News APB | Ports de Balears

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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