Mediterranean island cruise route unveiled in Tenerife

Mediterranean island cruise route unveiled in Tenerife

21/09/2016

The Balearic Islands, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Malta reached an institutional arrangement in Tenerife during the "Seatrade Cruise Med" –the international cruise sector fair held in Santa Cruz de Tenerife– to develop a top quality cruise line. Coordinated by the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands, namely the chairman Joan Gual de Torrella, as well as regional or local governments and the port authorities representing the cities of Maó, Ajaccio, Alguer, Messina and Valetta-Malta, they outlined the design of a cruise network to cover the islands in the western Mediterranean, and assessed the individual features, historical, environmental and economic quality of each territory to create a new product. The product, unveiled to the public on Wednesday during the Canary Islands fair, will be officially launched globally in the Miami event next March.

The Port of Maó's action plan monitoring committee is formed

The Port of Maó's action plan monitoring committee is formed

19/09/2016

Another step forward in the Port of Maó's action plan. The monitoring committee of the project, which aims to convert the Port of Maó into Menorca's economic engine, was formed this morning. The monitoring committee comprises two representatives from the APB, and two from both the Council of Maó and the Council of Es Castell. The commission's chairmanship will rotate among the three bodies on a yearly basis, while the secretary position will be undertaken by the APB. The commission's mission is to analyse on a quarterly basis the progress of the action plan and how best to push it forward, in accordance with the competencies of each administration. Last July, a document drawn up by the APB and the councils of Maó and Es Castell was presented. The document, called the Port of Maó: economic and cultural engine, sets out 40 possible economic and social actions aimed at recovering the port's former vitality. Help given from the public and private sector was essential in producing this strategic document. The forty actions outlined are separated into two blocks: measures for economic and for cultural drive. The latter block also encompasses all nautical-sporting activity. As regards the first block, a complementary management proposal between the ports of Maó and Ciutadella, which aims to resolve the imbalance that has arisen since the extension of the latter, stands out from the other proposals. This cooperation proposal regarding resources and objectives is also being considered for the port-airport and for the development of actions with other Mediterranean ports and cities to strengthen the traffic of medium cruise ships and those of high purchasing power. Furthermore, an extension of the access passage from the estuary is also being considered to improve sailing safety and performance. Improvements in the competitiveness of the companies at the port is also under consideration and the creation of a project incubation hub has been proposed. As regards the measures for cultural drive and nautical-sporting activity, a proposal regarding the allocation of part of the APB's resources to cultural projects, as well as a commitment to draw up a resource plan that establishes investment priorities, willingness to make military heritage compatible with the current and future needs and uses, and the creation of Maó’s visitors' centre on Rey island are worthy of note.

The APB and the Government of the Balearic Islands exchange knowledge on the functioning of the APB Electronic Management System

The APB and the Government of the Balearic Islands exchange knowledge on the functioning of the APB Electronic Management System

15/09/2016

Technicians from the Directorate-General of Technological Development of the Government of the Balearic Island and the APB recently held a meeting in the APB's central office for the purpose of analysing the operation of the Records and Authentication System Cl@ve used for online formalities. Cl@ve is a system geared towards integrating and simplifying electronic access for citizens to public services. It primarily intends to allow citizens to identify themselves to the Administration using combined keys (username and password), without the need to remember different keys to access different services. The APB has incorporated this system to its electronic management in order to offer users a simpler and more functional platform to carry out formalities with the authority. The APB launched the website on June 2015. A crucial tool to facilitate the procedures that individuals and companies carry out with the APB. The tool also enhances the digitisation of public administration, reducing the consumption of paper and establishing more fluid communication with other administrations. One year on since its launch, the platform has logged more than 48,000 open sessions and close to 1500 online applications. The APB electronic management offers the possibility to carry out formalities including: payment of fines, renewal of mooring requests, complaints and suggestions, authorisations for the provision of commercial services, and many more.

The APB will grant permission to the Island Council of Formentera to organise cultural and museum activities at the La Mola Lighthouse

The APB will grant permission to the Island Council of Formentera to organise cultural and museum activities at the La Mola Lighthouse

15/09/2016

The APB will allocate the auxiliary facilities and outdoor areas of the La Mola Lighthouse to the Island Council of Formentera to implement a program of cultural and museum-related activities. It is a public domain for ports affiliated to the APB. This allocation will be brought before the Board of Directors on 28 September upon having been given the green light from State Ports. The new use of the La Mola Lighthouse will not have an impact on its day or night maritime signalling activity. This allocation will also be formalised through an agreement that sees the Island Council of Formentera undertaking to keep the lighthouse in prime condition.

