News APB | Ports de Balears

The APB launches a tender to manage charter moorings on the seafront promenade of the port of Palma

12/06/2025

The Board of Directors of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has recently agreed to open a public tender to award the management and operation, under an administrative concession, of mooring berths for charter boats on the seafront promenade of the port of Palma.The tender procedure aims to award the operation of a total area of approximately 18,000 square metres of public port land, located next to the Golondrinas quay. Most of the space will be allocated to mooring around 95 boats that may be over 20 metres in length. The contract also includes a building for toilets and a harbour master's office.The services that the successful bidder must provide include managing moorings for charter boats, supplying water and electricity, including electric chargers for at least 4% of the moorings, and supplying fuel to boats moored at the facility, among other services.The maximum term for the management of the concession will be eighteen years. The tender sets an initial occupancy rate of around €430,000 per year, subject to increase, and an activity rate of 4% of annual turnover.Environmental competitivenessInvestment in infrastructure, environmental improvements such as the use of renewable energies, the quality of materials and the suitability of the environment will also be assessed.In addition, the specifications will assess the most competitive rates in the proposals, differentiated for basic and transient vessels, with different rates for high and low season, calculated in euros per square metre per day.

Socio-economic development

Large crowds turn out for the first Open Day at the port of Mahon

07/06/2025

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) is delighted with the response of the Menorcan population to the first edition of the Open Ports Day in the port of Mahon, which saw a large turnout from all sectors of the public. More than forty public, private and non-profit organisations were involved in the port festival which brought the general public closer to the activities of ports of general interest and lighthouses.The president of the APB, Javier Sanz, said he was "satisfied and surprised by the large number of people and the interest we have awakened in the port, which is ultimately what we wanted". Sanz emphasised the numerous activities of various kinds and the displays of port trades which have been concentrated in various locations, "which are the soul of the port, which is what interests us".The event was led by President Sanz, along with the mayor of Mahon, Héctor Pons, the mayor of Es Castell, Lluís Camps, the Minister for the Sea and Water Cycle of the Balearic Islands Government, Juan Manuel Lafuente, and the president of the Menorca Island Council, Adolfo Vilafranca.The APB trophy, which counts towards the Balearic OCR cruiser championship, is one of the highlights of the programme. The sailing regatta, organised by the Mahon Maritime Club, set sail from the harbour in Mahón, right in front of the crowd gathered on the cruise ship pier. Maritime activities such as visits to the pilot boats, Maritime Rescue, moorings and tugboats have been very popular.The visits to the Favàritx lighthouse, the fishing dock, the naval station in the port of Mahón, the military fortifications of La Mola and Marlborough, the King's Island, the mussel farms and the excursions with swallows around the port have also been very popular.There were also activities for children organised by the Mahon Local Police, the 112 emergency service, the Menorca fire brigade and the Port Police, which attracted a lot of attention from the youngest members of the family.Travelling festivalPort Festa-Viu el port is an initiative that the APB launched in 2023 in the port of Palma, which this year was held in the port of Mahon and which next year is planned to be taken to the port of Ibiza, before coming to the ports of Alcudia and La Savina. This is a commitment of the port organisation in its Corporate Social Responsibility policy to unify and reinforce the identity and culture of the ports and to serve as a guide for the rest of the people and companies operating in its installations.

Port-city

The APB celebrates International Archives Day with an exhibition showcasing the beginnings of Palma's seafront promenade

06/06/2025

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) joins in the celebration of International Archives Day with an interesting exhibition on the beginnings of the transformation of the port of Palma with the construction of the seafront promenade. “Sparks from the bay: light from the archives” unearths the original plans from its archives that made the port link road possible, also highlighting the role of lighthouses in transforming the islands’ coastline.On the internationally recognised date of 9 June, the exhibition will be open to visitors at the APB headquarters from Monday until Friday 13 June. On Monday 9 and Friday 13, visiting hours will be from 10 am to 6 pm, while on the other days it will be open from 10 am to 2 pm.This year, the APB Archive is showcasing the 1944 plan, PO.218, showing the road connecting the Ribera Quay in San Carlos with the commercial port, which led to the construction of the promenade. This road was initially designed by the engineer Gabriel Roca Garcías to connect the Old Quay with the port developments that were being planned at that time with the construction of the West dock.The role played by lighthouses in the urban transformation of the archipelago's coastline is also highlighted. The lighthouses of Portopí and Alcanada on the island of Mallorca, Ciutadella in Menorca, Botafoc on the island of Eivissa and La Mola on Formentera have been chosen as examples.The exhibition also includes historical elements of the port of Palma, such as the old Riba lighthouse, the APB's institutional headquarters building and the now defunct Quarantine facilities. Among the documents on display is a reproduction of a Health patent.Historic commitmentFor many years now, the staff of the APB Archives have been celebrating International Archives Day with an exhibition open to the general public of original objects and documents with the aim of highlighting the importance of old documents in the preservation of the historical memory of the port.

