Noticias APB | Ports de Balears

"RAMBLA DE MAR", MILLOR IDEA PER A LA REMODELACIÓ DEL CONTRAMOLL-MOLLET DEL PORT DE PALMA

03/10/2018

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has awarded the first prize (€20,000) of the ideas competition regarding the remodelling of the Contramuelle-Mollet at the Port of Palma to the team comprising architects Pere Rabassa and Toni Forteza, and engineer Toni Ramos, for its proposal entitled “Rambla de mar”. The second prize was jointly awarded to the proposal of engineer Javier Bespín and architect Josep Wennberg, entitled “A port obert”, and to that of the architects Juan Palencia and Marta Colón de Carvajal and the engineer Noelia Ruano, entitled “La mar es mi tierra”. Both teams were awarded €10,000 each. The third prize of €5,000 went to the architect David Tapias and the engineer Oscar García for their proposal entitled “La Mirandilla”. For Joan Gual de Torrella, the president of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) and the chair of the panel, the aim of the competition was to bring the city and the sea closer together, “with a discreet change in which citizens notice an improvement, but that suits the current setting”. On conclusion of the competition, governed under its rules, the APB will be able to use any of the ideas submitted in the undertaking of future actions relating to this area at the Port of Palma, without any obligation to form a contractual relationship with the contestants. Furthermore, the APB may push forward the drawing up of any specific construction project in order to incorporate the ideas obtained in this competition. Decision of the judging panel The members of the panel have highlighted the discretion of the winning project, “Rambla del Mar”, as well as the role of the Seafront Promenade as a main element as regards people and vehicles. The proposal entails the demolition of the fish market, merging it into one building with the Maritime Museum. One of the requisites under the rules was to conserve the arches of the Fisherman's Wharf. Forteza and Rabassa integrate the arch-work into the new building proposed, said the panel. “A solution that is not garish and does not excessively change the appearance of the city”. For the members of the panel, this solution brings vessel manufacturing work spaces to mind, “with somewhat timeless architecture and style” and constitutes continuance between the city and the sea promenade it proposes. “A port obert” stands out for the compactness of the building, the liberation of spaces and the suggestive reminder of the Atarazanas building, according to the panel's decision. The other second prize-winner, “La mar es mi tierra”, which envisages an underground parking area, was considered “as it incorporates an element of interest, which is the museum”. The third prize was awarded to the project “La Mirandilla” due, according to the panel, to its “constructive rigour, serious approach, and its unique and coherent image regarding all the buildings considered”. Finally, the panel awarded three honourable mentions or runner-up prizes of €2,500 each to the proposals “Nova Plaza elevada”, by architect Jerónimo Junquera and engineer Macario Fernández “Tela Marinera”, by architects Kevin Penalva, Daniel Abella and María Gómez, and engineers Rafael Pons and Juan José Lemm and “Dits dins la mar”, by architect Eric Jorgensen Roca and engineer Joan Caldentey. Composition of the panel The panel in charge of making the decision comprised the following people: Acting on behalf of the APB: Joan Gual de Torrella and Juan Carlos Plaza, the APB president and his director, respectively, Jorge Nasarre, head of Planning and Sustainability, and María Antonia Ginard, secretary. Acting on behalf of the Council of Palma: Joan Riera, Town Planning Manager, and Pilar Simón, municipal architect. Acting on behalf of the Civil Engineering Association: Pedro Puigdengoles, a director of the association, who acted on his own behalf and on that of Juan Antonio Esteban, another director. Carlos Puente and Guillermo Vázquez, architects appointed by the Official Association of Architects of the Balearic Islands, and Pedro Bonet, architect from the Mallorca Island Council. And finally, Albert Forés, head of the Consorci Museu Marítim de Mallorca.

The APB approves the tender process corresponding to the management of the Cós Nou dry dock at the Port of

