News APB | Ports de Balears

The exhibition ''An eye in the sky 1939-1945. The strategic significance of Balearic Island Ports during World War II’ arrives in Menorca

07/07/2017

Yesterday afternoon, the President of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB), Joan Gual de Torrella, the assistant director of the Department of Geography at the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Joana Maria Petrus, and lecturer in Physical Geography at the UIB, Cels García, along with the chairman of the Isla del Rey Hospital Foundation, Luís Alejandre, opened the exhibition 'An eye in the sky. 1939-1945. The strategic significance of Balearic Island Ports during World War II', a collection of unseen aerial photographs of the island ports of general interest, showing that they became key surveillance points during World War II. Despite their non-belligerent stance, the island ports were very much noticed and observed by the intelligence services of the two fronts due to their geostrategic interest. A study by the Department of Geography at the UIB retrieved this photographic material taken between 1941 and 1945 by the British and American aerial surveillance reconnaissance services and, so as to extend it to Balearic society, this exhibition has been launched in conjunction with the APB. The fact that the exhibition is being held on the Isla del Rey (which translates as 'island of the king') gives the visitor the opportunity to take a boat ride out to this unique area of the port of Mahon, allowing them to round off their visit, if they wish, by visiting the hospital that provided such great service in its day and which the Isla del Rey Hospital Foundation keeps alive by means of its intense cultural activity. Joana Maria Petrus pointed out, "From the very beginning, we found the economic and professional support we needed to carry out the research", while Cels García noted, "We are very happy because this exhibition is the fruit of 9 years of research." The chairman of the Isla del Rey Hospital Foundation, Luís Alejandre, stated, "We began working alongside the UIB and APB on this project with great enthusiasm from the moment the proposal was made to put on the exhibition on Isla del Rey", to which the President of the APB, Joan Gual de Torrella, added, "There is no reason not to collaborate on initiatives like this. Moreover, Isla del Rey is, without a doubt, the best place to hold this exhibition." A travelling exhibition The exhibition, consisting of 16 panels with a large number of photographs and detailed explanatory texts, has been touring the different ports of general interest in the Balearic Islands since May this year. After stopping in Palma and Alcudia, its next dates are: Mahon. Illa del Rei Hospital Foundation, from 6th to 29th July. On 7th, 10th, 12th, 17th, 19th, 21st, 24th, 26th and 28th departure from Cala Fonts - Es Castell with Lazareto boat at 6.30pm, return at 8pm. On Thursday 13th, 20th and 27th at 10.30am, coinciding with the visit of the Yellow catamaran to the island, and Sunday 9th, 16th and 23rd at 8.45am and 10.45am. For further information see www.islahospitalmenorca.org. Ibiza. Club Náutico de Ibiza, from 4th to 29th August, 9am to 9pm. La Savina. Estación Marítima [Harbour Station], from 4th to 30th September all day.

The APB launches the Beautification Plan for la Savina Port

06/07/2017

The Balearic Islands' Port Authority (APB) launches the "Conditioning of roads and pedestrian zones" project, which will provide la Savina port with infrastructure more adapted to the port's current needs making the infrastructure more convenient for its users. This improvement project, which is being drawn up and will begin in the next few months, consists, on the one hand, of the reorganisation, improvement and adaptation of the car park area located at the north side of la Savina Port, and, on the other hand, the conditioning of the port's roads and pedestrian areas. The completion of the works at the new Formentera Maritime Station in 2006 and all these years of use have highlighted that the progressive increase of users requires action to optimise the flow of passengers and vehicles that access this station on a daily basis. In order to meet these needs, it is intended, firstly, to condition the car park area located at the north side of la Savina Port, creating two car park strips (cars and trucks) at the same level and rearranging internal traffic inside the car park. The investment made by the APB for this first phase is €600,000. On the other hand, and in order to enhance pedestrian areas, it is intended to homogenise the whole area and provide Formentera's residents with an area for their enjoyment in the port area, the Beautification Plan includes the conditioning of roads and pedestrian access areas. More than ten companies have been put forward for the preliminary project phase. The investment for this second phase amounts to €6 million and will run between 2018 and 2019.

