Flying high in the Port of Palma

Flying high in the Port of Palma

01/10/2020

Early in the morning, Sergio Cantón heads for the Port of Palma to carry out essential conservation work. He is one of the people responsible for looking after, feeding and training the falcons and Harris eagles that fly around the port and scare away wild birds such as seagulls, pigeons and wagtails. The importance of this surveillance service is paramount, as the corrosive effect of bird droppings deteriorates the port's facilities, electronic systems and boats. And not only that: they can also cause and spread diseases through the air conditioning systems. The presence of falcons flying over the area frightens the gulls and they do not return, although new ones come, so the work has to be ongoing. Best known for their work at airports, where falconers ensure that birds do not interfere with flights, this service was launched more than a decade ago at the Port of Palma. Since then, says Sergio Cantón, the results are clear: "Before, we had roosts where some 3,000 or 4,000 birds were grouped together in the Port of Palma alone. Thanks to this service, the population is kept under greater control". Each falconer has a group of birds under his care, mainly falcons and Harris eagles. They are in charge of weighing them, feeding them and controlling possible behavioural changes. Once the team is in place, two types of rounds are carried out: continuous dissuasive flights or those focused on a sensitive area where a problem is identified. The way of working shows the trust between the trainer and the bird. From food preparation to flight control: "Each bird is unique," explains Canton. "Some have innate talent, but they all require a lot of training. In many cases, the falconer has seen the birds being born and has accompanied them throughout their lives: "The relationship is very special. When they are very young they are afraid to fly, and are even a little clumsy. Little by little you see the progress in their training, and it is really rewarding". From dawn to dusk, the team of specialists from Natura Parc move around the Poniente Quay, the Commercial Quays and the West Breakwater, where the birds' flights are controlled. But, as the falconer mentions, the responsibility for keeping wildlife in check is a global one: "A simple, poorly closed chest is a hotbed for birds, or throwing bread to the seagulls from the boats". This is a task which is unfamiliar to a large part of the population and which, in an era marked by technology, shows us that the simplest solutions are the most sustainable over time.

Francesc Antich Oliver takes office as the APB Chairman

Francesc Antich Oliver takes office as the APB Chairman

29/09/2020

Today the Official State Gazette (BOE) published the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda order appointing Francesc Antich Oliver as the new Chairman of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB), replacing Joan Gual de Torrella Guasp. In accordance with the provisions of article 31.1 of the recast text of the State Ports and Merchant Navy Law (TRLPEMM), the Chairman of the Port Authority is appointed by the appropriate regional government body. Once it has been notified to the Minister of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda, the appointment is published in the corresponding Official Regional Gazette and in the Official State Gazette. Career A graduate in law from the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Antich was born in Caracas (Venezuela) on 28 November 1958. He has been a practicing lawyer since 1981. From 1986 to 1998, he was the manager of the Palma City Council’s Municipal Housing Board and later became the Urban Planning manager for the Palma City Council. He was the Mayor of his home town, Algaida, from 1991 to 1997. He has been a member of the Balearic Islands Parliament for four terms and was a councillor of the Majorca Island Council from 1992 to 1999. He was the President of the Balearic Islands Government on two occasions (1999-2003 and 2007-2011). From 2011 to 2019, he held a seat in the Spanish Senate and in 2019, he was appointed as Commissioner of the Balearic Islands Government in Madrid. He currently holds the position of lawyer for the Municipal Housing and District Refurbishment Board on the Palma City Council.

The energy efficiency improvements at the Port of Mahon will bring energy savings of over 60%

The energy efficiency improvements at the Port of Mahon will bring energy savings of over 60%

