Noticias APB | Ports de Balears

THE APB EXTENDS ENVIRONMENTAL AND NOISE POLLUTION CONTROLS TO THE PORTS OF IBIZA, LA SAVINA, ALCUDIA AND MAHON

14/06/2019

The APB (Port Authority of the Balearic Islands) has awarded a contract to Kunak-Labaqua to implement a system that monitors air quality and noise pollution at the ports belonging to the APB. As such, the APB meets its commitment to extend to the ports of general interest of Alcudia, Mahon, Ibiza and la Savina, the air quality control that has been undertaken at the Port of Palma since 2017. The budget of the contract awarded to the joint venture comprising Kunak-Labaqua, amounts to around €443,589.81 and will last for two years. Within a maximum period of six months, the contracted company will supply and install 25 systems with sensors to monitor the air quality and noise pollution at the ports of the APB. The data collected by these systems will be immediately recorded and incorporated into a software platform made available to the APB. Eight new systems will be installed at the Port of Palma, replacing those currently in operation, six at Ibiza, four at Mahon and Alcudia, and three at the Port of la Savina. The systems have remote connectivity using the GPRS or 4G communication networks so that they can transmit information in real time. Furthermore, they also incorporate a calibration mechanism that helps to make remote adjustments. The systems continuously take samples and calculate the average concentration of emissions and noise levels during a specific period of time. The monitoring stations will be equipped with alarms for each parameter that will be activated when environmental or noise pollution exceeds the thresholds or maximum limits. The aim is to create reports and light indicators that help in determining the actions and measures to take at any given time, whether gradually or immediately. In 2015, the APB signed a collaboration agreement with the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB). In 2016, it awarded a contract to the University-Business Foundation to provide technical assistance in designing and supporting the implementation of a network measuring pollution and noise at the Port of Palma. The network was implemented in 2017. Furthermore, it also took charge of the estimate and the ideal location of the sensors at all of the ports managed by the APB. The APB allows the public to see the air quality at the Port of Palma on the website www.portsdebalears.com. There is a control panel on the website that is updated eight times a day and collects the average hourly value of the stations at the Port of Palma. The APB, in accordance with its environmental policy, has designed an environmental management system that has recently been certified by AENOR. One of its main aims is to monitor air quality, by measuring emissions in the air at different areas at the port, and noise levels.

THE PORT AUTHORITY OF THE BALEARIC ISLANDS ACQUIRES FIVE NEW HYBRID VEHICLES

13/06/2019

The APB (Port Authority of the Balearic Islands) has purchased five new 100% electric vehicles that are to join its fleet, which is already largely made up of more environmentally-friendly cars: hybrid and fully electric vehicles, depending on each case. As such, and as part of its commitment to the environment, the APB is gradually renewing its fleet by incorporating less polluting vehicles. The company, Multiauto, won the public contract put out to tender by the APB that regarded the acquisition of three sedan vehicles for institutional and port police use, which will be allocated to the ports of Palma, Mahon and Ibiza. Furthermore, two vans will also be acquired, at a total cost of 175,000 euros, that will be allocated to the Port of Ibiza. The make and model of the vehicles are: 3 Nissan NV2000 and 2 Nissan Leaf.

THE PORT AUTHORITY OF THE BALEARIC ISLANDS INVITES YOU TO THE TENTH EDITION OF ITS PAINTING AND PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION IN COLLABORATION WITH THE CÍRCULO DE BELLAS ARTES IN PALMA DE MALLORCA

04/06/2019

For the tenth consecutive year, the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) is organising and sponsoring a new edition of its contest dedicated to paintings and photography of the ports in Palma, Alcudia, Mahon, Ibiza and La Savina, as well as the islands' lighthouses. The overall aim is to display the cultural heritage of the ports and their surrounding environment from an artistic point of view. All painters and photographers will be able to participate in the competition if they meet the rules of the tender, provided that the works presented are related to the theme. These works will be split into three categories: watercolour, other painting techniques and photography. The first prize winner for the latter will be awarded with 800 euros, while those in the other categories will receive 2000 euros each. Once the prizes have been presented, the APB intends to display all competition entries in Palma throughout December 2019 and January 2020, while the works presented in Mahon and on the Pityusic Islands will be on show for the first five months of 2020 on the islands of Mallorca and Ibiza. Information and Terms and Conditions Those interested in taking part will be able to submit their entries Monday to Friday, between 09:00 and 14:00 from 1 to 31 October 2019. For further information and Terms and Conditions visit www.portsdebalears.com.

