The APB approves the terms and conditions for the provision of passenger services at the Balearic Islands’ public-interest ports
Palma de Mallorca
07/03/2014
Yesterday afternoon, the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands’ (APB) Board of Directors approved the terms and conditions for the provision of passenger services at the five ports it manages, Palma, Alcudia, Mahon, Ibiza, and La Savina. This marks the end of the process that began with the entry into force of Spanish Law 48/2003, of 26th November, on the economic regulations for and supply of services by public-interest ports, in which this service was envisaged for the first time, and which subsequent amendments to this Law also maintained.
To comply with legislation, the APB initiated the administrative procedure for the terms and conditions of this service, taking into account, and aiming to reach a consensus with, the sectors involved. After the approval of the terms and conditions yesterday, any company that meets the stipulated requirements may ask to provide passenger services in competition with the current licence holders. These services include baggage check-in and reclaim, the use of scanners, operating passenger boarding bridges, and boarding for passengers with reduced mobility.
The introduction of these terms and conditions regulates a service which is of strategic importance to the APB and to the region, defining and introducing guidelines that measure the quality of the service provided. Accordingly, the quality, safety, security, transparency, and competitiveness of our ports are all enhanced, meeting the demands made by cruise companies for these services.
The extra cost involved in improving the quality of this service will be met by the APB, which will introduce a 30% rebate on the passenger charge in the Port Authority’s Business Plan to offset the increase. This measure makes our ports more competitive as it increases service quality without putting up the cost of vessel calls. The forecasts for 2014 estimate that the APB’s earnings will decrease by around €8 million as a result of the reduction in this and other charges.