The APB restores La Caseta and El Moll de ses Monges at La Isla del Rey, Maó Port

06/07/2017

The Balearic Islands' Port Authority (APB) has restored La Caseta and El Moll de ses Monges, located at La Isla del Rey, Maó Port. Infrastructure that the APB makes available to the public and that will be a substantial improvement for La Isla del Rey Hospital Foundation's needs. The small De ses Monges dock has been rebuilt by Naviera Daedalus S.L. with a budget of €54,441.06 and La Caseta has been restored by EHM, Contrata, Dirección Gestión de Obras 2004 S.L., with an investment of €19,227. The dock received this name because nuns who worked at La Isla del Rey Hospital used to come here to bathe. La Caseta was their dressing room and, in the stone baths that can be seen in this area, some sick people who needed it for their treatment received salt water baths. La Isla del Rey Hospital Foundation is a private, non-profit entity that promotes and protects La Isla del Rey through a number of activities and events. Please visit www.islahospitalmenorca.org for more information about Maó Port Activities.

The pay parking system at the Port of Mahon comes into operation

22/06/2017

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has put a new pay parking system into operation in the port area of Mahon. The system, which was launched last Monday, will be in operation until 30 September, coinciding with the busiest months. The aim is to encourage vehicle rotation in the area. Furthermore, the APB has made 100 free parking spaces available in the area of Cala Figuera, adding to the 25 free ones located on the road to Punta des Rellotge. Furthermore, 90 motorbike parking spaces have also been made available. The times will be different to those in Mahon, with the night-time hours slightly extended. A fee will be paid to park between 9am and 2pm and 5.30pm and 10.30pm, Monday to Saturday. The set fee will be the same as in the city of Mahon (€0.50 for twenty minutes and €1.50 per hour). In order to benefit those who use the area on a regular basis, an orange zone has been created in the area of s’Hort Nou with a reduced fee of €0.20 per hour and a maximum stay of 8 hours. The 11 parking meters installed in the area allow users to obtain tickets for the blue zone and the orange zone.

The APB installs latest LED technology in 13 of its lighthouses

07/06/2017

Over the last few weeks, the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has been installing a new type of LED lamp in 4 of its lighthouses. These include the Punt Avançada, Cap Salines, Cap Blanc and Sa Creu lighthouses, all of which have an average nominal range of between 13 and 15 nautical miles. The LEDs lamps have been placed inside the classic glass optics, as the APB aims to keep them in service where possible in an attempt to preserve the heritage that has been providing such a quality service since the 19th century. Following these four additions, there are now 13 lighthouses that use LED lamps as a light source. In addition to the four lighthouses mentioned above, the following lighthouses use LED equipment (without classic optics): Es Vedrà, Bleda Plana and Es Penjats in Ibiza En Pou in Formentera Alcanada, Torre den Beu and Sa Mola in Mallorca Na Foradada in Cabrera and San Carles in Mahon. Why LED? The light produced by LED sources is whiter than that coming from incandescent bulbs, therefore it offers better visibility especially when there is more light exposure in areas close to the coast (towns, seafront, etc.). Meanwhile, a better ratio is achieved between the required electrical power and the light performance. Lastly, LEDs have an average lifetime of around 100,000 hours as opposed to the 2,000 hours of an incandescent light bulb, which makes it possible to stagger maintenance tasks. It is also worth pointing out that they significantly save on energy. For example, a 500-watt incandescent light bulb was replaced for a 150-watt LED bulb in the Punta Avançada and Sa Creu lighthouses. The minor consumption of LED lights in lighthouses running off solar power makes it possible to design smaller solar power systems, serving as another energy-saving strategy. Thanks to the longer average lifetime of these lights, the generation of non-recyclable waste is reduced, boosting environmental protection. The APB will monitor the performance of these new lamps for the purpose of scheduling new additions. They are currently assessing the possibility of installing a rotary system with LED lamps at the Botafoc lighthouse in Ibiza. All 28 of the coastal beacons and buoys are now using LED technology meanwhile, almost 95% of the 80 beacons at the five ports of general interest have the LED system implemented.

The APB changes the conditions of the Parking Fee at the Port of Mahon

02/06/2017

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has approved the change in the T.9.1.8. Parking Fee at the Port of Mahon. The arrival of the high season and the subsequent parking difficulties in the port area have led the APB to change the current parking regulations at the Port of Mahon. In this way, in order to encourage vehicle rotation, the 400 parking spaces in the port area will switch to pay mode as of this June until 30 September, when they will again return to their free-of-charge status. The set fee will be the same as in the city of Mahon (€0.50 for twenty minutes and €1.50 per hour). In order to benefit those who use the area on a regular basis, an orange zone has been created in the area of s’Hort Nou with a reduced fee of €0.20 per hour and a maximum stay of 8 hours. In addition, the port's parking meters will apply the same discounts as those applied in the city to holders of the residence permit. Furthermore, certain users may obtain an annual permit which will allow them to park in certain especially designated spaces. The times will be different to those in Mahon, with the night-time hours slightly extended. A fee will be paid to park between 9am and 2pm and 5.30pm and 10.30pm, Monday to Saturday. The new parking system will come into effect once installation of the whole mechanism has been completed over the coming days.