28/09/2020

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has started work on improving the energy efficiency of the over six kilometres of public lighting at the Port of Mahon which, according to estimates, will bring energy savings of over 60%. The overhaul involves replacing 261 old lights with new LED technology fittings and the installation of 395 new lighting points in previously poorly lit areas, such as the access road to the north coast. The work consists of installing modern LED lights that are resistant to humidity, saline environments, atmospheric dust and mechanical and electrical effects, as well as introducing management systems with five different lighting levels. All of this will give the walkway a new, improved appearance and, above all, will increase the system's energy efficiency and facilitate preventive maintenance. The project has a budget of €1,054,428 and is scheduled to be completed in March 2021. In addition, the project has obtained a subsidy of €236,804.57, granted by the Institute for the Diversification and Saving of Energy (IDAE) In addition, part of the actions carried out, in particular those at the Levante wharf and Cós Nous wharf, will be co-financed with ERDF funds through the Aid Programme for Energy Renovation of Buildings and Infrastructures of the AGE, managed by the Institute for the Diversification and Saving of Energy (IDAE). The purpose of this aid programme is to encourage and promote the implementation of actions that reduce carbon dioxide emissions through energy saving and efficiency and renewable energy projects in existing buildings or infrastructures of the General State Administration, in compliance with the objectives set out in Spain's Multi-regional ERDF Operational Programme 2014-2020. Thanks to the support of the European Union, the actions in the two docks mentioned above, with an eligible cost accepted for the resolution of same is €473,607.15, will receive a grant of €236,804.57. These actions will reduce energy consumption by about 73% in these areas, thus contributing to the reduction of the Carbon Footprint of the port of Maó.

Technology and innovation Environment and CSR
The Port of Palma allocates €189,000 a year to detect and repair leaks in the drinking water network

The Port of Palma allocates €189,000 a year to detect and repair leaks in the drinking water network

23/09/2020

Over the next four years, the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has agreed to allocate an annual €189,000 to detecting and repairing leaks in the Port of Palma’s water supply. This project is part of the APB's initiative to optimise the efficiency of the drinking water network, which began in 2016 with the implementation of a Smart Metering Network (SMN). This system provides real time information on consumption and minimises losses generated by incidents in the network. In addition, this initiative at the Port of Palma will serve as a pilot project to implement identical control methods at the other public ports in the Balearic Islands. The SMN can be used to remotely calculate the water consumption of sailing concessions and facilities and the supply of water to ships, among others. Once a day, the network collects the hourly values of the 238 meters and simultaneously classifies the different meters according to their use (APB's own consumption, premises, sailing, industrial, cruise ships and irrigation). The information provided is of paramount importance when making decisions on optimisation. Thus, the gardens are watered with recycled water, and a study is being conducted to assess whether this can be extended to other areas, such as boat cleaning, regulations permitting. Leak detection The current investment aims to ensure efficient water management and reduce water losses in the 30,628 m of the water supply network in the Port of Palma. In addition, ongoing monitoring of the network will help to detect irregularities in the meter readings and by extension, any excessive consumption. On many occasions, these abnormal readings are caused by leaks and incidents in the transport and distribution network, which can be identified, located and repaired, if necessary, as quickly as possible.

The 145 maritime signals managed by the APB are now controlled by a remote control system

The 145 maritime signals managed by the APB are now controlled by a remote control system

17/09/2020

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has implemented a remote control system for the different lighthouses, beacons and buoys which permits remote operation of these signals, managing alarms as well as displaying the state of their components to ensure they function correctly. The system that has been implemented is made up of the NETCOM control centre software, provided by Mediterráneo Señales Marítimas, which runs on a virtual server on the APB computer network and which the maintenance company has access to via a VPN the six communications coordinators installed in the APB ports and the 145 remote monitoring stations for the lighthouses, beacons and buoys in the coastal network and the beacons and buoys in the ports. This system enables comprehensive distance maintenance of the remote control system without requiring the presence of staff on site. The monitoring equipment includes 34 lighthouses (17 in Majorca, 7 in Minorca, 7 in Ibiza and 3 in Formentera) and 111 beacons and buoys (50 in Majorca, 33 in Minorca, 17 in Ibiza and 11 in Formentera). Access via the website In addition, the user can check the status and technical details of all the navigational aids in the Balearic Islands at www.portsdebalears.com.

Marc Pons, new Deputy Chairman of the APB's Board of Directors

Marc Pons, new Deputy Chairman of the APB's Board of Directors

15/09/2020

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands' (APB) Board of Directors has appointed Marc Pons Ponsas its Deputy Chairman. Pons is the Balearic Island Government's Minister of Mobility and Housing and represents the Balearic Islands' Government on the APB's Board of Directors. Marc Pons will occupy the position of Deputy Chairman on a temporary basis until a new chairperson is appointed. During the meeting held this afternoon in the Port of Palma, the Board of Directors accepted the resignation of the hitherto Deputy Chairman, Miquel Puigserver Lloberas, who will continue as a member of the Board representing the Provincial Association of Maritime Companies (APEAM). Puigserver has tendered his resignation for health and personal reasons and for the good of the APB. The objective of Marc Pons' appointment is to safeguard the smooth running of the organisation until the new chair of the APB is appointed.

