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The APB promotes nautical innovation with the 2025 Innovation Helm Award

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has launched the call for entries for the Innovation Helm Award (Premio Timón de Innovación), co-organised with Gaceta Náutica, to recognise and promote research into innovative solutions in the nautical sector in the Balearic Islands. The prize, which is worth €3,000 for the best project or idea, will reward proposals that bring improvements, efficiency and added value to recreational and sporting maritime activities.

Through this initiative, the APB and Gaceta Náutica look to stimulate creativity and entrepreneurial talent, promoting the generation of original ideas that contribute to technological advancement, sustainability, and excellence in the port and nautical sector of the Balearic Islands. The jury will pay particular attention to the viability of the projects and their positive impact on the local maritime community.

The call for entries is open to companies, entrepreneurs and professionals linked to the nautical and port sector in the Balearic Islands. All those interested can view the rules and register from today, submitting their projects before the deadline set in the call for entries.

This award marks the APB's commitment to innovation and sustainable development in the sector, highlighting the importance of fostering a collaborative ecosystem between organisations, entrepreneurs and professionals to tackle the challenges of modern nautical activities.

For more information on the prize and the conditions of participation, please see the terms and conditions by clicking on the following link: https://www.gacetanautica.es/noticias/la-innovacion-tiene-premio-en-los-timon-de-gaceta-nautica-3000-euros-a-la-mejor-idea

The APB’s immediate response allows normality to be restored to the port of Ibiza after the torrential rains

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) deployed an extensive action plan in the port of Ibiza to deal with the consequences of the torrential rains recorded on Tuesday 30 September, which caused an emergency situation on the island. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Port Operations Department, Port Police and maintenance teams, maritime activity remained normal throughout the week and the scheduled port calls and timetables were not altered, apart from some occasional delays.

In the days following the storm, the APB intensified the cleaning and stabilisation work. Materials and mud washed away by the water were removed, shaded areas were checked and emptied, and structures were stabilised and those that presented risks were removed. In the playground of Formentera passenger terminal, in Santa Eulària avenue, the rubber pavement was removed and the space was sealed for safety reasons. At the same time, work was carried out on the rainwater drain network and manholes, several electrical panels were repaired and the services of trenches, drinking water, lighting and barriers on the south quay were re-established. The APB also worked closely with Ibiza Town Council in cleaning the Santa Eulària road, especially the cycle lane and the taxi zone.

At the same time, the APB processed the emergency contract for the removal of floating solid waste in the inner harbour. This task was carried out with the support of cleaning vessels provided by the Department of the Sea and Water Cycle.

Despite the work already done, there are still some actions scheduled for the next few days, such as the cleaning of the Port Nàutic Ibiza concession car park and the car parks in front of and behind the APB offices, a second cleaning of the Botafoc docks area and a detailed inspection of the shaded areas. In addition, work is planned on a specific section of the children's playground in Santa Eulària avenue, in coordination with the municipal instructions.

The day of the storm

On the same day as the rains, APB staff carried out essential assistance and safety tasks. A space was set up at the port agency's headquarters to accommodate trapped pedestrians, mothers with babies were escorted home and people trapped in vehicles were rescued, while concrete barriers were put in place to prevent water from accumulating. At the same time, electricity and water supplies were partially restored and water that had accumulated in passageways and shaded areas was removed.

The Port Police, with the support of maintenance managers and technicians, played a key role in organising evacuation routes and keeping the Directorate General for Emergencies informed, as the coordinating body for the incident.

Ports 4.0 allocates six million euros in funding and reinforces port innovation in the Balearic Islands

The Distribution Committee of the Interport Compensation Fund, which met yesterday under the coordination of Puertos del Estado, has approved the provisional award of 6 million euros to 16 commercial projects as part of the Ports 4.0 Call 2023, underlining its firm commitment to the modernisation and digitalisation of the Spanish logistics-port system. These initiatives, selected from among 66 applications, cover key areas such as the automation of loading and unloading processes, the improvement of the goods traceability through IoT, the strengthening of safety in critical infrastructures and the development of sustainable energy solutions, thus contributing to consolidate the port system as a technological leader in the Mediterranean.

