News APB | Ports de Balears

The APB stands firmly behind the new Code of Ethics to promote responsible, quality leisure pursuits on Palma's seafront promenade

26/09/2024

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has supported the signing of a new Code of Ethics backed by the Balearic Association of Leisure and Entertainment (ABONE) in collaboration with Palma City Council. The agreement aims to promote a quality leisure sector that respects the rights of those living in the vicinity of the Passeig Marítim and Santa Catalina district to rest. The Code of Ethics establishes a series of commitments aimed at improving coexistence, reducing noise and deterring uncivil behaviour. The measures include active surveillance in entertainment venues and cooperation with the authorities to ensure an atmosphere that is safe and respectful of the neighbourhood environment. Toni Ginard, director of the APB, underlines the entity's commitment to achieving a balance between port activity and the well-being of citizens, highlighting the importance of initiatives such as this in shaping the joint progress of both the city and its port. "Our dedication to promoting port-city projects extends beyond urban planning. We believe that progress is only possible when there is a balance between port operations and the welfare of the citizens. Therefore, our strategic objectives include improving air and water quality, as well as reducing noise in our ports”. The agreement reiterates the commitment of all stakeholders to improving the quality of life in the Palma area by promoting a local leisure sector that is more responsible and considerate of the neighbouring community.

Port-city

As part of its efforts to decarbonise the ports in the Balearic Islands, the APB has started work on its second shoreside electrical connection point

23/09/2024

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has awarded the contract for the construction of a shoreside electrical connection point for ships in the port of Alcúdia. This will be the second of these systems, known as OPS (or cold ironing), to be installed by the APB in the general interest ports it manages. The technology is already in regular use in the port of Palma, where it reduces the impact of noise and air pollution while the ships are moored in the port. In preparation for 2030, the APB plans to invest around 100 million euros in electrifying the docks of the five general interest ports to provide power for ferries and cruise ships. In addition to the two mentioned above in the ports of Palma and Alcúdia, the contracts for the installation of two more points in the port of Ibiza and another in the port of Mahón will be awarded shortly. At the same time, four more points are being planned in the ports of Palma and Ibiza, one more in each of the ports of Mahón and Alcúdia and another in the port of La Savina for the scheduled traffic between Ibiza and Formentera. The European Union is financing 40% of the cost of these investments through the NextGeneration funds. The president of the APB, Javier Sanz, stressed that the port authority's "decisive push" to electrify the docks is being driven by the fact that it will have a direct effect on the process of decarbonising port operations and, therefore, on "environmental sustainability", but also "on the well-being of the port's neighbouring residents, who will notice a significant reduction in noise when ships are in port". Alcúdia’s OPS This September, UTE Infraestructura Elect was awarded the contract for the installation of a shoreside electrical connection point on the Ponent quays in the port of Alcúdia for a budget of 2.6 million euros and with a nine-month completion period. The installation will be able to supply power to ferries at medium voltage (1,600 kW) and will later be completed with another low-voltage connection (800 kW), which will open up the service to fast ferries.

Environment and CSR Next Generation UE Transport and infrastructure

APB to invest €30 million in the Port of Alcúdia by 2030

16/09/2024

Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) plans to earmark €30 million between now and 2030 for the Port of Alcúdia, including €15 million to be spent in three years during the period from 2025 to 2028. The most important projects include the construction of an electrical shore connection point for ferries at a cost of €2.6 million, financed with European funds. The President of the APB, Javier Sanz, and his team are in Alcúdia today, where they have met with the Town Council and various sectors of the port community to listen, learn and act on the most important issues affecting the port. They have dealt with topics related to public investment in the port of Alcúdia and commitments to action by the port body. The actions aimed at improving the energy efficiency of public lighting, budgeted at €1 million, and the adaptation for energy self-sufficiency of the Maritime Station of the Port of Alcúdia, budgeted at €1.4 million, also deserve a special mention. Networking session After meeting with the port communities of the ports of Maó, Eivissa and La Savina, a networking session is now continuing with the second port of general interest on the island of Mallorca, managed by the APB. According to Javier Sanz, this commitment to “maintaining a fluid and constant dialogue with the port communities pursues the objective of checking out the current situation of the ports and therefore responding to the needs of the different sectors”. Fina Linares, the Mayoress of Alcúdia, said that this meeting, “together with the coordination meetings held every three months, show that there is a clear desire to collaborate between the Town Council and the APB in order to continue improving our port and the surrounding area”. Linares highlighted that more than 50 litter bins have been installed on the promenade, as well as the improved maintenance of the area and the lighting, “as well as other actions which will undoubtedly improve the quality of life of our citizens”. Along with the municipal representatives, the APB has met with other entities directly related to the port, such as the fishermen's guild, the shipping agencies, Alcudiamar, harbour staff, the Restaurant Association, as well as the APB staff assigned to the port of Alcudia