The Port of Palma makes environmental improvements to its yacht charter facilities

The Port of Palma makes environmental improvements to its yacht charter facilities

10/09/2020

The Port of Palma adds a further 16 charging points for electric vehicles and installs a new grey water and sewage suction system for vessels used in yacht charters. These improvements are the result of an investment of €1,786,274 made by the company La Lonja Marina Charter S.L., after the extension of its concession was approved. The recently completed investments made by La Lonja Marina Charter also included resurfacing the jetties and pontoons, improving and modernising the drinking water and lighting systems, safety and security, the fibre optic network, Wi-fi, retractable bollards and replacing the service pedestals. All this is part of the APB's commitment to include environmental considerations in the planning, management, design and implementation processes of its infrastructures. The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands' (APB) Board of Directors agreed in February 2019 to extend the concession by four and a half years at the request of the concessionaire, in accordance with the provisions of the Recast Text of the State Ports and Merchant Navy Law (TRLPEMM). As a result, the concession period ends on 29 September 2023. The facilities managed by La Lonja Marina Charter in the Port of Palma consist of 2,240 square metres of land and 16,040 square metres of water, and include two jetties, measuring 129 metres and 116 metres respectively, for mooring tourist boats.

New life for the Cales Fonts promenade at the Port of Mahon

New life for the Cales Fonts promenade at the Port of Mahon

09/09/2020

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has completed the restoration of the wooden walkway that runs along Cales Fonts in the Port of Mahon, maintaining the slab quay-type and a traditional style adapted to the surroundings. At the same time, the walkway has been widened by a further 2.5 m. The work, carried out by Inmaproco, S.L. at a cost of €128,314.45, provides citizens with a pleasant coastal walk, while at the same time solving a structural problem that existed on the previous walkway. An underwater inspection revealed that there was significant damage in the concrete footings located at the base of the steel piles. In addition, there are plans to moor sailing and motor boats up to nine metres in length on the quay.

The APB initiates the conversion of its terminals so that they are powered exclusively by renewable energy

The APB initiates the conversion of its terminals so that they are powered exclusively by renewable energy

07/09/2020

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) aims to convert all the passenger terminals in the five public ports it manages to run on renewable energy. This process has started with the design of the future passenger terminal in the Port of Ibiza for traffic to and from Formentera. The project is being developed so that it becomes a prototype for a self-sufficient building in terms of energy. The passenger terminals in Alcudia, La Savina and the EM6 in Palma are also moving towards sustainability, with work underway since June to make the energy they consume renewable. The projects, which began in June 2020 and are scheduled to be completed in six months, include improving building air-conditioning by using more efficient geothermal systems, fitting solar panels on roofs to produce electricity and installing water purification systems. In addition to the aforementioned projects, the construction of the new Botafoc terminal in Ibiza is also underway in which, as part of a project that is 100% funded by the European Union, experimental lignin batteries will be installed to store the photovoltaic energy generated by the solar panels that will be installed on the pergolas in the parking area. Towards decarbonisation With these actions, the APB aims to become a benchmark at regional and national level in terms of decarbonisation which is not incompatible with an optimum level of thermal comfort and high indoor air quality, as well as providing significant energy savings. The aim is for the energy required to run the terminals to be supplied by renewable energy sources. Five essential principles work together to guarantee the overall performance of a building: thermal insulation, high performance glazing and carpentry, the absence of thermal bridges, double-circuit mechanical ventilation systems and airtightness. The impact of this new construction method is highly significant, because it converts many of the procedures for the design, construction and management of buildings to greater energy efficiency. The APB’s sustainability policies are drawn up with a view to meeting the objectives set out in Law 10/2019 of 22 February on climate change and energy transition for the Balearic Islands and in accordance with Directive 2010/31/EU of the European Parliament and Council.

