Formentera, the new specifications have agreed that the bidder, in its proposal for the development of port space, must have at least a total of 185 berths. Twenty of these berths, with a maximum length of eight metres, will be reserved during the high season exclusively for vessels on the seventh list, i.e. for non-profit activities.All provisions aimed at promoting the charter industry have been retained from the initial drafts, as has the positive assessment of proposals containing lower fares. In addition, the proposal with the lowest rates for boats less than eight metres in length will be given greater weight in the tender process.Similarly, the bidder offering the lowest rates for commercial premises will be given greater weight. As for parking, monthly and annual passes will be established to meet the needs of local customers, which will be cheaper than regular tickets.

Socio-economic development
Greener and more competitive ports: the APB drives the debate on sustainability in the nautical sector

Greener and more competitive ports: the APB drives the debate on sustainability in the nautical sector

 30/04/2025

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) just wrapped up a successful conference on “Sustainability as a competitive factor” at the Port Centre in the Port of Palma. The event took place as part of the Palma International Boat Show, showing how committed they are to innovation and sustainability in the nautical and port sector.The APB's president, Javier Sanz, kicked things off, sharing how important the organisation thinks sustainable development is for the future of the port system. Next, Jorge Martín, Head of Operations and Environment at the APB, gave a presentation on the new Guide to Good Environmental Practices for Nautical Facilities, which is a tool that offers criteria for reducing the environmental impact of port activities and promoting more efficient management.The conference continued with a round table discussion moderated by journalist Mar Ferragut from the Diario de Mallorca newspaper. During the debate, David Pino, director of Port Vell and coordinator of the America's Cup in the Port of Barcelona, brought his experience in major nautical events to the table. Ricardo Sanz, co-managing partner of IRP Engineering, shared examples of technological solutions applied to sustainability. Lucía Mingot, Director of Quality, Innovation and Sustainability at Astilleros Mallorca, was keen to stress how important it is to make environmental criteria part of the whole value chain in the nautical industry. Isabel Teruel, Director of Operations at Ocibar, championed the importance of inter-company collaboration to achieve common goals. Finally, Silvia Delgado, Managing Director of the Balearic Islands Regional Development Agency, listed the support tools that the administration makes available to the sector to promote sustainable innovation.Closing remarks were given by Antoni Mercant, Director General of Ports and Maritime Transport, who underlined the need to strengthen the alliance between the public and private sectors in order to move towards a sustainable blue economy.The event ended with a networking session to help participants exchange ideas and forge new partnerships. With initiatives such as this, the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands continues to show its commitment to an environmentally friendly and forward-looking port management model.

Environment and CSR
The APB gets into the spirit of Book Day with theatre, books and culture by the sea

The APB gets into the spirit of Book Day with theatre, books and culture by the sea

 15/04/2025

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) is hosting a cultural event open to everyone to celebrate Book Day in the port of Palma. The event combines literature, theatre, heritage and citizen participation, with free activities for all ages.Throughout the day on 23 April, visitors can enjoy improv theatre inspired by the ports of general interest in the Balearic Islands, with a creative and humorous take on the maritime world. A micro-theatre piece will also be performed, focusing on the figure of Captain Toni, an intrepid sailor, privateer and Spanish military officer who was a lieutenant general in the Spanish Royal Navy.In addition, the public will be able to take a self-guided tour of the Contramuelle-Mollet, freely discovering some of the most emblematic and unknown corners of this port infrastructure. The event will also include a book sale, featuring a wide selection of maritime and port-related titles with something for everyone.At the same time, the APB will launch a competition on its social media channels. All participants will receive a book published by the APB on the history of lighthouses and ports of general interest in the Balearic Islands.With this initiative, the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands once again shows its commitment to culture, the region, and the community, opening up port spaces to new ways of experiencing them and highlighting their social and cultural importance.