A European delegation visits the ports of Palma and Alcudia to study, in the Balearic Islands, ways of compensating goods and passenger transport

03/06/2019

A delegation from the islands of Corsica and Sardinia has been on a two-day technical visit, under the framework of the European Interreg Programme, in the Balearic Islands. This action forms part of the GEECCTT-Îles (GEstion Européenne Conjointe des Connexions/Transports Transfrontaliers pour les Îles) project, led by Italy and France. The regions that benefit from this project are Corsica and Var in France, and Sardinia, Tuscany and Liguria in Italy. The aim of the technical visit to the Balearic Islands is to analyse mobility in terms of island to island and island to continental territories. The systems used by the administrations are to be analysed to compensate goods and passenger transportation, taking into consideration the fact that being isolated entails an additional cost and competitive hinderance for companies in such locations, while also making mobility difficult for citizens. At the technical meeting, representatives of the Balearic government, the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB), the Government of Spain, the Maritime Authority, the Chamber of Commerce of Mallorca and of shipping companies that operate around the islands were in attendance with the French and Italian delegation. Xavier Ramis, managing director of ports and airports of the Balearic Government, explained that the aim of the encounter was to address the reality of transportation on island territories of the European Union. “We are not just talking about economic problems. We are also taking about those arising from territorial disconnectivity. Europe and state governments are not sensitive enough to that situation. We are looking to analyse the different systems applied in each island territory to compensate for costs and the situation”. Furthermore, Joseph Basu, head of European services at the Corsica Transport Office, said that mutual collaboration between island regions, which share similar problems, may be beneficial for all of them. “We are here to take note of what works well for the Balearic Islands, what works well for Sardinia and what works well for Corsica in order to find a single solution that can adapt to all of them,” said Basu. Ramis gave a reminder that Europe has to approve the regulation that will govern transport grants up to 2024 and, in that respect, “this encounter must serve to set out a joint policy before the European Union so as to adapt the rules and regulations”. Over the two days, the different methods that apply to each region have been analysed, “as we have all given a different answer and none has been sufficient or definitive enough to see that citizens of island regions can access minimum services that other citizens in continental territories can,” said Ramis. The visit of the European delegation started on Monday and will continue until Tuesday. In addition to the technical meetings, the delegation will visit ports in Alcudia and Palma with the collaboration of APB.

THE APB WILL HOST THE MAIN COMMEMORATIVE EVENTS OF THE FIRST EDITION OF WORLD MARINE AIDS TO NAVIGATION DAY

17/05/2019

The International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) has designated 1 July of each year as World Marine Aids to Navigation Day. This first year, in conjunction with Puertos del Estado (the Spanish State-owned Port System) and the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB), IALA has chosen Palma as the venue for the main events on this day. The main events held in relation to this first edition of World Marine Aids to Navigation Day will take place in the capital city of the Balearic Islands, and will be divided into two sessions, one related to technical topics and the other dealing with institutional issues. During the conference, in which Francis Zachariae, secretary general of IALA, has confirmed his participation, debates and discussions will take place under the motto of “Successful Voyages, Sustainable Planet” revolving around the present and future challenges of marine aids to navigation for enhanced safety in navigation and maritime traffic within an increasingly digital setting that is constantly changing, while at the same time ensuring the sustainability of the marine environment. Coinciding with World Marine Aids to Navigation Day, large numbers of lighthouses and some sirens will be simultaneously lit up and activated throughout Spain for half an hour, starting at twelve noon. The APB will also take part in this initiative with all 34 of the lighthouses it runs on the Balearic Islands. Open day events In parallel to this, the APB is organising an open day including guided tours of the permanent Maritime Signalling Exhibition at the Porto Pí Lighthouse in the Port of Palma, as well as informative workshops open to the general public. The lighthouse facilities at the Cap Gros and Cap Blanc lighthouses on Mallorca, and the Favàritx lighthouse on Menorca will also be open to the public on this day. In addition, each of the 28 port authorities will carry out activities within the geographic space assigned to them in relation to marine aids to navigation with the aim of raising awareness about this service to society, such as open days at certain lighthouses, conferences, photography competitions and other initiatives. Anyone interested may check the websites of each port authority, as well as other media venues, to learn about how to participate in these activities.