28/09/2018

The Board of Directors of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has approved the tender process, including the social clauses of the specifications that were agreed to with the Council of Mahon, relating to the management of the Cós Nou dry dock at the Port of Mahon. The operating area under the award totals 24,591 square metres, of which 18,625 corresponds to land surface area and 5,966 to water. The surface area can be increased at the request of the successful tenderer, which is obliged to reserve a section of the esplanade for vessels measuring eight metres or less. In this area, owners who so request it may exclusively carry out personal maintenance work on their vessel and clean and spray the exterior body work, provided that the current regulations are complied with as regards safety, care and protection of the environment. Furthermore, under the agreement reached with the Council of Mahon, owners of vessels that measure eight metres or less will have access to the inner harbour for lifting and launching purposes using their own means, as well as to the dock ramp. Dry dock services The services that shall be provided at the dry dock include the lifting and launching of vessels, as well as their storage, surveillance and safeguarding on land. The awardee shall manage the occupancy of the port area under the concession and the use of the pit to ground and launch vessels. The APB shall provide the awardee with a 150-tonne travelift that is already being used in the area. The dry dock will have mooring areas in which to repair vessels, as well as a dry marina with at least 150 spaces for vessels of 10 metres or less. It will also have a fuel supple point for large vessels, as well as shops and offices for activities relating to the vessel repair and maintenance sector. The manager will be in charge of collecting selected rubbish and waste, the water supply, electricity, telephones, data transfer and other possible services to be put forward in the tendering stage. In the awarding of the contract, the most beneficial offer will be selected, taking into account the lowest maximum tariffs, improvement of the activity rate and the annual occupancy rate, which stands at €182,976.27, the operating period, which must be under 25 years, and the investment promised by the tenderer.

Plaza des Martell at the Port of Ibiza to be for the exclusive enjoyment of pedestrians

28/09/2018

Access to Plaza des Martell at the Port of Ibiza has been restricted, limiting its use to pedestrians. The aim of this measure is to protect the public space from possible damage caused by inappropriate use and to preserve pedestrian tranquillity and safety. The decision was made as a result of verifying, from its launch, a progressive rise in diverse damage sustained, both on pavements and on existing street furniture, among others. The inappropriate use of this space, such as practices that dirty the area and the use of skateboards, as well as the rise in plaza conservation costs, have concerned citizens wanting to enjoy a peaceful area near the sea where they can take a stroll, rest on the benches and use it as a meeting point. As such, the Port of Ibiza has decided to restrict this space to pedestrians, asking users to respect the existing street furniture and those who want to enjoy the place in a responsible manner. Appropriate signage has been put into place to inform the public of its exclusive pedestrian use. Failure to comply with this restriction may result in fines of up to €600 for actions against the good functioning of port services, in application of Article 65 of the Regulation on Service, Policing and Regime of ports of general interest.

Two works in the port of Mahon tendered for more than five million euros

27/09/2018

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has put two works contracts for the port of Mahon out to tender, which together add up to more than five million euros. One is for the refurbishment of the Levante dock and the other is for the construction of a lift connecting the port to the city. At the end of the useful life of a 65-metre section of the Levante dock, it will be demolished and rebuilt using the construction typology consisting of a covered dock built on pilings, on which the beams and boards will be placed. Underneath the dock, a breakwater slope is planned in order to reduce port agitation by decreasing the reflection coefficient of the waves. This work includes the construction of a drainage pipe, designed to drain the flow of rainwater coming from the city in order to prevent flooding on days of heavy rain. The APB has also commissioned an underwater archaeological intervention campaign to assess the archaeological potential of the area in question and to identify the preventive measures to be taken so as to prevent the works from affecting any possible heritage sites. The tender budget for these works is €4,329,808.41 excluding VAT with a maximum completion period of 10 months. Lift The other works come in response to a request by Mahon City Council with the aim of connecting the city to the port, bridging the existing gap due to the drop separating the two. This objective for the city of Mahon was the reason why an agreement was signed between the APB and Mahon City Council, in which they agreed upon the installation of a vertical lift to facilitate access to the town centre from the Costa de ses Voltes, as well as the consolidation of the cliff area where this lift will be placed. The construction of the lift will mean it will be easier for residents and tourists to move between the port and the old town. The 25.5 metre drop separating them will therefore be bridged and a walkway placed on the upper access. The tender budget for these works is €1,042,315.88 excluding VAT and the maximum completion period is 9 months. The tenders for both works are published on the APB's Electronic Tender Portal: https://seu.portsdebalears.gob.es/contratae/

The Balearic Islands Port Authority donates a fire engine to the Fire Brigade of the Formentera Council to reinforce safety at the Port of Savina

26/09/2018

The Chairman of the Balearic Islands Port Authority, Joan Gual de Torrella, and the Chairman of the Island Council of Formentera, Jaume Ferrer, have formalised this morning the donation of a fire engine to the Formentera Fire Brigade, with a signing ceremony at the Balearic Islands Port Authority central offices in Palma. The donation of this fire fighting vehicle is part of the cooperation agreement signed between both institutions on 18 December 2014 with the purpose of contributing towards the safety of the Port of Savina, in terms of fire prevention, fire fighting, rescue and civil protection. The lorry is currently in Seville, where it has been adapted so as to be used in emergencies. It should arrive on the island in the next few days. In addition to the lorry, the Balearic Islands Port Authority has provided the Formentera Fire Brigade with the amount of €10,000 for the acquisition of material for specific emergency action in ports. The fire engine acquired by the Balearic Islands Port Authority is a light vehicle equipped with a hydraulic platform and tanker, and has been allocated to the company Iturri, S.A. with a budget of €191,000. With this action the Balearic Islands Port Authority continues with its strategy to sign agreements with the local island councils, in order to reinforce the resources available to fight fires in these installations and elevate to the maximum level the safety of port facilities.