Port-city
APB and Alcudiamar sign a new agreement on good environmental practices

APB and Alcudiamar sign a new agreement on good environmental practices

 07/04/2025

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) and Alcudiamar have signed an agreement to renew their environmental best practices, confirming their commitment to sustainability and protecting the marine environment in the port of Alcúdia.This renewed agreement involves the approval of a new Five-Year Plan for Environmental Works and Investment for the period 2025-2030. The plan includes a series of pioneering initiatives aimed at improving marine biodiversity, energy efficiency and the implementation of new technologies for sustainable port management.The planned actions include a marine renaturalisation project, which involves setting up advanced systems like the Bio Boosting System and biomimetic micro-reefs to boost biodiversity and improve water quality. The information and safety signs will also be updated with LED technology powered by solar panels, and new solar panels will be installed to heat water, replacing the current ones to improve energy efficiency and reduce electricity consumption.Plus, there are plans to install a charging point for electric boats to help promote sustainable sailing. A cleaning robot called GENESEAS will be deployed to remove plastic waste and hydrocarbons from the water surface, while the SPILLCONTROL system will use cameras and artificial intelligence to detect spills and respond quickly to potential pollution. In addition, carbon footprint monitoring and reduction will be carried out with AENOR verification.The president of the APB, Javier Sanz, pointed out that this renewal of the agreement reflects the desire to integrate sustainability into port management, ensuring the preservation of the marine environment for future generations. In turn, Alcudiamar President Bartomeu Bestard said that putting these innovative projects into action shows how serious the company is about protecting the environment and giving port users top-notch service.The plan, which entails a significant investment, will give Alcudiamar access to the activity tax rebates provided for in current legislation, thereby encouraging the implementation of responsible practices in port management. With this renewal, APB and Alcudiamar show how serious they are about sustainability and environmental excellence, making Alcúdia marina a leader in protecting and restoring the marine environment.

Environment and CSR
The APB boosts marine biodiversity on the Portitxol and Molinar breakwaters in the port of Palma

The APB boosts marine biodiversity on the Portitxol and Molinar breakwaters in the port of Palma

 04/04/2025

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has launched an innovative project to promote marine biodiversity on the breakwaters of the Portitxol and Molinar ports in the port of Palma. The project makes use of concrete blocks designed specifically to encourage the colonisation of marine flora and fauna.With an investment of €1.5 million and a three-month timeframe, the initiative aims not only to reinforce the stability of the breakwaters against rising sea levels and adverse weather conditions, but also to promote the regeneration of the marine ecosystem.This technique is based on combining textured surfaces and biopotentiating materials that facilitate marine organisms settling. Tangible results in the biodiversity of the area are expected to begin to be seen within two years.This action shows the APB's commitment to sustainability and protecting the marine environment, going for innovative solutions that help balance port infrastructure and the conservation of natural ecosystems.

Environment and CSR Transport and infrastructure
Tanit Ibiza Port will continue with the management of the moorings in the West dock of the port of Ibiza

Tanit Ibiza Port will continue with the management of the moorings in the West dock of the port of Ibiza

 28/03/2025

The Board of Directors of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) resolved, in a meeting held yesterday in Palma, to choose the bid of Tanit Ibiza Port SA, as the most advantageous of those submitted in the public tender for the management of the moorings in the West dock of the port of Ibiza. This company is the current concession holder operating under the trading name of Marina Port Ibiza.The concession involves servicing 94 mooring places for pleasure boats, with a total surface area of more than 20,600 square metres of port public domain area, most of which is occupied by the water surface. The lengths of the boats range from six and a half metres to 60 metres.Most of the moorings, 82 to be precise, are less than 15 metres in length, while a dozen moorings are for vessels between 25 and 60 metres in length. The operating area also includes two floors of a building owned by the APB with an area of just over eighty square metres, used for storage, marina matters and offices of the concession holder.Tanit Ibiza Port is committed to an investment of nearly one million euros in infrastructure and to the annual payment of nearly three million euros in occupancy fees, improvements and four per cent of the turnover for the business activity tax. The concession period is four years with the possibility of a two-year extension.