Formentera Port Police to have new electric vehicle

01/06/2017

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has purchased a new vehicle for the Port Police at the port of La Savina. The vehicle in question is a fully electric Nissan Evalia Nv200, which was recently handed over to the officers at the port in Formentera. With the aim of promoting respect for the environment, the APB chose an AC synchronous electric vehicle model, with lithium-ion batteries that give it a range of between 80 and 120 km. This purchase marks another step forward in the APB's commitment to adapting the vehicles in the ports it manages to low-consumption models that are environmentally friendly. The new vehicle belonging to the Port Police in Formentera was purchased for €36,000.

The APB acknowledges the efforts of the workers on the Es Martell and Marina works with lunch at the port of Ibiza

01/06/2017

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) is organising a lunch this Friday to thank the workers for their effort on the Es Martell square and Levante dock works, on the Marina promenade at the port of Ibiza, after making it possible for the works to be completed on schedule. The celebration will consist of a paella served at lunchtime tomorrow in the newly opened Es Martell building, where 60 people are expected to attend. The guests are the workmen from the companies Acciona, Melchor Mascaró and other technical staff responsible for the technical management of the works. Acciona's efforts over the last six months to complete the building and prepare Es Martell square for use provided direct employment for 60 people, while the intervention by concession company Sovren Marina at the Levante dock in Ibiza provided direct employment for 45 people on average since 23 April, with peaks of up to 80 workers. It is worth noting that a large group of Muslim workers who worked on the project have declined the lunch invitation due to the fact that they are currently fasting during the day as part of Ramadan. Nevertheless, the APB and the various other companies involved recognise their effort and dedication all the same. The Es Martell lookout point will be opened to the public tomorrow at midday once the commissioning certificate has been signed and just before the thank you lunch.

The APB, in conjunction with the UIB, opens the exhibition 'An eye in the sky. 1939-1945. The strategic significance of Balearic Island Ports during World War II'

30/05/2017

The President of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB), Joan Gual de Torrella and the chancellor of the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Llorenç Huguet, this morning opened the exhibition 'An eye in the sky. 1939-1945. The strategic significance of Balearic Island Ports during World War II', a collection of unseen aerial photographs of the island ports of general interest, showing that they became key surveillance points during World War II. Despite their non-belligerent stance, the island ports were very much noticed and observed by the intelligence services of the two fronts due to their geostrategic interest. A study by the Department of Geography at the UIB retrieved this photographic material taken between 1941 and 1945 by the British and American aerial surveillance reconnaissance services and, so as to extend it to Balearic society, this exhibition has been launched in conjunction with the APB. The President of the APB, Joan Gual de Torrella, pointed out the framework partnership agreement between both entities, which is opening many diverse fronts such as economy, environment and geography. Moreover, he highlighted the fact that "events like this allow us to open the old APB headquarters as a cultural space and centre for exhibitions related to the ports" The chancellor of the UIB, Llorenç Huguet, thanked the APB for purchasing the material found by the Department of Geography and which is the focal point of this exhibition. "It is a very interesting exhibition for recovering visual heritage and which will tour all of the Balearic islands". Huguet stated that the planned production of a catalogue by Ediciones UIB for the exhibition will also be very useful, and will mean visitors can hold the graphic works in their hands. Cels García, Doctor and lecturer in the Department of Geography at the UIB, stated that with this exhibition "we retrieve vertical aerial pictures from 1941 and confirm that we were indeed monitored by both the Allied and Axis forces. We also show the beginning of a new science called photo interpretation. By observing these photographs, the British produced secret reports that were passed onto the high command and which helped in terms of decision-making”. García added that "it also highlights the role of women as they took on a big responsibility and played a key role in interpreting photographs. The role of women in the United Kingdom changed after World War II, showing that they could be much more than nurses and take on more scientific jobs". A travelling exhibition The exhibition, consisting of 16 panels with a large number of photographs and detailed explanatory texts, will tour the different ports of general interest in the Balearic Islands: Palma. APB headquarters, Moll vell, 3, from 29th May to 17th June 10am to 2pm and 5pm to 8pm Alcúdia. Estación Marítima [Harbour Station], from 21st June to 2nd July all day Mahon. Illa del Rei Hospital Foundation, from 6th to 29th July (for opening times and access please visit www.islahospitalmenorca.org) Ibiza. Club Náutico de Ibiza, from 4th to 29th August, 9am to 9pm. La Savina. Estación Marítima [Harbour Station], from 4th to 30th September all day.