A COMMITTEE OF EXPERTS ASSESSES THE SEVEN PROPOSALS SUBMITTED FOR THE REFURBISHMENT OF THE SEAFRONT PROMENADE OF PALMA

21/09/2018

The committee of experts has convened today at the headquarters of the Balearic Port Authority (APB). It is tasked with evaluating the candidate teams in order to produce the construction project of the new refurbishment of the Seafront Promenade of Palma. A total of seven proposals were presented based on the preliminary design produced by the Town Hall of Palma to convert the current port road into a pedestrian-friendly boulevard. At its meeting today, the committee of experts began to assess the technical and aesthetic criteria with a maximum score of eighty per cent. The remaining twenty per cent will relate to the economic proposals, which will be known on 10 October when the sealed bids are opened. The committee of experts is chaired by Juan Antonio Santamera, Chairman of the Civil Engineering Association, Joan Riera, Urban Planning Manager of the Town Hall of Palma, Martín Lucena, representative of the Official Association of Architects of the Balearic Islands, Carles Llop, architect and teacher at the Superior Technical School of Architecture of Barcelona (ETSAB) and director of the Land and Urban Planning Department of the Territory of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC ) and finally Jorge Nasarre, head of Planning and Sustainability of the APB.

Joan Gual, the President of APB, defends the specialist handling of cruise tourism at the Seatrade Cruise fair in Lisbon

20/09/2018

During the course of the round table organised at the 2018 Sea Trade Cruise Med fair in Lisbon, the President of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB), Joan Gual de Torrella, has backed specialist services by each of the agents who intervene in the cruise tourism sector. In this way, Gual explained that the APB offers a service to shipping companies, and the destination area is responsible for creating and providing a complementary tourist service. This additional service, therefore, should be characterised by each location and the shipping companies should be able to adapt to each one. “Palma has gone from being the capital of a tourist destination to being a tourist capital”. That’s how Gual summarised the growth of the capital of Mallorca, which now provides highly specialised commerce and accommodation for its visitors, with boutique hotels and luxury shops. The president of the APB stressed that 40 years ago, the members of the Balearics, Chambers of Commerce, local councils and Parliament pinpointed the development of cruise tourism as an area of growth and urged the APB to invest in infrastructure to make this possible. Therefore, little by little, this tourism sector has grown, culminating in the last five years with the Balearic Islands positioned as the second most popular cruise destination in Spain, and the fourth in the Mediterranean. Gual highlighted that the APB has fulfilled its investment cycle, with the development of construction projects and renovation of the port infrastructure, together with national and international promotion campaigns. They have also taken on studies and support for this tourist product, even leading tasks which fall outside of their field of knowledge and skills expertise, as they have more to do with managing tourist infrastructure on land. “Now, it is necessary for each party to contribute its best skills and abilities. The group of public and private entities specialised in tourism must define and undertake a common strategy, using all the additional services the ports can provide”, stated the President of the APB. Gual underlined the need for specialised management and has stated that “the port will guarantee the best service to the shipping industry, with port operations of the highest quality, while at the same time taking care of the environment by working together with companies to minimise and correct any effects on it”. The APB in Lisbon The main aim of the APB’s presence at this Sea Trade Cruise fair in Lisbon has been to promote the port of Mahon as a high-end, exclusive destination, in order to attract the medium cruise ship sector which fits the tourist services Menorca can provide. The delegation from the Balearic Islands which attended the Seatrade fair made up of Héctor Pons, representing the Mahon local council, Jorge Nasarre, APB Head of Planning and Sustainability and Xisca Leal, APB Sales also welcomed María Ornella Chacón, President of the State Ports, at their Balearic Ports stand.