Port-city Transport and infrastructure Socio-economic development

The APB recommences work on the footbridge that will connect Cala Corb with the Pons quay in the port of Maó

12/09/2024

In October, the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) will resume construction work on the footbridge that will link Cala Corb and the Pons quay in the port of Maó, overcoming difficulties presented by the cliff that currently impedes passage from one part of the municipality of Es Castell to the other on the seaward side. Today, the APB and the Town Council have expressed their satisfaction with the recommencement of the works. The works, which began at the end of 2018, were brought to a halt in 2020 when a report was received warning of the impact they would have on a type of coral endemic to the area, Cladocora caespitosa. As a result, a project for the restoration of this species of coral was drawn up, and after a report was received from the competent authorities, the translocation of the coral colonies was approved. The translocation process began in June 2023. The works will recommence on the first October of this year, and are expected to be completed in six months. The aim is to optimise service conditions for sports boats, as well as to improve access and pedestrian traffic in the port of Maó. Furthermore, the new gangway will provide moorings for around 67 small boats, which will reduce the waiting list for directly managed berths. The mayor of Es Castell, Lluís Camps, said: “We’re happy, and also grateful, because this work was started two legislatures ago, and had to be stopped over four years ago because of environmental concerns. During that time, the APB carried out a thorough review the project, introducing the technical modifications needed that would make it possible for the works to recommence this coming October. This is good news for residents and visitors to Es Castell, who will be able to enjoy this outstanding area between the Pons quay and Cala Corb next spring and summer”. Vicent Fullana, the APB delegate for the port of Maó, highlighted the fact that “the APB has always continued to prioritise this project, despite the administrative obstacles we have had to overcome, as the infrastructure represents an overall improvement in the general interest, benefiting pedestrians, boat owners, residents and traders on this part of Menorca's waterfront”. The project for the construction of pontoons for sports boats in Cala Corb has a final modified budget allocation of 3.4 million euros. Works brought to a halt Work on the project for the construction of a pontoon for sports boats began in November 2018, and was awarded to a joint venture between UTE Copcisa and Construcciones Olives. In January 2020, following the need to modify the initial project as a result of the stability of the embankments in the area, the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) was asked to draw up a report on the current state of the seabed in a section of the Cala Corb area. In its conclusions, the report warned of the low probability of survival of a type of coral endemic to the area, Cladocora caespitosa, and recommended devising a plan to re-establish these colonies in order to mitigate the impact caused by the works. Having received the mandatory reports from the Directorate General for the Coast and the Sea and the Directorate General for Biodiversity, Forests and Desertification, the green light was given for the plan for the translocation of the coral, which is also present in other areas of the port, such as the southern part of the Illa del Rei, the passenger quay, Cala Figuera and Cala Fonduco. The translocation of the coral colonies began in June 2023. The area finally chosen to receive the corals was the northern end of Illa Plana, which lies at a distance of 600 metres from Cala Corb, as they needed to be moved to a zone of the port with similar characteristics.

Transport and infrastructure

The APB collaborates with Costa Cruceros and the Fundació Banc d'Aliments de Mallorca to promote the circular economy