The APB meets with the Island Council of Formentera for the first time regarding the comprehensive improvement project on the Port of la Savina

The APB meets with the Island Council of Formentera for the first time regarding the comprehensive improvement project on the Port of la Savina

15/09/2016

Joan Gual de Torrella, Chairman of the APB, and his management team visited the Port of la Savina this morning. This visit entailed the first meeting with the Island Council of Formentera to establish the details of the comprehensive improve project on the Port of la Savina. This initiative comes as a result of one of the promises made by Gual for this parliamentary term. A tender process for the works is expected to be undertaken in 2017 and the works are estimated to begin before 2018. Jaume Ferrer, the president of the Island Council of Formentera, said that this comprehensive improvement of the port complements the action the Council is carrying out in the centre of la Savina. Gual also said that the aim of this action is to make the port a nice place for people and one which is enjoyable to walk around. The restoration of the Paseo Marítimo of la Savina seeks to embellish the environment of the port for the pleasure of residents and visitors. Furthermore, it will entail the regulating of business activities and will see the creation of a new fishermen's association, improving the sector's working conditions.

The APB presents new sundial in the Port of Palma

The APB presents new sundial in the Port of Palma

14/09/2016

The Chairman of the APB (Port Authority of the Balearic Islands), Joan Gual de Torrella, and the engineer and expert in gnomonics, Rafael Soler Gayá, this morning presented a new equatorial sundial located on the access road to the West breakwater of the Port of Palma. The sundial is a reconstruction of the one designed in 1989, again by Rafael Soler Gayá, which was demolished years later due to structural problems. Located a little more westward than its initial location, it is one of many sun- and moondials designed by Soler throughout the Balearic archipelago. An investment of 47,000 euros was made to undertake this project. It is a sundial in the shape of an armillary sphere, used throughout the centuries to show the movement of stars around the Earth or Sun. It has two 180º semi-rings (one meridian and the other equatorial) made of reinforced concrete, with stainless steel bars placed on top. The sundial provides information on the real time hours, the time hours according to Palma's time zone, the zodiac calendar and the regular month calendar. With the aim of making it easier to read, the structure comes with a few simple instructions in four languages. Gual remarked that, asides from his status as expert in gnomonics, Soler is also a leading figure in terms of understanding the current set-up of the ports on the Islands, and of the navigational guidance system throughout the whole of Spain. Rafael Soler Gayá (Sant Joan, Mallorca, 1929) is a key figure in order to understand the evolution of the maritime signals in the State. Since joining the public administration in 1958 as an assistant engineer at the Port of Palma, until his retirement in 1994 as director of the then recently created Port Authority of the Balearic Islands, he has carried out extensive work regarding improvements to the light ranges of lighthouses and maritime signals of the country and has written 250 port projects and 122 on maritime signalling.

A new equatorial sundial for the port of Palma

A new equatorial sundial for the port of Palma

30/08/2016

The port of Palma has a new equatorial sundial situated outside of the Fishing &amp Nautical School, on the access road to the West dike (Dique del Oeste). This sundial has been reconstructed from a previous design, from 1989, by Rafael Soler Gayà. It is located in the same place as the original, which had to be removed a few years ago due to structural problems. The new sundial has been built following the same characteristics, but following current regulatory requirements. The shape of the equatorial sundial has an armillary sphere, used throughout the centuries to represent the motion of stars around the Earth or the Sun. It consists of two 180º semi-rings, a meridian ring and another equatorial ring, built with reinforced concrete, on which stainless steel sheets have been placed for time readings and the calendar dates. It provides information concerning real time hours, time hours according to Palma’s time zone, zodiac calendar and regular months calendar. The budget for the execution of the sundial was 47,000 euros, taxes included.