THE UIB FINISHES THE FIELDWORK TO FIND OUT THE STATUS OF THE POSIDONIA IN THE EXTERNAL WATERS OF THE APB PORTS

18/09/2018

The University of the Balearic Islands (UIB) has completed the fieldwork to study the status of the Posidonia oceanica in the external waters (zone II) of the five ports of general interest managed by the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) (Palma, Alcudia, Mahon, Ibiza and la Savina) and is concluding the analysis of the factors that could affect its proper maintenance and the protection of biodiversity. The results of this study are expected to be presented next November, which will provide information on the current status of the seabed and, in turn, the possible causes of its deterioration. This work is being carried out by the University-Business Foundation of the Balearic Islands (FUEIB), with the aim of finding out the status of the seagrass and studying the possible measures required for its protection. This project, with an allocated budget of one hundred and eight thousand euros, includes the development of software that alerts sailors to potentially critical areas of Posidonia oceanica in zone II of the ports managed by APB and also the development of a computer application that sailors can download to receive alerts on low points where there is danger of grounding. During the fieldwork, information was gathered on the historical distribution of Posidonia oceanica in the external zones belonging to the ports of the APB and the study zones were marked out. In addition, parameter monitoring data were obtained in order to objectively and rigorously assess the conservation status of this aquatic plant. The UIB is currently analysing these results, along with the processing of multiple biomarker and bioindicator samples, and also the determination and quantification of dissolved nutrients. Background information In recent years, the APB has carried out studies and work in order to understand the possible impact generated by port activity, in accordance with its environmental policy, which is part of a management system certified by ISO 14001. In response to the request from the Mediterranean Sailors Association (ADN), the President of the APB, Joan Gual de Torrella, in 2017, commissioned the UIB to conduct a study to analyse the status of the Posidonia oceanica in the external waters (Zone II) of the ports it manages and also the factors that can affect its proper conservation. This study aims to find out, in the most documented and thorough manner possible, the status of the situation and what action is required to protect the seabed.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE PORT AUTHORITY OF THE BALEARIC ISLANDS AND THE MAYOR OF PALMA TOUR THE RIA DE HUELVA PROMENADE AS A MODEL TO BE APPLIED IN THE CAPITAL OF MALLORCA

13/09/2018

The presidents of the Port Authorities of Huelva and the Balearic Islands, José Luis Ramos and Joan Gual de Torrella, along with the mayors of Palma and Huelva, Antoni Noguera and Gabriel Cruz, held a meeting at the Port of Huelva facilities in order to learn about and analyse the Port-City model and urban development project implemented by the Port of Huelva along the Ria Promenade in order to apply this model in the capital of Mallorca. As part of this delegation, a team of experts from both entities participated in the session. Accordingly, the president of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands stated that, “the port of Palma is going to experience a radical transformation in which the public will play the leading role. The port of Palma,” he added, “is an urban port and Palma is a port city, so the integration of these spaces must be as friendly as possible”. According to José Luis Ramos, the Ria Promenade represents “a role model of urban development in opening up the port to the city of Huelva, making it the perfect setting for all the city’s inhabitants to enjoy, bolstering tourism and economic growth in the city”. He highlighted that the Ria Promenade is “a strong commitment to the combination of sustainability and port-city integration, enabling the public to come to the estuary and enjoy nature in the Marismas de Odiel Natural Area”. The mayor of Huelva noted that “thanks to the Port, Huelva has opened up to the sea through a public space that offers new healthy recreational options for everyone. It’s not just about bringing the city closer to the estuary, but rather, placing our resources, the sea, at the disposal of the citizens of Huelva in order to make a direct impact to enhance the quality of life in the city”. Thus, Gabriel Cruz acknowledged that, “the Port is one of the most significant drivers of infrastructure and investments made in Huelva in recent years,” asserting that, “in the economic model that the Huelva City Council implemented in December for the city's development and progress, the Port of Huelva is one of the mainstays”. The mayor of Palma, Antoni Noguera, stated that over the course of the visit “together with the city of Huelva, its port authority and the City Council we have seen an example for gaining an emblematic space such as the Ria Promenade, and they have explained to us the process, construction and philosophy behind this model”. He emphasised that, “this is a perfect model for the city of Palma and its seafront promenade, which is currently a highway, but which we aim to transform into a core element of the city and green space for the public to enjoy”. After the meeting held at the Port Authority offices, the delegation toured the Ria Promenade facilities and the expansion work being done at the junction between the Tinto Docks and the Levante Pier to gain first-person insight about this urban planning project in order to apply it to the remodelling project to be undertaken for the Palma Seafront Promenade in the Balearic port. Thus, the port authorities of the two cities have commenced a partnership for port-city development, integrating cities and their port areas, and tourism growth. The Ria Promenade, located on the left bank of the Odiel River, spans a length of more than one thousand two hundred fifty metres and is eighty metres wide. This space, which was awarded in 2016 the Andalusia Urban Development Prize, in the category of best project executed, granted by the Regional Department of the Environment and Land Planning of the Government of Andalusia, is part of a major project in the Port of Huelva aimed at the modernisation and environmental recovery of the left bank of the Odiel River. Here, local plant species have been planted and a pedestrian path has been created, extending four kilometres from Sebo Point to the Tinto Dock, where the latest expansion work is underway on the section running toward the old Pertrechos Dock. This expansion leads from Ria Promenade to the heart of the city, prolonging this emblematic project within the strategic approach of proximity and integration of the port into the city of Huelva.

