News APB | Ports de Balears

State Ports pay visit to the Port of La Savina

11/05/2017

The President of Puertos del Estado (State Ports), José Llorca, visited the Port of La Savina and the La Mola Lighthouse in Formentera today accompanied by representatives from the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) and Formentera Island Council. The trip was led by the President of the APB, Joan Gual de Torrella, alongside the President of Formentera Island Council, Jaume Ferrer. Gual informed José Llorca about the comprehensive beautification project that will be put out to tender soon at the smallest of the ports managed by the APB. Gual also outlined some of the construction details of the new fishermen's guild, as well as the agreement reached with Formentera Island Council to convert the La Mola Lighthouse into a maritime ethnographic museum that will also host cultural events from the island's agenda. The President of Formentera Island Council, Jaume Ferrer, highlighted the importance of the visit paid by the State Ports President to the Port of La Savina to confirm that the lines of action that were previously agreed on with the APB are being implemented in line with the needs of the island of Formentera, and that the investments made by State Ports for this purpose are warranted. Meanwhile, José Llorca drew attention to the fact that La Savina was declared as a port of general interest thanks to the indispensable services it provides to the citizens, claiming that "Formentera would not be Formentera without its port". State Ports strives to establish contacts with local bodies at all ports of general interest in the hope of coming to an agreement on the future of its ports. This visit forms part of the program that draws to a close tomorrow with a trip to the Port of Ibiza to check the current state of this port and to find out about its future perspectives.

Ibiza's cruise tourism sector is coordinated to cope with the season

10/05/2017

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB from the Spanish) and the Consell Insular d'Eivissa organised this morning at the headquarters of the Consell a meeting coordinating activities related to the cruise sector in order to prepare for this high season. All agents who are directly or indirectly related to the cruise sector in Ibiza, such as shipping agents, the Harbour Master, tour agencies, tour guides, carriers, traders, and security bodies such as the National Police and the Civil Guard, among other agents, were invited to attend. This coordination instrument aims to enable public administrations and companies to exchange information and points of view on aspects that require coordination and that affect the sector's sustainability while respecting the island's unique qualities. The President of the Consell, Vicent Torres, has considered this meeting to be important for Ibiza, because "it also wants to be a reference destination within the cruise sector". Tur has recognised the APB's investment effort and that the coordination among the agents involved is indispensable to providing a good service and giving a good impression "to tourists we're very interested in as opinion leaders for our island". Adapted infrastructure On the other hand, APB's president, Joan Gual de Torrella, has remarked that the product offered by Ibiza for cruise ships is very much liked, and proof of that is that shipping companies look for longer stops to take advantage of Ibizan nights. For Gual, investments carried out to welcome this market respond to the fact that Ibizan society committed at the time to this new product as an alternative to the tourist offer. According to Gual, the port of Ibiza's infrastructure is adapted to accommodate current cruise ship traffic, although he recognised that there are also some limits. "Docks are what they are", said Gual, who added that "perhaps there is already a ratio between the infrastructure’s capacity to receive more cruise ships and the territory's capacity to absorb them". According to forecasts for this season, the port of Ibiza will receive 340,000 passengers in 2017, representing 35% growth over 2016 and 191 stopovers, 28% over last year.

The Port of Mahon today inaugurates a new travel lift with a 150-tonne capacity

09/05/2017

Today, The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) presented the new travel lift procured for its dry dock. This procurement addresses one of the commitments made by the APB in conjunction with the city councils of Mahon and Es Castell in the Port of Mahon's Plan of Action and represents a major boost in the growth of the repair and maintenance industry. The motorised crane, purchased by the APB for €400,000, will be used to lift and launch vessels of up to 150 tonnes and transport them to their dry docking spot. It weighs 58 tonnes and measures 10.4 metres in height under beam. The features of this travel lift accommodate requests submitted by users of the port, the maritime sector and local authorities, all of whom thought it necessary to equip the Port of Mahon's dry dock with this machinery to meet minimum requirements of the fleet stationed there and to facilitate access to an existing market that until now could not be catered for due to a lack of lifting equipment. The travel lift will be managed by the company Medsea Yacht Services S.L., established specifically for the purpose by Minorcan companies Pedro's Boat and Nautic Center. The President of the APB, Joan Gual de Torrella, has announced that within a year they will issue a new call for tenders for the operation of the dry dock, incorporating a new open model that will allow all authorised companies working in the repair and maintenance sector to take part. New call for tenders The President of the APB, Joan Gual de Torrella, said "this management model brings us into a new stage at the Port of Mahon, allowing us to take a significant step towards boosting competitiveness, breaking into the international market, enhancing participation from companies, and creating even more jobs for the local market in the process". The presentation this morning was attended by the Mayoress of Mahon, Conxa Juanola, the Mayor of Es Castell, Lluís Camps, representatives from the company in charge of operating the travel life, as well as representatives from business collectives and the maritime sector such as PINEMA, CAEB, the Chamber of Commerce of Mallorca and ASMEN. The ports managed by the APB are benchmarks in terms of repair and maintenance services of vessels in the west of the Mediterranean. There have been 145,000 m2 of the port area allocated to this activity, half at the Port of Palma. They are able to offer comprehensive, modern and premium services to vessels measuring up to 120 metres in length. It is estimated that the sector will provide jobs to 2,300 qualified and multilingual professionals and will have an annual economic yield of 452 million euros.