Socio-economic development
The APB prohibits the use of scrubbers on ships berthed in port in its new water quality ordinance

The APB prohibits the use of scrubbers on ships berthed in port in its new water quality ordinance

 25/03/2025

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has approved a new ordinance aimed at improving water quality in its ports by restricting the use of certain exhaust gas cleaning systems. The regulation specifically prohibits the use of open-loop systems, known as scrubbers, requiring ships to operate in closed-loop systems and to properly manage the waste generated.This measure prevents the discharge of contaminated water into the sea, significantly reducing the environmental footprint of maritime traffic and contributing to the conservation of the marine ecosystem of the Balearic Islands. Furthermore, it will benefit both local flora and fauna and key sectors of the Balearic economy, such as tourism and fishing.One of the key aspects of the ordinance is the prohibition of scrubbers within port waters, as these allow the direct discharge of washings into the sea. Instead, ships equipped with closed-loop or hybrid systems must store the waste generated and deliver it to reception facilities on land, thus preventing its release into the marine ecosystem.The regulations also require all ships to report on the existence and operation of these systems on board. The APB and the competent maritime authority will carry out regular inspections to ensure compliance.Inspections and regulationThis new regulation will help stop heavy metals and sulphur compounds from being dumped into the sea, cutting down on harmful substances that mess with marine biodiversity. Plus, the move encourages more responsible management of waste from ships, in line with the MARPOL guidelines for preventing pollution from ships.This new ordinance consolidates the APB's strategy to reduce the environmental impact of maritime traffic, promoting cleaner and more responsible shipping. This reinforces the port authority's commitment to protecting the marine ecosystem and improving the quality of port waters.At a time when preserving the marine environment is a global priority, regulating exhaust gas cleaning systems is a fundamental step forward. This measure sees the APB further strengthen its role as a driving force for more sustainable maritime transport that is aligned with current environmental challenges.

Environment and CSR Transport and infrastructure
The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands and the Association of Civil Engineers renew their agreement to review and approve projects in the public port sector

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands and the Association of Civil Engineers renew their agreement to review and approve projects in the public port sector

 24/03/2025

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) and the Association of Civil Engineers (CICCP) have signed a new approval agreement today that will contribute to increasing the competitiveness, efficiency and safety of public works projects and professional work in the ports of general interest in the Autonomous Community.The document was signed this morning at the administrative headquarters of the port of Palma by the president of the APB, Javier Sanz, and the dean of the Balearic Islands branch of the CICCP, Sara Lobato.Present at the signing were Álvaro Rodríguez Dapena, President of Puertos del Estado Miguel Ángel Carrillo Suárez, President of the CICCP at national level Toni Ginard, Director of the APB and Jorge Nasarre, Head of Planning and Strategy at the APB and member of the CICCP's governing board in the Balearic Islands.The approval and review of professional work by professional associations is regulated as a public function that can only be carried out by professional associations. In this case, the CICCP is the only competent body in the field of civil engineering, and membership of this association is mandatory in Spain in order to practise the profession.The agreement signed by the APB specifically includes construction projects, technical specifications and construction management and technical assistance.Newly included in this four-year agreement, which may be extended for another four years, is the approval of specifications for maintenance and operating supplies and services. It also includes the terms and conditions and reports for the granting of concessions, as well as health and safety coordination plans and tasks. When the approval includes a verification report, in the case of projects, these may be for execution by the APB (public investment) or by concessionaires (private investment).Greater coverageIn addition, by signing off on the work covered, the agreement ensures that all APB technicians participating in the project are covered by professional liability insurance, thus offering greater technical and legal security to the institution's employees.Both the president of the APB and the dean of the CICCP have welcomed the renewal of this agreement, which will contribute to greater technical and legal rigour in the projects planned by the Port Authority.This agreement is part of the signing in 2021 of the General Performance Protocol for collaboration between Puertos del Estado and the CICCP. Through this protocol, agreements have been established with various Spanish ports. The purpose of this agreement will be to check that the work carried out or in which civil engineers participate complies with the documentary, technical and regulatory requirements applicable in each case and will include the coverage of the Professional Civil Liability policies that the Association has taken out depending on the activity endorsed.

