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The Port of Palma as a consensus-based strategic axis for urban integration and sustainability

The future of the Port of Palma took the spotlight at this morning's forum held at the institutional head offices of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB), which was organised by Grupo Serra's specialised newspaper, El Económico. Under the slogan “A consensus project for the city, economy, territorial connectivity and industrial competitiveness”, the forum explored the opportunities and challenges arising from restructuring this strategic space, with the project already underway.

Bringing together prominent political, business and technical leaders, the event featured keynote speeches that highlighted the port's importance as Palma's economic, social and cultural driving force.

The president of the APB, Javier Sanz, delivered a speech in which he outlined how the port of Palma is to be redeveloped, emphasising the port organisation's commitment to sustainability, urban integration and improved economic competitiveness, as well as the consensus achieved in its approach. During his presentation, Sanz highlighted how this project seeks to balance port needs with the creation of accessible spaces for citizens by promoting cultural, educational and recreational activities in the freed-up areas.

“We want the Port of Palma to serve as a model of sustainability and connection with the city. This project not only responds to the economic and logistical challenges, but also to the need to build a more people-oriented port, which is available to citizens and respectful of the environment,” said the president of the APB.

The Port Authority's objective is to establish the Port of Palma as a global benchmark for innovation, sustainability and competitiveness. To do so, the project includes a reorganisation of port uses, maintaining ferry activity and boosting the nautical industry in the West dock. New urban spaces will also be created for education, culture and sport, which will democratise access to the port. There are also plans to reduce the environmental impact through renewable energies, clean technologies and energy efficiency. Lastly, this project will strengthen the local economy by consolidating key sectors such as maritime transport and ship repair.

A forum to discuss the port's future

The forum also included presentations and panel discussions attended by political and business representatives and those from educational, cultural and sporting bodies. The president of Puertos del Estado (State Ports), Álvaro Rodríguez Dapena, highlighted the strategic role played by the ports as driving forces for sustainable development. The Mayor of Palma, Jaime Martínez, also spoke about the need to integrate the port into the city's urban dynamics, promoting its sustainability and connectivity with the surrounding area.

The panel discussions tackled key aspects such as logistical efficiency, the nautical industry's opportunities and port-city integration. Experts such as Matteo Catani (GNV), Adolfo Utor (Baleària), Pedro Suasi (Balearic Marine Cluster) and Albert Forés (Museu Marítim de Mallorca) contributed valuable perspectives on the future of the Port of Palma.

A consensus-based project focused on the future

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands conducted a participatory process to define the future of the Port of Palma, where over 65 interest groups put forward their needs and suggestions and reached widespread consensus that reinforces its viability and social acceptance.

The project to redevelop the Port of Palma has become a driving force for transformation that strengthens the city's cultural identity, boosts innovation and meets the sustainability objectives established at local, national and European level. The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands once again confirms its commitment to this vision, promoting an intelligent, sustainable and well-integrated port that adds value to the city, its citizens and the natural environment.

To close the forum, APB director Toni Ginard summarised the most important aspects discussed by the participants and noted that the word ‘consensus’ was the most frequently heard word throughout the day. “This project represents our shared responsibility to convert the Port of Palma into a benchmark, where sustainability, integration and progress work together harmoniously and benefit everyone,” he concluded.

La Lonja Marina Charter wins the tender to manage the moorings at the Lonja quay in the Port of Palma

The Board of Directors of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) reached an agreement at its latest session held last week in Palma to select the company La Lonja Marina Charter to manage the moorings at the Lonja quay in the Port of Palma. The nautical facility will only serve Spanish vessels on the sixth list or foreign vessels exclusively for charter or rental.

The Lonja Marina Charter emerged as the most competitive solution of all the bids submitted in the tender to manage an area of over 18,000 square metres of public port space in one of the Port of Palma's most historic areas. The concessionaire will invest around €3.5 million for an eight-year tenure and will contribute an annual amount of more than €1.6 million in occupancy and activity fees.

Environmental improvements

La Lonja Marina Charter has managed this nautical facility since 2009 and is now committed to refurbishing and upgrading existing quays and pontoons, as well as installing office, workshop and storage units. Highlights of the project include the environmental improvements committed to minimising water and electricity consumption, cleaning the water surface, improving marine biodiversity, as well as installing solar pergolas to produce almost 220,000 kilowatt hours per year.

The APB raises the barrier on the Marina promenade of the Port of Ibiza on 1 December for the entire winter

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) will raise the access barrier to the Marina promenade in the Port of Ibiza on 1 December to allow road traffic to pass through. With this, the APB upholds its agreement with the Ibiza Town Council to boost mobility and facilitate parking during the winter months. This is the same initiative that was very successful last year.

Car parking on the Marina promenade will continue to be allowed 24 hours a day, although there will be a two-hour limit between 8 am and 10 pm in order to encourage vehicle rotation. Motorists will be required to place a piece of paper in a visible place in the car with the start time of the parking period. The spaces reserved for loading and unloading will also be kept to support commercial activity in the area.

By repeating this initiative, the APB and Ibiza Town Council have responded to the positive response from citizens, local residents and shopkeepers. It is also a sign of their collaboration to facilitate mobility and offer greater comfort during the winter months.

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

Interesting links

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

The APB has a communication channel for users to request information, make suggestions, and lodge complaints about its ports and lighthouses.

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.

Contact form

To make a complaint or a suggestion, or request information, follow this link

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