The APB opens Es Martell square and the dock of the Port of Ibiza Marina to the public

30/05/2017

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) will tomorrow proceed to remove the fencing around the two works carried out on the Marina at the port of Ibiza over recent months. After signing the commissioning certificate for both infrastructures, the APB will, over the course of the day, open up the area of Es Martell square and the dock of the Marina at the port of Vila. The first works to be completed was that of Es Martell, where Acciona, the company awarded the contract, invested 1.4 million euros in the development and completion of the building over the 6 month duration of the works. The steps and the public lookout point found on the roof of the building will be opened up to the public on Friday 2 June when the finishing touches have been made to the works. The second of the works was carried out by concession company Sovren Marina in Ibiza, with the installation of new mooring lines at the Levante dock. Tomorrow the fencing will also be removed from around these works which began on 23 April and form part of the 3.5 million that this company will invest in the Port of Ibiza in 2017. Once summer is over, the interior of the building will be fitted out and the dolphin structures of the joined dock refurbished.

Dismissed claim for pecuniary liability filed by company that intended to build hotel at Port of Palma

19/05/2017

The Court for Contentious-Administrative Proceedings of the Superior Court of Justice of the Balearic Islands (TSJIB) has dismissed the appeal filed by the company Concesionaria Es Mollet S.L. against the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB), confirming that any claims for pecuniary liability following a rejected proposal to construct a five-star hotel resort at the Port of Palma will not be admitted. On April 2014, the APB issued a call for tenders for the operation under concession arrangements of a building for commercial premises in the Mollet opposite dock area at the Port of Palma. Two companies submitted bids for the tender, which was later declared null by the APB Board of Directors after both proposals were rejected. The offer submitted by Concesionaria Es Mollet entailed building a five-star hotel for 84 guests, 24 parking spaces, a heated swimming pool and other hotel services. In March 2015, the Board of Directors rejected the bid after determining that the hotel proposal failed to meet the rules of the tender. Following this decision, Concesionaria Es Mollet filed for compensation totalling 420,000 euros for pecuniary loss, which was dismissed by the APB and now settled by the ruling issued by the TSJIB. According to the ruling, hotel activity is forbidden pursuant to article 72 of the Consolidated Text of the Law on State Ports and the Merchant Navy (TRLPEMM), except under exceptional circumstances, duly justified on grounds of the general interest and following the issuance of a report from State Ports and the Council of Ministers. In view of this, the ruling states that the bid failed to meet the conditions of use stipulated in current legislation and that it was justifiably rejected. There will be no further public tenders Last February, following the second call for public tender for the operation of two buildings in the Mollet opposite port for commercial premises, the APB Board of Directors agreed to abandon the process. With this initiative, in line with Palma City Council, the APB aims to promote the redevelopment of this area, streamlining its uses and abolishing any buildings that are not necessary for port activity. Rejecting this project will enable expansion of the Mollet opposite dock area and provide the port with spaces open to citizens, moving closer towards the ‘Port-City’ model sought by many cities of reference.

The president of State Ports visits the Port of Ibiza

12/05/2017

José Llorca, the president of State Ports, continues his visit of the Pityusic Islands. Llorca, who was accompanied by Joan Gual de Torrella, president of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB), got a first-hand insight into the reality of the port area of Ibiza. The visit took place due to the interest of the president of State Ports to see the issues that affect the ports of General Interest. During the visit, Llorca stated that the ports are at the service of the economic activity of the territory in which they are located, but that the economic model of the specific territory must be agreed to and determined by local, autonomous and state entities. "Our vocation is not to build a city. It is the local entities that must build it. However, we are committed to opening up the port in favour of such city." According to Llorca, Ibiza is an investment example that has freed up areas for citizens that were dedicated to loading work. As such, Ibiza is an example of a port opening up in favour of the city, allowing local residents to enjoy the areas that are now free of port activity. The Port of Ibiza has received over 160 million euros in investment over the last fifteen years. Furthermore, out of the five ports of General Interest managed by the APB, the Port of Ibiza is also the one undergoing the biggest remodelling. Llorca and Gual's visit comprised a look at the Port of Ibiza's facilities, particularly the Es Martell works and the concession area in which YSM Marinas de España is undertaking works in order to manage the mooring of super yachts in the Marina and Botafoch dock areas. On finishing their visit, José Llorca and Joan Gual de Torrella were met by Rafael Ruiz, the mayor of Ibiza.