Port-city

The Mercadal Town Council, in collaboration with the APB, inaugurates the exhibition "Fareras. The light that guides us" at Cavalleria lighthouse

04/06/2025

Mercadal Town Hall, in collaboration with the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB), opens next Friday 6th June at 7 p.m. at theCap de Cavalleria Interpretation Centrethe exhibition "Fareras. The light that guides us", an emotive exhibition curated by the film-maker Cristina Rodríguez Paz, which can be visited until 7 September 2025.This installation is presented to the public as part of the activities organised by the APB on the occasion of the first Open Doors Day of the port of Mahón, which was created with the aim of familiarising the general public with the port and to emphasise the social, economic and cultural importance of ports of general interest and maritime signals for the island of Menorca.The place chosen for the exhibition is Cavalleria lighthouse, where Mercadal Town Council has had a collaboration agreement with the APB since 2015 to allocate part of the lighthouse space for educational and cultural purposes where visitors can learn about several aspects of this spectacular setting in the north of Menorca.Women lighthouse keepersThe exhibition, which was already on display last year at the Maritime Museum of Mallorca's headquarters in Sóller, pays tribute to the 26 women who have officially worked as lighthouse keepers in Spain, making their role visible in a profession historically dominated by men. Through a careful selection of historiographical material and contemporary art works, the exhibition offers a unique journey through the life, work and legacy of these exceptional women.The exhibition space is divided into two distinct areas: one devoted to the first women who lived in lighthouses, with graphic documents and texts that reconstruct their experiences, and the other focusing on the protagonists of the documentary "The light that guides us", directed by the curator herself.Today, only four women lighthouse keepers are still active, and their upcoming retirement will mark the end of a period that began to fade away after the passing of the 1992 Ports and Merchant Navy Act, which made this profession practically obsolete."Fareras. The light that guides us" is an opportunity to explore the confluence between art, history and memory, and to pay tribute to those who illuminated our coasts from the anonymity of lighthouses.

Port-city Transport and infrastructure

The Local Police and the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands bring eight charges in a joint operation to counter the occupation of the public thoroughfare on Palma's seafront promenade

03/06/2025

The Palma Local Police, in collaboration with the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands, carried out a joint operation to control the occupation of the public thoroughfare by the terraces of the leisure and restaurant establishments on Palma's seafront promenade, Avenida Gabriel Roca.This operation, which took place last weekend, involved four officers from the Port Police of the port of Palma, as well as officers of several units of the Local Police: seven members of the Community Proximity Team (ECOP) and two from the Preventive Action Group (GAP).As a result of this action, eight charges were brought for unauthorised occupation of the public thoroughfare in the port area, one for each offending establishment.Two other charges were also brought on 1 June, in this case in an area under municipal jurisdiction. The two establishments involved did not remove the items from their terraces after closure, leaving them piled up in front of the front of the premises.FinesDepending on the seriousness of the infringement, these offences can result in financial penalties ranging from 100 to 750 euros (minor infringements), from 750.01 to 1,500 euros (serious infringements) and from 1,500.01 to 3,000 euros (very serious infringements).

Socio-economic development

The APB approves the first fire ordinance for marinas and water sports facilities

26/05/2025

The Balearic Islands Port Authority (APB) has approved the first ordinance on fire protection and self-protection in marinas and water sports facilities in the public domain of the APB. This is the first regulation of its kind in Spain, and establishes a pioneering regulatory framework to improve safety in these facilities.The regulations have been developed in conjunction with the fire prevention and extinguishing services of the Balearic Islands, including the fire brigades of Palma, Mallorca, Minorca and Formentera. Experience in emergencies in ports and marinas, both at the regional level and in other autonomous communities, has served as a basis for defining safety criteria, procedures and guidelines.The final text of the ordinance was drafted through a participatory process involving various organisations and groups in the sector. Of particular note are the contributions of the Association of Naval Engineers of the Balearic Islands, which collaborated for a year in drafting the regulations, as well as the Association of Marine and Sports Facilities (ANADE) and the Association of Sailing Clubs of the Balearic Islands, which submitted joint proposals incorporated into the final text.Risk factorsThe analysis of the problem highlighted various risk factors, such as the increase in the length of vessels and the incorporation of new interior installations such as galleys, air conditioning systems, electrical mechanisms and other equipment that increase the likelihood of fire. These factors, together with the need for permanent electrical connection and the complexity of maintenance in the marine environment, have resulted in a scenario of greater vulnerability.In addition, interventions of the emergency services in these incidents are particularly complex due to the geometry of marine facilities and installations. The difficulty in detecting and handling emergencies, coupled with the lack of suitable warning measures, delays the response and aggravates the consequences of fires.In view of this situation, the APB has promoted the drafting of this ordinance from a cross-cutting perspective, integrating the particularities of risk in these facilities and guaranteeing the safety of people and property. The regulations will also facilitate the intervention of both internal and external emergency services.This new regulations are set to become a landmark at the national level, setting a precedent for future regulations in the port area in terms of fire prevention and safety.