12/09/2024

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) adheres to the collaboration launched today in the port of Palma between Costa Cruceros and the Fundació Banc d'Aliments de Mallorca (Mallorca Food Bank Foundation), reaffirming its commitment to supporting the people on the island who are most in need. The initiative, which falls under Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 of the 2030 Agenda, promotes responsible consumption, and the reduction of food waste in consumption, and within production and distribution chains. The food prepared in the kitchens of Costa Cruceros ships in the port of Palma that is not served is given to the Fundació Banc d'Aliments de Mallorca for distribution to local organisations that assist people who are in need, and at risk of social exclusion. Among the organisations that will benefit from these donations are the Tardor Menjador Social, SOS Mamás Menjador Social, Ebenezer Maranata and Zaqueo. The collaboration was officially launched today, 12 September, with the APB granting the permits for access to and activity within the restricted area of the port of Palma, so that this solidarity initiative can become a reality. In the words of Luigi Stefanelli, vice-president of Costa Cruceros Southern Europe region: “For Costa Cruceros, this alliance with the Fundació Banc d'Aliments de Mallorca is a significant step towards building a more inclusive and sustainable society. This undoubtedly strengthens our commitment not only to the 2030 Agenda and to sustainable development, but also to the circular economy and the goal of achieving a positive economic and social impact on the communities in which we operate”. For the director of the APB, Toni Ginard, “this collaboration reinforces the commitment undertaken by the ports of general interest of the Balearic Islands in 2015 to ensure compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals, incorporating initiatives aimed directly at supporting the most vulnerable people into their activities, and going beyond the measures already adopted in other areas, such as environmental protection, employment, combating corruption and the defence of human rights”. Collection and distribution of food on board The night before arriving in port, all the dishes prepared but not served that did not leave the galley are collected. They are then placed in special aluminium containers, sealed and labelled to ensure traceability, and kept in cold storage on board. When the ship docks the next day, the boxes of food are unloaded and delivered to the Food Bank's volunteers, who are in charge of distribution. These efforts are an integral part of Costa's extensive Food Assistance Programme, which has distributed more than 200,000 meals since its inception. Collaboration with local partners extends to 16 destinations where its ships operate, including ports such as Savona, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Bari, Palermo, Naples, Taranto, Cagliari, Tallinn, Marseilles, Point-à-Pitre, Fort-de-France and La Réunion, and in Spain, those of Barcelona, Valencia and Mallorca.

Environment and CSR Port-city

The APB acquires new electric vehicles and updates its fleet in the ports of Eivissa and La Savina

11/09/2024

The Balearic Islands Port Authority (APB) has upgraded some of its fleet of vehicles in the ports of Eivissa and La Savina by acquiring nine vehicles including a 3,500 kg flatbed lorry, two light off-road tractors for the islets of Tagomago and Sa Conillera, a 4x4 off-road vehicle, a police tow crane, three police vans and another standard van. One of the police vans has been assigned to the Port of La Savina. The aim of the new vehicles is to reduce their carbon footprint and make the fleet more sustainable by using three electric and one hybrid vehicle. A dual recharging point has also been installed in the APB office car park. The vehicles' purchase budget amounts to €409,959.42 plus VAT and has been awarded to Multiauto Palma, S.L., by means of a public tender.

Environment and CSR Transport and infrastructure

The Portopí lighthouse under the spotlight in a new project organised by the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility

05/09/2024

The Portopí lighthouse has become a key feature of the new Guardians de l'Arxiu (Guardians of the Archive) project, launched by the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility. This initiative sets out to add value to Spain's historical heritage through publicising unique documents and materials related to the country's most significant constructions. Standing in the Port of Palma, the Portopí lighthouse has been selected as one of the first to feature in this campaign, allowing the public to rediscover its historical and cultural importance. This flagship lighthouse is one of the oldest in the world still in operation and has lit up the entrance to the port for more than 700 years, converting it into a symbol of Spanish seafaring. The Portopí lighthouse houses a unique exhibition of maritime signals, where a large number of original pieces are preserved, including optical systems, rotating machines, the history of fuels and the technological evolution of lighthouses. The exhibition can be visited with prior booking through www.farsdebalears.com. Guardians de l'Arxiu Guardians de l'Arxiu is an informative space that aims to promote the country's rich heritage through conservation and custody of documentary material, highlighting the work of the professionals who watch over the protection of historical heritage. This project also seeks to generate greater recognition and appreciation for the historical treasures that form part of our heritage. Each month, Guardians de l'Arxiu will focus on a different heritage building, uncovering details and materials that are normally out of reach of the public such as books, maps, drawings and rare photographs.