The APB presents the second edition of the book ‘The Main Balearic Island Ports in the 21st Century’

04/05/2017

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) is presenting the second edition of its book on the history of the ports of general interest on the Balearic Islands, entitled The Main Balearic Island Ports in the 21st Century. This book expands on the information contained in the first edition published in 2001, focusing on the developments that have taken place at APB ports over the last 15 years. It is a well-documented tool for understanding the conditions of the main commercial ports in the Balearic region (Palma, Alcúdia, Ibiza, Mahon and La Savina), all of which are managed by the APB, how they have evolved over the last few decades and, above all, the important role they play in the social and economic development of the islands. In The Main Balearic Island Ports in the 21st Century, readers will find figures on overall traffic and the main activities at the 5 ports since 1980, financial figures, investments made and the current layout of the ports, as well as an analysis of recent evolution, the current situation and prospects for the future of each port. The information included shows that the port of Ibiza is the one that has changed the most in shape over the last decade, with significant investments made in infrastructures that were required for its economic growth, in light of the needs of society on Ibiza and the business and tourism activities generated on the island. In general terms, the book aims to show how, historically, commercial ports have always been decisive in the development of cities and how, even today, they continue to play this role. Furthermore, the activities that take place there are directly related to the public and their interests. Joan Alemany As was also the case for the first volume, the Doctor in Economics and expert in urban planning and port economics, Joan Alemany Llobera, was in charge of this second edition. After providing a summary of the main conclusions from his previous book in the first part, Alemany focuses on the evolution taking place in the first 15 years of the 21st century. The author analyses the main lines of activity at the ports in a comprehensive manner: passenger and cargo traffic, cruise ships and recreational boating. From the outset, he highlights how ports supply society with the products it needs on a daily basis with a consolidated road traffic system that has turned out to be a highly appropriate logistics model for the islands.

The APB organises International Event for Maritime Companies in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce of Mallorca

28/04/2017

Coinciding with the launch of the Palma International Boat Show and capitalising on the fact that the city is set to become the hub of the international maritime industry, the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce of Mallorca have organised a networking event for international nautical companies at the APB headquarters. The event known as Brokerage Event 2017 is intended to facilitate engagement between representatives from businesses in the marine sector for the purpose of securing international trading partners. Endorsed by the biggest European network of SMEs with international scope, Enterprise Europe Network, the forum is also intended to generate business, schedule meetings with companies and professionals, hold bilateral talks and offer attendees an insight into the latest trends in products and services in the maritime sector.

The APB displays the works from the 7th Painting and Photography Contest on Balearic Island lighthouses and ports in Sant Antoni de Portmany

24/04/2017

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) will, as of tomorrow until 13th May, exhibit the winning art works and the works submitted by the participants in the Painting and Photography Contest in Ibiza and La Savina. The contest, now in its seventh edition, has a high level of convening power, with over 300 works entered from all of the islands. The challenge consisted of depicting one of the ports of general interest in the Balearic Islands or one of their lighthouses. The second prize in the watercolour category went to Arrivan al port, Eivissa by Josep Plaja, which stood out as one of the Ibiza-themed works of note. The works are divided into three categories: Watercolour, Other Painting Techniques and Photography. Out of those that entered last October, one hundred works were short-listed and exhibited in Palma at Christmas, with a warm welcome from the public. After its run in Menorca last March, the exhibition has arrived in Ibiza, its last port of call in the Balearic Islands. As of tomorrow, the twelve winning art pieces will be on display at the exhibition hall in the Ses Coves Blanques lighthouse, along with those that entered the contest in Ibiza. The exhibition will be open to the public from 25th April to 13th May, Tuesday to Saturday from 5pm to 9pm. Places with art For the seventh consecutive year, the APB has sponsored this competition dedicated to the lighthouses of the Balearic Islands and to the ports of general interest of Palma, Alcudia, Mahon, Ibiza and La Savina, with the aim of capturing, by means of visual art, the popular interest that is aroused by places as ordinary and unique as ports and lighthouses.