Since its creation in 2020, the Ports 4.0 programme has promoted corporate open innovation in collaboration with Puertos del Estado and the various Port Authorities. In this period, the Balearic Islands Port Authority (APB) has acted as a facilitating agent in all editions, supporting 57 projects in total:

- 2020 (commercial concepts and projects): 17 supported, 2 selected

- 2021 (pre-commercial): 13 supported, 6 selected

- 2022 (pre-commercial): 15 supported, 7 selected

- 2023 (commercial concepts and projects): 16 supported, 4 selected

- 2024 (pre-commercial): ongoing call, participation promoted by the ABS, 16 projects

Among the initiatives supported are real-time traceability systems, virtual reality platforms for training operators in public domain management, and environmental monitoring tools, reflecting the diversity and technical quality of the Balearic Islands' innovative fabric.

In order to maintain this momentum, the Committee has approved a budget extension of EUR 18 million for Ports 4.0. These resources will finance two new lines of action: a call for commercial concepts and projects before the end of 2025, and a call for pre-commercial projects during 2026. In this way, the stimulus to startups, technological SMEs and research groups aimed at developing disruptive solutions that improve the efficiency, sustainability and resilience of port infrastructures will be maintained.

In parallel, the Distribution Committee ratified the contribution of the Port Authorities to the Interport Compensation Fund, set at 5% of the budget, and a percentage reduced to 2.5% for the ports of the Canary and Balearic archipelagos, as well as Ceuta, Melilla and Seville. For 2026, the initial distribution of funds allocates 9.7 million euros to grant funding for shipping, 10.2 million euros for insularity and outermost regions, 1.6 million euros to safety actions and 8.7 million euros to the Ports 4.0 programme itself, thus guaranteeing the cohesion and equity of the State port system.

Finally, the update of the programme of actions of the Financial Fund for Port Land Accessibility was approved, which includes 58 projects with an investment of 1.8839 billion euros, of which 821.3 million will be contributed by the port public bodies themselves. These actions are designed to reinforce the land connectivity of the port facilities, improving access routes and logistical links with the main national transport corridors.

The Balearic Islands Port Authority reiterates its commitment to the digital and environmental transformation of its infrastructures, inviting the agents of the sector to participate in the upcoming calls and collaborations that will allow further progress towards more efficient, safe and sustainable ports.

Lighthouses of the Balearic Islands
Ships in Port
Transparency Portal
Air quality

Port Innovation Platform
Economic and social impact
Weather forecast
Navigation aids

Lighthouses of the Balearic Islands
Ships in Port

Transparency Portal
Air quality

Port Innovation Platform
Economic and social impact

Weather forecast
Navigation aids

Institutional documentation

Annual Report

This publication details the APB’s financial situation, the technical characteristics of its public ports and provides an overview of the institution’s activities.
Notice Boards

Link to the APB’s e-office which features the official notice boards on public information, human resources, public port land, and auctions, as well as other notices.
Sustainability Reports

This report sets out the actions carried out to create value for the APB’s stakeholders, in compliance with its commitment to transparent management.
Costumer Service

Puede contactar con el Servicio de Atención al Cliente de la APB a través de portsdebalears@portsdebalears.com, o bien mediante el canal de comunicación de quejas y sugerencias relacionadas con sus puertos y faros.
Statistics

These provide a detailed picture about the traffic using the public ports of Palma, Alcudia, Mahon, Ibiza and La Savina.
Financial Statements

Comprehensive information, including the audit report, of the most recent financial statements passed by the APB's Board of Directors, and given a favourable report by the Spanish National Audit Office.

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News

Lighthouses of the Balearic Islands

Ships in Port

Transparency Portal

Air quality

Port Innovation Platform

Economic and social impact

Weather forecast

Navigation aids