History

The APB collaborates with the MARE Competition exhibition in Alcudiamar

06/08/2024

The Balearic Islands Port Authority (APB) is collaborating with the Audiovisual Contest for the Conservation of the Balearic Sea, MARE, which carries on with its project of immersing the public in the marine environment through a street exhibition featuring images of the sea that surrounds us. “Significar” (Meaning), as the exhibition is called, seeks to bring citizens closer to the richness, beauty and fragility of the Balearic Sea through a dialogue between the image and the word, which is open to multiple interpretations, as many as the number of people who visit the exhibition. This exhibition is inspired by the different meanings of words to establish a game between the viewers and the winning images of the 2023 edition of MARE, and aims to contribute to the conservation of the Balearic Sea through humour, wordplay and dialogue between words and photography. The opening ceremony of MARE's itinerant exhibition took place today on the promenade of the Port of Alcúdia, with Mar Vera and Ignacio Ramos, Head of Expansion and Sustainable Development and Head of Communication and Marketing at Alcudiamar, respectively. The exhibition launch was also attended by the Director of the APB, Toni Ginard, the Deputy Mayor of Alcúdia Town Council, Juan Luis González, as well as the coordinator of MARE, Amador Garcias. “The exhibition prompts us to take another look at our environment,” the organisers explained. After starting in Palma, the exhibition is returning from Menorca to Mallorca. By the end of August, it will have travelled to Formentera and Ibiza, thus completing its tour of all the Balearic Islands. The exhibition that can be visited on the seafront promenade in the Port of Alcudia, until 27 August. The exhibition will be held for the first time in the north of Mallorca, thanks to the support of Alcudiamar, which reinforces its commitment to sustainability and respect for the environment, as well as that of the APB. According to Mar Vera, “Alcudiamar is proud to be the first port to host the “Significar” exhibition of the MARE Competition, which confirms our commitment to the conservation of the Balearic Sea and water quality, which was one of the honourable mentions selected for the last edition of the competition”. Toni Ginard, director of the APB, said, “although the men and women who work in the ports are people who live on land, the sea is obviously an essential part of our way of life, not only because of our work, but also because of the united commitment. MARE represents a wonderful initiative that transforms into a artistic expression a feeling that unites all of us, as Mediterraneans, who seek to conserve our marine environment, which is such a precious asset”. The Deputy Mayor of Alcúdia Town Council, Juan Luis González, apologised for the absence of Josefina Linares, Mayoress of the municipality, due to her busy agenda, and added that he and the rest of the council are pleased to support initiatives such as MARE. “Through images we aim to raise awareness of the need to promote the maintenance of the Mediterranean Sea and to raise awareness of the reality and conservation of this common good,” he said. “Today, we welcome residents and visitors to the north of Mallorca to immerse themselves in our environment's incredible biodiversity through the MARE exhibition. It not only highlights how beautiful the Balearic Sea is, it is also a reminder of the importance of our active participation in its conservation,” explained Amador Garcias, Coordinator of MARE. Besides the exhibition, educational marine photography workshops will be held over the next two weeks. These activities will be targeted at the children taking part in the “Viu la Mar” educational programme organised by the sailing school Wind Pirates, based in Alcudiamar, during the summer. There will be two different types of workshops. Two workshops will be held for children between 5 and 9 years old, in which they will interact directly with the images that form part of the exhibition, and two more workshops for those between 10 and 14 years old, who will be introduced to nautical photography through their different water activities. A collaborative initiative open to additional support MARE is a collaborative Balearic initiative open to support and donations from other institutions and companies that want to help make the beauty of the Balearic Sea visible and work to conserve it. It is supported financially by the Fundació Marilles, and with the collaboration of Menorca Reserva de la Biosfera, EivissaPreservation, Mallorca Preservation Foundation, Menorca Preservation, Save the Med, Iniciatives Mediterrànies, Fòrum Marí d'Eivissa i Formentera, MedGardens, Arrels Marines, Mar de Fons, GOB Menorca, True World, and many more. “MARE is funded by the Marillas Foundation and is backed by many organisations and professionals in the field of photography. We are only at the beginning of a long journey and we need more support to bring the beauty of the sea to the Balearic public and beyond our borders,” adds Garcias.

Environment and CSR Port-city

The APB awards Trasmapi the nautical bus service for the Port of Eivissa

29/07/2024

The Balearic Islands Port Authority (APB) Board of Directors has agreed to select Trasmapi's bid to grant an authorisation to provide the commercial nautical bus service in the Port of Eivissa at its most recent meeting, held last week in Palma. The maritime transfer service runs from the Botafoc area to Eivissa town centre, in Plaça d'es Martell. This is an alternative to land transport which helps to reduce traffic congestion in the Port of Vila and minimise atmospheric pollution. It was decided to continue providing this service due to the positive results obtained in previous years. In April, May and June 2023 alone, some 19,000 cruise passengers used this service, which meant the elimination of 760 bus journeys, including return journeys.