THE PORT AUTHORITY OF THE BALEARIC ISLANDS PURCHASES TEN ELECTRIC SCOOTERS FOR THE FLEET OF VEHICLES AT ITS PORTS OF GENERAL INTEREST

13/09/2018

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has purchased a total of ten electric scooters for its fleet of vehicles, four of which are for the port police service at the port of Palma, three for the port of Ibiza (one for maintenance purposes and two for the port police), two for the port police at the port of La Savina and, lastly, one unit for the port police at the port of Mahon. With the aim of promoting respect for the environment, the APB has chosen these ten electric scooters (Silence S02 by Scutum, Police model) with a range of one hundred and twenty-five kilometres and maximum speed of eighty-five kilometres per hour. The S02 Police model is fully equipped with regenerative motor brake, special police fairing with light kit, a special-size wind deflector screen and megaphone. In addition, they have removable batteries that allow for quick charging and battery exchange to ensure the scooter is always ready to go. This purchase marks another step forward in the APB's commitment to adapting the vehicles in the ports of general interest it manages to low-consumption models that are environmentally friendly. This tender was awarded to the company Autos Mistalia, S.L. with a budget of eighty-five thousand two hundred and seventy euros.

THE APB INSTALLS MOBILE SPEED DETECTORS TO CONTROL MAXIMUM SAILING SPEEDS IN THE PORTS OF IBIZA AND LA SAVINA

11/09/2018

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) is installing mobile speed detectors in the ports of Ibiza and La Savina to regulate and control the maximum sailing speeds in the waters at these two ports of general interest. The measure was implemented this week and will be tested until mid-October. Checks are being carried out by Port Police officers on a random basis. The Ibiza and Formentera ports are the first to implement this mobile speed control system, although the APB plans to extend it to the rest of the ports it manages. Once the trial period is over, the Port Police will proceed to report any potential offenders in line with this speed control method using mobile radars. The APB has reminded both the shipping companies and nautical facilities at the ports of Ibiza and La Savina of the fact that there are port ordinances in force establishing the regulation of maximum sailing speeds in the waters of both ports and has also provided them with the areas for their application. Port ordinances The aim of these port ordinances is to regulate the maximum sailing speeds of ships and vessels at ports. The Port of Ibiza has two areas of application: the Botafoc dock and the Interior dock. In the Botafoc dock area, the maximum speed for any type of ship or vessel is set at eight knots or steerageway speed, while in the interior dock, the maximum speed is six knots or steerageway speed. In the port of La Savina, the ordinance also establishes two areas of application however, in this case a distinction is made between the internal water area (zone I) and the external water area (zone II). In Zone I, the maximum sailing speed for any type of ship or vessel is set at six knots or steerageway speed. While in zone II, the maximum speed is fifteen knots, which will need to be gradually reduced in approach courses until reaching a maximum of six knots or steerageway speed, when approaching the entrance of the port.

THE PORT AUTHORITY OF THE BALEARIC ISLANDS INSTALLS PORTABLE AWNINGS AT THE PORTS OF IBIZA AND LA SAVINA

11/09/2018

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has launched an upgrade plan for the creation of portable shaded areas at the ports of Ibiza and La Savina. At present, a total of ten portable units have been installed (with a surface area of three by five metres and around two metres high) in order to provide shade and shelter in the port service areas. These portable awnings have been placed in passenger loading and unloading areas, at bus and taxi stops and in the surroundings of the La Savina and Formentera harbour stations at the port of Ibiza. This is a pilot test in order for the APB to try out (both in terms of effectiveness and aesthetics) this type of portable awning used to provide protection from the sun and rain, according to the requirements of the season. This measure has been implemented in September as it is considered a variable month in terms of weather (with both sunny and rainy days) and will be on trial throughout the whole month. The cost of renting these portable awnings is fifteen thousand euros, with the possibility of purchasing them if they are successful. Shade for taxis It is also worth mentioning that Ibiza City Council has installed marquees to provide shelter for customers at the taxi rank at the temporary Botafoc harbour station at the port of Ibiza.