The APB enhances Palma as a base for cruise ships with the new EM4

The APB enhances Palma as a base for cruise ships with the new EM4

Palma

28/09/2011

The APB has just put into operation the new passenger terminal (EM4) in the port of Palma, destined to cover as a base-port for cruise ships that have made the Balearic capital the start and finish of their itinerary in the Mediterranean. The works, which began a year ago, required an investment of 6.6 million euros. This morning, the act of receiving the works took place with the signing by the decision-makers of the APB, the contractor, Vias y Construcciones S.A., and the Public Entity of State Ports.

 

The APB has fully funded the expansion and remodeling of the EM4, which is located at the beginning of the Poniente Docks in the port of Palma, in order to improve services to cruise ships. Here, the operations of embarking and disembarking passengers take place, mainly from cruise ships, and to a lesser extent, regular lines. Most of the cruise ships that dock at the pier associated with the terminal use it as a base.

 

The works involved the construction of a two-storey building annexed to the existing one, the relocation all facilities and the creation of a waiting room for embarking passengers of cruise ships beginning and ending their journeys in Palma. Also, another area for baggage handling was built and fixed gangways were constructed to connect this terminal to other nearby terminals located in the Paraires area of the port of Palma.

 

In addition, the check-in area was amplified to make room for more counters. The new building has an area of 1,848 square meters on the ground floor and 881 square meters on the first floor. The entry into public service has been gradual. The renovated section began operating in April, while the extension will be open to passengers tomorrow, after today´s signing of the receipt of the work by the chairman of the APB, Jose Maria Urrutia.

 

The building features the latest in energy saving measures and standards of universal accessibility. With regards to environmental issues, the air-conditioning is controlled by a domotic management system that adjusts to the comfort needs of the passengers, depending on the occupation of the building and the season of the year.

 

Furthermore, 72% of the hot water consumption of the building is covered by solar panels. The terminal is equipped with closed circuit television connected to the control center of the port of Palma and a modern fire alarm system.