The construction works for the building of Es Martell in Ibiza have been tendered

The construction works for the building of Es Martell in Ibiza have been tendered

30/08/2016

The Balearic Islands’ Port Authority (APB) has published the tender notice to condition and improve the contradike of the port of Ibiza, which includes the construction of the new building of Es Martell. The tender terms are available to consult on the Platform for Public Sector Procurement, which can be accessed via the Governments Electronic Office. The tender budget is 2.2 million Euros, taxes included. The deadline for execution of the construction works has been established to six months. The parties interested may submit their bids to the Register of the APB until the 20th September at 14.00pm. The economic bids will be opened starting on the 27th September. The refurbishment of Es Martell has been designed by local architects Calvo and Quesada. The new building will have a surface area of ​​596 square meters and will serve for multiple port uses. It has been designed so that it is integrated in the protected environment of the marina of the port of Ibiza. The perimeter of Es Martell will be promoted as a recreation and contemplation area through four well-defined spaces in the project. It will consist of a tree-covered square, which will be the extension of Antoni Riquer square, bound to the harbour’s promenade and articulated towards the elevated square (which will be the roof the future building) the end of the tree-covered square, which has been designed as a stage area and a preface of the stage-stairway the stage-stairway with access to the square with a viewpoint and the square with viewpoint itself as a place of enjoyment and contemplation. The demolition of the old building of Es Martell was the beginning of the second phase of the reform of the seafront façade of the port of Ibiza, which aims to integrate the port and the city for the enjoyment of residents and tourists as well as the compatibility with other port uses.

Public administrations reach and agreement for the location of the new maritime station between Formentera and the Port of Ibiza

Public administrations reach and agreement for the location of the new maritime station between Formentera and the Port of Ibiza

30/08/2016

The Government of the Balearic Islands, the Consell de Ibiza, the Consell Insular de Formentera and the Council of the city of Ibiza have reached a final agreement for the location of the new passenger terminal of the Port of Ibiza for boats operating in the port of La Savina (Formentera). The agreement has been achieved as a result of a new proposal from the Balearic Islands Port Authority, agreed upon the different public administrations involved and which satisfies the different needs and demands raised by all parties. The consensus proposal means that passengers embark and disembark practically in the same location of the Port of Ibiza as present. The new maritime station will move only about 200 meters from its current location. It will be located on the opposite side of the Yacht Club (Club Nautico), in an area currently used as boatyard and by fishermen. The boats to Formentera carrying cars and goods will move to the commercial docks, where the fishermen’s area will be relocated along with the remaining industrial activity. The presentation of the final agreement took place at the Consolat de la Mar after a meeting headed by the President of the Balearic Government, Francina Armengol, and which was also attended by the Regional Presidency Minister, Pilar Costa the president of the Consell of Ibiza, Vicent Torres the president of the Consell Insular de Fomentera, Jaume Ferrer, the Mayor of the city of Ibiza, Rafel Ruiz, and the President of the Port Authority, Joan Gual de Torrella. The Regional Minister Pilar Costa has noted that the agreement meets the needs raised by all public administrations and has been the result of the predisposition shown "after we were asked a few months ago for the mediation and involvement of president Armengol to resume the negotiations between the administrations". Mrs Costa also added that the result is "a proposal that benefits all citizens" and proves that "when there is an open dialogue a consensus is possible." The president of the APB, Joan Gual de Torrella, explained that in recent months they have been working on a new proposal that satisfies the interests of all administrations and operators working within the Port of Ibiza, and that is why “it has not been easy, but ultimately it is a good agreement because it is beneficial for all parties involved”. On the details of the new proposal, Gual de Torrella especially valued that the embarking and disembarking of passengers practically remains in the same location, as demanded by the Consell de Formentera, while allowing Ibiza’s City Council to extend the port’s pedestrian promenade. He also noted that fishermen agreed to move to the commercial docks, ensuring a more secure location for their activity. This dock will hold all industrial activity as well as the arrival and departure of ships transporting vehicles and roll-on/roll-off goods between Ibiza and Formentera, providing a better mobility solution.