Transport and infrastructure

Tanit Ibiza Port to continue managing the dry dock adjacent to the fishing dock in the Port of Eivissa after being awarded the tender

29/07/2024

The Balearic Islands Port Authority (APB) Board of Directors has agreed to select Tanit Ibiza Port company's bid for a concession to operate the dry dock adjacent to the fishing dock in the port of Eivissa at the last meeting held last week in Palma. These facilities are intended to carry out boat maintenance and repair work. The contract includes the management of a surface area covering over 8,800 square metres of port public domain, divided into 2,400 square metres of water and 6,380 square metres of land. The water area includes a series of moorings for boats that can be repaired in the water. The concession period will be four years. This short period is justified by the processing of the Special Plan for the port, since it is foreseen that this port activity will be relocated to another part of the port. However, two extensions of one year each have been foreseen.

Transport and infrastructure

The APB launches a networking campaign to obtain maximum consensus on a new direction for the redevelopment of the Port of Palma

25/07/2024

The Balearic Islands Port Authority (APB) has begun a networking campaign involving representatives of the port community and other social, institutional and economic stakeholders so as to obtain maximum consensus on the redevelopment of the Port of Palma. This participatory process will gather opinions and any specific requirements that are considered appropriate to draft a new proposal that adapts to the needs and expectations of all stakeholders, with the general public interest prevailing. The President of the APB, Javier Sanz, will participate in these meetings with his technical team in which a new direction for the port will be considered, emanating from a broad consensus between all the participating stakeholders. “We are not talking about budgets or square footage. We are talking about current needs and future solutions. This is about defining uses, spaces and essential port activities, as well as guaranteeing supplies for the population,” Sanz explained. “The future restructuring of the Port of Palma will be fully compatible with the economic, environmental and social sustainability of both the city of Palma and the islands,” added Sanz. The APB has already held meetings with representatives from the nautical sector such as the Balearic Marine Cluster, business associations such as ADNEA and APEAM, boat repair companies such as STP and Astilleros de Mallorca, concessionaires of marinas in the Port of Palma such as Club de Mar, Naviera Balear, Pantalán del Mediterráneo, Marina Port de Mallorca, Marina Cuarentena and the Lonja Marina Chárter. It has also held meetings with PIMECO, CAEB, the Chamber of Commerce and social and cultural associations such as the Amics del Museu Marítim de Mallorca (Friends of the Maritime Museum of Mallorca), the Associació Ran de Mar, the Associació Alzinaires and the Confraria de Pescadors de Palma (Palma Fishermen's Guild), among more than twenty other institutions, groups and associations. Meetings are still pending with ARCA, FANMED, ACOIPAM, the Associació de Veïns del Passeig Marítim (Seafront Promenade Neighbours' Association) and the Fòrum de la Societat Civil (Civil Society Forum), although these contacts may be extended to other entities, administrations and political groups. Service guarantee The APB's Board of Directors recently abandoned the restructuring plan approved in 2020, and the Port of Palma is now taking on the task of promoting a new approach to guarantee maritime connectivity and the operability of the Balearic Islands' logistics chain at all times. In addition, it is also intended to redistribute the industrial ship repair areas and rebuild Palma's maritime façade, giving space to port-city integration projects that include initiatives such as the creation of a municipal sailing school, the relocation of the building dedicated to the nautical-fishing FP or the development of an interactive museum that will also house the fishermen's box and the fishermen's guild.

Port-city Transport and infrastructure Socio-economic development

The APB organises a mock explosive threat drill on a cruise ship in the port of Palma

25/07/2024

The Balearic Islands Port Authority (APB) organised an explosive threat drill in the Port of Palma. The exercise took place on the Seven Seas Grandeur cruise ship, which is moored in the West dock. It involved running a simulation of a hypothetical threat from a suspicious device on the cruise ship. The ship's captain, Aristeidis Mertzanis, ordered the explosive device to be located and the crew to be evacuated. Over 400 of the ship's crew members responded to the emergency instructions by heading to the safety points scattered around the cruise ship. The evacuation of the crew was therefore carried out in an orderly manner. Subsequently, Port Police officers, acting on orders from the APB Control Centre, also proceeded to evacuate Maritime Station number 6. This exercise was designed to test and assess how well the Port of Palma and the cruise ship, as well as the different operators involved in the emergency situation, were able to respond. It was an opportunity to exercise and perfect coordination between all those involved, so as to speed up the response to a real situation. The Guardia Civil, the Palma Fire Department, the Directorate General of Emergencies, the shipping companies Intercruises and the Seven Seas Cruises, the latter made its ship and its entire crew available for the drill, all worked together.

Transport and infrastructure