In 2019, the ports of the Balearic Islands handled 5.4% more passengers than in the previous year

In 2019, the ports of the Balearic Islands handled 5.4% more passengers than in the previous year

04/09/2020

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands' (APB) 2019 Annual and Sustainability Reports, which were recently published and are available on its website, www.portsdebalears.com, show a new growth trend in both goods and passenger traffic, as well as in the investments made. In this context, the 2019 Report highlights that the APB has achieved its objective of remaining economically self-sufficient whilst undertaking an ambitious investment plan in terms of port infrastructure and of initiatives in the port-city interface. The amount of these investments totalled €20,103,379.67. In terms of port traffic, 2019 was another consecutive year of record highs with goods throughput of 16,523,691 tonnes (up 2% on 2018) and a total of 9,877,985 passengers between cruises and ferry services (up 5.4% on 2018). Likewise, the participatory process launched to draw up the new Strategic Plan, which was completed in 2019, deserves special mention. The plan applies to the five ports (Palma, Alcudia, Mahon, Ibiza and La Savina) and the maritime signals managed by the APB (34 lighthouses and over 25 coastal beacons), with an initial timeline of between five and ten years, which can be integrated into the planning system defined by the Spanish Port System's Institutional and Strategic Framework. Implementation of information technologies and systems Finally, and thanks to the implementation of information technologies and systems, the APB continues its efforts to be more transparent and useful to its stakeholders and Balearic society as a whole. In this regard, progress has been made in the shape of a catalogue of electronic services, open data and standardisation of document management. The Annual Report includes specific information on all the projects undertaken in 2019 and on the economic, social and environmental progress of the public ports managed by the APB, as well as on the functioning of the organization and its governing bodies, including infrastructures completed or under construction, a summary of investments, figures on the use of the port, regular shipping lines and port companies and services, as well as traffic statistics. Read the reports here.

"Every drop of water counts" in the Port of Mahon

"Every drop of water counts" in the Port of Mahon

02/09/2020

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) is launching a campaign in the Port of Mahon to raise awareness about the need to save water, aimed at recreational sailing users. This is one of the measures the APB has adopted as part of its commitment to support the United Nations Global Compact and 2030 Agenda. The campaign is aimed especially at home port moorings, under direct and indirect management, as well as at occasional recreational sailing users who call at the Port of Mahon during the summer season. The campaign includes the distribution of fifty hoses with an automatic water shut-off nozzle and five thousand flyers with the slogan "Every drop counts" in the six nautical facilities in the bay of Mahon: Amarres Poniente, Club Marítimo Mahón, Club Náutico Villacarlos, Marina Menorca, Marina Port Mahon and Mô Llevant. The campaign material will also be distributed around the Varadero Menorca industrial area and the official administration offices based in the port such as the Harbourmaster's Office, the Coastal Authority, the Government's Tourism Office and the APB's own facilities. Thirty banners, evenly spaced along the busiest quays on the south side, will also remind the citizens passing through this area of Mahon and es Castell of the importance of counting every drop of water that is consumed.

The ports of Ibiza and La Savina undertake to respond to a pollution control incident in less than 30 minutes

The ports of Ibiza and La Savina undertake to respond to a pollution control incident in less than 30 minutes

02/09/2020

Over the next four years, the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) will be allocating €866,000 to cleaning the water surface and the detection, control and clean-up of pollution caused by spills of any kind in the ports of Ibiza and La Savina. The company that holds the concession for the service, the Patena Ibiza - La Savina consortium, will be responsible for removing waste and other floating and semi-submerged waste in zone I of the ports of Ibiza and La Savina every day of the year. In addition, a maximum response time of 30 minutes has been set to begin to tackle pollution incidents - such as hydrocarbons and grey water - and to provide assistance in other emergencies. In this case, absorbent materials (barriers, absorbent cloths and authorised dispersants) will be used as an initial emergency measure to isolate the possible source of pollution, as well as the tools required to clean up the hydrocarbons (hooks, nets) and to collect bulky solid waste. At the same time, diving equipment will be used in port waters to monitor the seabed and quays. The waste collected from the water surface will be separated, hermetically bagged and transported to containers, while the hydrocarbons and oily waste will be pumped to temporary storage. For this purpose, two new purpose-built cleaning boats are available 24 hours a day, one in each port. These are the first electric vessels to be used for cleaning the water surface in the Balearic Islands, as well as the first electric boats to be used in the ports of Ibiza and La Savina. In addition, pumping, lifting and transport equipment, skimmers, barriers and cloths are also available. In areas where access is difficult, floating waste will be collected using drones. Moreover, the APB will review the functioning of the service on a monthly basis.