Transport and infrastructure
The APB launches the new Bus Nàutic service linking the port of Palma with the city

The APB launches the new Bus Nàutic service linking the port of Palma with the city

 21/03/2025

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) unveiled a new public transport service today called “Bus Nàutic Palma”, a maritime bus that will connect different parts of the port of Palma with a view to improving mobility and reducing road traffic. The initiative comes as part of the Mobility Plan that came about after the redevelopment of the seafront promenade, which is set to finish on 16 April.The president of the APB, Javier Sanz, appeared before the media today to announce the “Bus Nàutic Palma” project, which will operate with a minimum of three lines, offering a sustainable transport alternative for residents, port workers and tourists. The initial fleet will consist of at least four low-emission vessels, each with a capacity of 100 passengers. The fares will offer discounts to frequent passengers, promoting the use of the “Bus Nàutic” as a real sustainable transport alternative.Sanz said the APB came up with this idea to fit in with the new promenade, which is all about “making more space for people to walk, making public areas more natural, and taking the focus away from cars”. That said, as part of its commitment to a sustainable transport model, he added that “the APB has proposed an alternative within its area of competence, namely the port's inland waters".The main stops will include Maritime Station No. 6 on the West Quay, the Poniente Quay, the Golondrinas Quay, Portitxol and the royal steps of the Lonja Quay. The service will operate every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and until midnight on weekends.The APB plans to put the service concession out to public tender shortly, as part of its commitment to decarbonisation and the improvement of urban transport in the port area. The new "Bus Nàutic Palma" will be integrated into a broader Mobility Plan that seeks to transform the port-city area into a more accessible and sustainable space for pedestrians and cyclists. Among the measures planned is the creation of a "hub" or transport node on the Golondrinas quay, where different mobility alternatives such as conventional and electric bicycles, scooters and low-emission vehicles will be concentrated.Completion of the workJavier Sanz has confirmed that the works will be completed on 16 April, just before Easter, as promised by the APB several months ago. He explained that there has been a “change to the schedule” at the request of shopkeepers and residents affected by the works, "so we cannot talk about delays”. He recalled that the initial completion date was December 2014, but in order to ensure that the traders' business was not affected at any time, new deadlines for the paving of the pavements were agreed with each of them. Similarly, the rubbish containers were relocated at the request of local residents and business owners, which meant a further alteration to the planned schedule.Although Sanz acknowledged that there are some outstanding issues in the overall project, "these do not affect the essence of the project, they do not cause any significant inconvenience to users and most of them will be finished by 31 July".The president of the APB has put forward another date, 5 October, as the date for the celebration of "a new space for the people of Palma". The event will feature activities for the whole family, including a charity fun run and various environmental awareness workshops, coinciding with the end of the tourist season for the enjoyment of residents. During the preceding months, initiatives such as tree planting and educational activities will be carried out to familiarise the public with the new space.Mutual benefitsDuring his appearance, Javier Sanz highlighted the benefits that this project, worth close to forty million euros, will bring to both the port and the city. The project is being carried out by a joint venture formed by the Mallorcan companies Melchor Mascaró, Vopsa, Aglomsa and Urbient.The new promenade has completely renovated underground facilities, including improvements to the rainwater and wastewater separation system, modernisation of urban service pipes and optimisation of irrigation water use.In addition, special attention has been paid to the integration of the landscape into the surrounding area, with the planting of nearly two thousand new trees and the expansion of more than 40,000 square metres of green areas. These measures aim to improve environmental quality and create new shaded areas and rest areas for citizens.

Port-city Socio-economic development
Regulated parking in the port of Ibiza ends on 20 March

Regulated parking in the port of Ibiza ends on 20 March

 19/03/2025

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) will end the regulated parking period on Paseo de la Marina and Avenida de Santa Eulalia tomorrow, Thursday 20 March, marking a return to the summer schedule. This permits vehicle access to the South Quay area for loading and unloading between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. and between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.The decision to lift the port barrier during the winter was requested by the Ibiza Town Council to facilitate mobility and parking in the area, and has been in place since autumn 2023. With the economic revival of the port's businesses coinciding with the good weather, the Marina promenade is once again predominantly pedestrianised.

Port-city