Alcudia’s port: Mallorca’s second most important port of the island

Alcudia’s port: Mallorca’s second most important port of the island

23/08/2016

Alcudia’s port is Mallorca’s second most important one. It is located on northeast part of the island and since last 1992 is one of the integrated ports of Balearic Islands’ Port Authority (APB). There are two areas in the port: the smaller vessels’ dock, where fishing port is located and Alcudiamar sports marina, equipped with 800 moorings and commercial seaport where goods and passengers’ traffic is located. Alcudia is also the main connection between Mallorca and Menorca islands and also counts with a ship line connecting with Barcelona. There are 250.000 passengers a year embarking and disembarking there, and 200.000 of them are coming back from or going to Ciutadella. As a secure and effective answer to this huge amount of passengers’ traffic, APB has expanded Poniente dock and has built a modern and functional maritime station. Together with that, Alcudia port is linked to energetic resources transportation. Thermal power plant has been working for decades, substituted by electrical power plant of Es Murterar. Coal for the power plant is disembarked at Alcudia port coming from far away countries such as South Africa. Coal is 75% of total amount of goods’ traffic, reaching a million tones per year. 40.000 gas tones also reach Alcudia port and 35.000 scrap metal tones leave every year. Agro-alimentary products reaches 50.000 tones a year and 34.000 tones of the same goods leave from Alcudia. APB manages this port with the aim of adapting it to energetic model changes, thus respecting the natural environment all around. Join our Youtube video channel to see the full report.

Autonomy and economic auto-sufficiency of Balearic ports

Autonomy and economic auto-sufficiency of Balearic ports

19/08/2016

The Balearic Port Authority (APB) manages the five ports in the Balearic Islands considered to be of general interest: Palma, Alcudia, Mahon, Ibiza and Savina. The main management body is the Board of Directors where there are representatives of the institutions and business and economic entities with most representation in the Balearic society or they have links with the ports activity. The president, designated by the Government of the Balearic Islands, is Joan Gual de Torrella. He is the representative of APB and establishes the broad outlines of management. As Mr. Gual points out, the objective of the APB "is to offer a good service and that all the traffic of the ports, both merchant and touristic and the industrial activity, can be carried out as efficiently as possible". One of the characteristics of the ports of general interest is auto-sufficiency and economic and financial autonomy. For Mr. Gual it is "a successful model because budgets of the ports are generated within each port and the results are redistributed between those with activities which produce more and those which need help, such as freight, which in turn helps to reduce the costs of insularity". The APB implements the path to be taken for the most important projects to be executed in the ports. For example in Alcudia, Joan Gual de Torrella highlights the necessity of "extending the promenade to the port terminal in order to make the port area more comfortable and accessible for both locals and tourists". In the case of Mahon, the APB is preparing an action plan together with all the Minorcan society. In Palma, the cruise terminal will be finished. "We have to replace a roof that was provisional, assures Mr. Gual, with an adequate building, with little visual impact but that meets the quality standards needed in a port such as Palma". In order to execute these projects and preserve the environment of the ports, APB applies environmental management policies in which are involved both users and port companies. You can see the complete report in this video on the YouTube canal

The natural port of Maó, the second largest in the world

The natural port of Maó, the second largest in the world

18/08/2016

The port of Maó, managed by the Balearic Port Authority (APB), is known, amongst other things, because it is the second largest natural port in the world. Also, it is the largest and most important in Minorca because both the touristic and industrial services and functions are combined in the same facilities. The port offers a welcome refuge for sailors. It is 6 km. from the estuary of the well known area of Colarsega and the east-west orientation offers protection from the strong Tramontana winds. At present, two Minorcan municipalities share the territory of the port, Maó and Castell. Both have a seafront promenade which runs along the port area where you can find the centre of the leisure activities such as bars, restaurants, shops and night-life. In the northern area there is the industrial activity of loading and unloading of passenger and merchant ships, the power plant and a Naval Base. This area also concentrates the major part of the traffic of passengers and merchandise. Around 120,000 passengers embark and disembark every year from Barcelona or with arrival in Palma or Valencia. With regard to merchandise, a very important part are energy products such as, diesel, petrol, gas, and fuel. Other products that are needed in Minorca are construction materials, agricultural/food products and such items as machinery, paper or wood. In the Poniente dock, the oldest part of the port, moor the cruise ships with around 80,000 visitors each year. The recreational activity and nautical sports are almost as intense in Maó as in Palma. The port has a great sailing tradition and it is an important area for competitions and the meeting of traditional boats. The statistics for the port of Mao clearly show the importance of conserving this precious heritage and exceptional landscape while at the same time developing the port functions, basic for the island of Minorca. You can see the complete report in this video on YouTube