THE APB ORGANISES IN IBIZA THE 8TH INTERNAL LEGAL CONFERENCE ON THE STATE PORTS-OWNED PORT SYSTEM

10/05/2019

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) and Puertos del Estado [State Ports] organised the 8th Internal Legal Conference on the State Ports-owned Port System, which took place in Ibiza on 9th and 10thMay. The State Attorney General, Consuelo Castro de Rey, and the president of the APB, Joan Gual de Torrella, were in charge of presenting and opening the conference. The president of the APB welcomed the attendees, highlighting the opportunity these types of conferences provide for sharing mutual knowledge between ports "with models that are very different to one another". The State Attorney General showed her gratitude for being able to chair the conference, which she pointed out is of great benefit for all professionals working in collaboration between the ports and the State Legal Service. In this sense, she stated that this conference stands out due to the carefully-chosen topics to be dealt with and the quality of the speakers. In this annual conference coordinated by the Deputy Director of State Ports Legal Services, José Antonio Morillo, the following topics were discussed over the two days: the latest developments on law and procurement in the port system, the experience of the APB in the implementation of electronic administration and procurement, and also the rethinking of judicial control over the administration's actions, among others. The extensive programme planned for these two days, which included the participants visiting the ports of Ibiza and La Savina, came to a close with the intervention of prominent speakers and experts in the field of Port Law such as Daniel Sarmiento, lawyer in the firm Uría-Menéndez, Mario Díaz Millán, Technical General Vice-Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works, and Rafael Fernández Valverde, Judge of the Supreme Court and member of the General Council of the Judiciary, among other noteworthy professionals. Participating in this 8th conference were representatives of the State Legal Service, State Ports, the port authorities of Avilés, Bilbao, Motril, Vigo, Castellón, Santander, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Gijón, Bahía de Algeciras, Ceuta, Tarragona, A Coruña, Alicante, Las Palmas, Cartagena, Valencia and the Balearic Islands, as well as independent professionals.

THE APB WILL BEGIN IMPROVEMENT WORKS IN SEPTEMBER ON THE CRUISE SHIP DOCK AT THE PORT OF MAHON

02/05/2019

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) will begin the improvement works on the cruise ship dock at the Port of Mahon in September, to not disrupt the activities of these ships during the tourist season, after awarding the works to Vías y Construcciones, S.A. for 4,490,405.34 euros. This construction company will start work on the refurbishment and structural improvement of the east mooring of the cruise ship dock at the Port of Mahon on 10 September 2019. Specifically, it will rebuild the central 63-metre section of the mooring, which in total is 575 metres long, rebuilding the posts that support the main structure. These posts have seen significant wear over time, as this part of the mooring was built in the 70s. These works will guarantee the useful life of the mooring for the next fifty years, ensuring a quality service for vessels of over 239 metres in length. In 2019, the Port of Mahon will receive seventy stopovers of cruise ships with approximately 51,834 passengers.

THE APB JOINS THE BASURALEZA CAMPAIGN TO RAISE AWARENESS AT MARINAS

26/04/2019

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) took part today in a presentation of the LIBERA project, launched by the Spanish Ornithological Society (SEO/Birdlife) in alliance with Ecoembes. The key message of the campaign is to not throw waste into the sea, as our litter will be the only thing that survives (“No tires residuos al mar. En el fondo lo único que sobrevive es tu basura”). This is an awareness-raising campaign that seeks to stop littering at ports and to provide solutions for the community of people who use sports vessels. This presentation, which took place at the 36th Palma International Boat Show, marks the beginning of three days of meetings and round tables. At this event, the LIBERA project, in collaboration with the Reina Sofía Foundation and the APB, will provide information about basuraleza (a term coined to represent the concept of littered nature). There will also be a range of workshops for all parties involved in port activities, to promote good practices at marinas and to reduce the dumping of waste into the sea.

THE PORT AUTHORITY OF THE BALEARIC ISLANDS AWARDS THE WORKS OF THE BOTAFOC HARBOUR STATION AT THE PORT OF IBIZA

17/04/2019

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has awarded the works for the Botafoc Harbour Station, at the Port of Ibiza, to the temporary consortium Comsa-MB, with a budget of €16,330,960.06. The works will commence in May and are scheduled to last 18 months. The new building, which seeks to recreate traditional Ibiza architecture using straight lines, the colour white and reddish sandstone, will provide all the necessary services so as to satisfy the needs of passengers, with compliance of safety and accessibility measures its top priority. It will offer its users extensive waiting room areas, as well as separate boarding and disembarkation areas, and all the amenities needed to ensure that passengers receive the comfort sought, in addition to being able to simultaneously provide service to up to six ships. With regard to the characteristics of the new harbour station, it will be located between the North and South piers of Botafoc, approximately 30 metres from the sea. It will have a built-up surface area of 6,580 metres, which includes two floors and the mezzanine. The ground floor will house the pre-boarding services and security controls, while the offices will be located in the mezzanine. The top floor will consist of a walkable roof providing access to the boarding walkways. Consensual project The final project for the new harbour station emanates from the project that won an ideas competition, the jury of which comprised the Ibiza City Council, the Balearic Islands Business Association of Entrepreneurs engaged in Maritime Activities (APEAM), the Association of Architects, the Civil Engineering Association of the Balearic Islands, and the APB. Finally, the project that was put out to tender by the APB received the approval of the Town Planning Department of the Ibiza City Council. This infrastructure completes the objective established in the Infrastructure Master Plan of the Port of Ibiza, which sets forth the transfer of the city’s most disruptive port operations to the Botafoc docks, namely the boarding and disembarkation of cargo and regular passenger traffic, and in this manner ease congestion at the Levante dock, today the Marine promenade.