The APB and UIB hold the first meeting to launch the study on the state of posidonia oceanica in the ports

24/04/2017

The President of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB), Joan Gual de Torrella, this morning held the first meeting with the vice-chancellor of the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Jordi LLabrés, and the team who will perform the study on the state of the posidonia oceanica in the waters of the Balearic Island ports of general interest. This study aims to locate the posidonia oceanica found on the seabed of the waters in Zone II of the ports, assess its state and, if there are areas found to be in poor condition, analyse the causes with scientific rigour. The work dynamics of the project were set during the meeting, along with its priorities and the relevance of this study in order to find out to what extent port activity affects the posidonia oceanica. In March, Gual de Torrella, in response to the request from the Mediterranean Sailors Association (ADN), commissioned the UIB to conduct a study to analyse the state of the posidonia oceanica in the external waters (Zone II) of the ports its manages, and also the factors that can affect its proper conservation. This study aims to find out, in the most documented and thorough manner possible, the state of the situation and what action is required to protect the seabed.

APB to attend Smart Island Congress

20/04/2017

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands is attending the Smart Island Congress kicking off today in Calvià, which will see the entire technology community assemble for two days in this tourist hotspot of the island. The Congress has been organised by Fira de Barcelona and sponsored by the Government of the Balearic Islands, the Mallorca Island Council, the Municipal Council of Calvià and the APB, among others, with the aim of consolidating the islands' status as innovative tourist destinations, not only in terms of technology but also the environment, energy efficiency and sustainability. More than 70 cities around the world are invited and the event is expecting to welcome close to 1,500 attendees. Cutting-edge technology stands, workshops, talks led by prominent figures including the former Spanish Prime Minister, José Luís Rodríguez Zapatero global strategist, Parag Khanna or politician, Anote Tong, are several appealing components of the Congress. Among other projects, the APB stand will showcase its website, its Port Innovation Platform, the Smart Port App and an emergency device known as Emergency QR Project. APB's participation at Smart Island marks another step forward in their commitment to achieving innovation and energy efficiency at their ports.

Marina Ibiza begins operation to remove fencing around its facilities in the Port of Ibiza

12/04/2017

On 18th April, at the request of the agreement reached between Ibiza City Council, the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) and the company Servicios Marítimos Port d‘Eivissa SL, Marina Ibiza will begin the operation to remove the fencing separating its facilities in the port from the Paseo Joan Carles I. The agreement between the three organisations was reached in December 2016 within the framework of the negotiation on the extension of Marina Ibiza's concession term in the Port of Ibiza. The company reached an agreement regarding all of the improvements to be carried out, continuing with the shared line of work established by the APB and Ibiza City Council at the beginning of this parliamentary term. The removal of the Marina Ibiza fencing represents a step towards the mutual agreement to turn the Port of Ibiza into an accessible area, more geared for pedestrians and intended for the benefit of citizens.

The APB orders the administrative eviction of Nassau Beach

06/04/2017

The Board of Directors of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) yesterday ordered the administrative eviction of Insula Avantia SL in order for it to immediately cease occupancy of the bar-restaurant known as Nassau Beach in the public port domain found in the Troneras area of Portitxol in the Port of Palma. A space that is being unduly occupied and has not had an operating licence since December 2016. The eviction must take place within a maximum of three days from when the APB notifies the company. The Board of Directors has conferred the power to request the intervention of State Security Forces and Agencies, if necessary, upon the President of the APB, and also to request authorisation to enter the Troneras area before the Court for Contentious-Administrative Proceedings. In October 2014, the license granted to Insula Avantia for the use of the facilities commercially exploited as Nassau Beach came to an end. Since then, the use of this space was allowed by means of the relevant authorisations granted by the APB. Once this period ended last December —having notified the company Insula Avantia—, the sanctioning procedure for occupying a public domain without authorisation was initiated on 1 February. After the arguments submitted by the company, the Board of Directors decided to dismiss them and proceed with the administrative eviction.

The APB uses application awarded third prize by the European Commission

04/04/2017

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) is using the electronic application of the Government of the Balearic Islands which recently received third prize from the European Commission for the best reuse of a regional technological solution. The application in question, known as REGWEB, which is used to manage entry and exit logs in the public administrations, received a certificate of excellence and recognition as one of the best proposals out of the 118 that were entered in this category. The benefits of the app include the possibility to digitalise documentation as soon as it enters the administration and electronic management of these documents. Developed by the Bit Foundation and funded by the Directorate-General of Technological Development and the Directorate-General of Participation and Transparency of the Government, REGWEB is used by 14 public administrations on the Islands, among which is the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands.

UIB to carry out a study for the APB on the state of the posidonia oceanica in the water surrounding its ports

31/03/2017

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) will ask the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB) to conduct a study on the state of the posidonia oceanica in the external waters (Zone II) of the ports its manages, and also on the factors that can affect its proper maintenance and the protection of biodiversity. This request comes in response to that made by the Mediterranean Sailors Association (ADN) to the organisation's president, Joan Gual de Torrella, to make the UIB aware that they would like to know the current state of the seabed and the extent to which anchorage and recreational sailing in general affect the posidonia. Today, Gual met with the president of the association, Gabriel Dols Mateu, and informed him that the request will be submitted to the UIB to evaluate the state of the area in the most documented and thorough manner possible and to study the action that is required to protect the seabed, pursuant to the framework partnership agreement between both.