THE PORT AUTHORITY OF THE BALEARIC ISLANDS ACQUIRES FOUR NEW HYBRID VEHICLES

15/04/2019

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has acquired four new Toyota Prius Plus Hybrid vehicles for the port police at the Port of Palma, which will become operational this week. In the near future, the APB is also considering purchasing another five vehicles, this time 100% electric, in order to renew its fleet with more efficient and environmentally-friendly cars. Charging points for these cars have therefore been set up at the port facilities. The budget for the acquisition of the vehicles was 138,454 euros and has been awarded to Multiauto Palma, S. L., by means of a public tender.

THE PORT AUTHORITY OF THE BALEARIC ISLANDS AND THE SPANISH INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY SIGN THE AGREEMENT THAT WILL ALLOW THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW IEO HEADQUARTERS IN THE PORT OF PALMA

29/03/2019

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) and the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) today signed the agreement that allows the use of the former Navy's commissary site in the port of Palma for the construction of the new IEO-Oceanographic Centre of the Balearic Islands, as well as the necessary facilities to develop its activities and its subsequent use and maintenance. To this end, the conditions through which the IEO may occupy a 1,868 square-metre lot in the public area of the port are set out, needed for the execution of the works regarding the new headquarters, as well as the public port areas that are affected by the facility, during the time required for its use and term. The agreement has a term of 35 years from today, and a maximum term of nine months is established for the IEO to submit the construction project. As regards the term of execution of the works, this may not be more than three years after it is approved by the APB. New headquarters The Director of the IEO, Eduardo Balguerías Guerra, recalled that there is a core architectural project for the future building and for which they will receive a grant from the Directorate General for Innovation of the Balearic Government of three million euros from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). For the director of the IEO-Oceanographic Centre of the Balearic Islands, Toni Quetglas, an important step has been taken today for the construction of a new space for the research body, since its current headquarters, also located in the port of Palma, in the gardens of the Paraires docks, is now too small and cannot be expanded due to building protection laws. Regarding the port, the president of the APB, Joan Gual de Torrella, has highlighted the importance of reconverting the Old Dock of the port of Palma into a research centre and bringing it closer to the public.

THE APB FINALISES THE REFURBISHMENT WORK ON THE LLEBEIG LIGHTHOUSE ON SA DRAGONERA

26/03/2019

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has finalised the refurbishment works on the Llegbeig Lighthouse, located in the southeast of Sa Dragonera Island. The works included upgrading its roof, replacing the lantern and restoring the tower of the main building and its attached warehouse. Their poor state of conservation made the action by APB necessary. The APB awarded the work contract to Obras y Pavimentaciones Man, S.A.U., entailing a total investment of 513,164.19 euros (VAT included). A total of 6 workers, and on occasions up to 10, worked on the project for a period of 6 months. As accessing the lighthouse is difficult, a helicopter had to be used to remove rubble and other elements, such as the lantern and the dome. This was the third time that the APB had used this aircraft for a lighthouse in the Balearic Islands. The helicopter was last used in a project on the Bleda Plana Lighthouse in Ibiza (2009) and for delivering new batteries to the same island of Sa Dragonera. The new lantern, which is a copy of the old one, was made from stainless steel to increase its resistance to saltwater and to ensure it is long-lasting. In fact, the exterior metal structure of the old lantern was suffering from significant rusting and its base also had to be reconstructed. The dome, which weighs 1,100 kg, and the vibrant structure that sustains it, which weighs around a tonne, were transferred separately due to the weight limitations of the helicopter. Furthermore, the old lantern will form part of the Maritime Signalling Exhibition at the Porto Pí Lighthouse once restored. Island of the three lighthouses It is worth remembering that the Sa Dragonera Island has two active lighthouses, the Llebeig Lighthouse in the southeast and the Tramuntana Lighthouse in the northeast. The APB has previously undertaken work on both lighthouses, which included removing the solar power batteries and clearing the weeds from its surrounding area. The refurbishment of the main building's tower and the warehouse of the Llegbeig Lighthouse was required due to the really poor state of conservation the buildings were in. The attached warehouse was in the worst state, as it had lost part of its roof and interior walls. The building, which was used as a home up until 1973, also need sufficient maintenance. The third lighthouse, which is no longer used, is that of Na Pòpia, which was at one time the highest lighthouse built above sea level in Spain.