Transport and infrastructure Socio-economic development

The APB promotes the electrification of docks in the ports of Palma, Ibiza and Mahon with new medium voltage OPS systems

20/05/2025

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has contracted the installation of four new OPS(Onshore Power Supply) systems - also known ascold ironing -in the ports of Palma, Ibiza and Mahon fornearly ten million euros. These elements of infrastructure will allow ships to connect to the shore-side electricity grid during their stay in port, eliminating the need to keep their auxiliary engines running and thereby reducing polluting emissions and noise pollution in nearby urban areas.The president of the APB, Javier Sanz, already highlighted at the time "the determined push" being made by the port body in the electrification of the docks, which has a direct effect on the process of decarbonisation of port operations and, therefore, on "environmental sustainability", but also "on the well-being of the port's residents, who are going to notice a reduction in noise during ship layovers in the port".In the port of Palma, where the first low and medium voltage OPS point for ferries and fast-ferries is already in operation on the West quays, the installation of a second medium voltage system with a power of 1,600 kW has recently been awarded, located on the Commercial quays. This new infrastructure will allow the connection of ferries operating on a regular line, thus extending the coverage of the current system and reinforcing the process of decarbonisation of port operations.The company awarded the contract was Sampol for 2.4 million euros, which has already implemented the first OPS in the same port.New points in Ibiza and MahonIn the port of Ibiza, two medium-voltage OPS systems will also be installed, with a power output of 1,600 kW each, located on the Botafoc quays, allowing two ships to be connected simultaneously. This double connection will increase operational efficiency and substantially reduce atmospheric emissions and noise generated in the port environment, in line with the strategy of sustainability and improvement of port-city integration.The contract has also been awarded to Sampol, for a works budget of 4.69 million euros.Meanwhile, in the port of Mahon, a contract has been awarded for the execution of a medium voltage OPS system with a power output of 1,600 kW, which will be located on the Cós Nou quay, allowing the connection of ferries and other vessels. This new supply point is an important step towards a model of cleaner and quieter port operations, especially important for the residents around the port.The contract was awarded to the joint venture formed by FCC and COMSA for 2.84 million euros.European co-fundingThese actions are part of the APB's firm commitment to environmental sustainability and energy efficiency in its port facilities. The electrification of the docks of the five ports of general interest that it manages (Palma, Alcúdia, Ibiza, Mahon and La Savina) has a total planned investment of approximately 100 million euros until 2030, 40% of which is co-funded by the Next Generation EU funds.It is estimated that each of the projects can directly provide 15 jobs.

Environment and CSR Next Generation UE Technology and innovation Transport and infrastructure

The APB establishes two different navigation channels in the port of La Savina to improve safety when entering and leaving the port

16/05/2025

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has established the separation of the navigation channel in La Savina with the aim of increasing the safety and fluidity of maritime traffic entering and leaving the port. This measure, supported by technical studies and real-time testing, aims to reduce the risk of incidents arising from the increasing traffic of ships and recreational craft.The Board of Management of the APB recently approved an ordinance which will regulate the procedure for entering and leaving the port, which will come into force as soon as it is published in the Official State Gazette (BOE). After that date, any breach may result in penalties.The new system establishes two navigation channels. A main channelsituated to the northfor all vessels and craft of 24 metres in length and over, or 6 metres in beam, or 2 metres in draught. The secondary channel, located to the south, is reserved for recreational, fishing and other vessels that do not meet the criteria of the main channel.The APB Chairman, Javier Sanz, stated that in this way the port body "reaffirms its commitment to maritime safety and the optimisation of maritime traffic in the port", stressing "that this separation will contribute to a more efficient and orderly navigation in the port of La Savina".Beacon signallingTo mark the channels, four yellow buoys numbered 1 to 4 have been deployed in the direction of the entrance to the port and a beacon with red flashes at the end of the jetty where the passenger vessels dock. These marks will serve to demarcate the channels.Both channels will be two-way and must be navigated in the right half in the forward direction. However, exceptions are provided for when the berthing destination requires it, thereby minimising the time to cross the opposite channel.Likewise, the maximum speed of vessels or boats during manoeuvres into and out of the port of La Savina will remain limited to 15 or 6 knots, depending on whether they are located to the north or south respectively of the port's outer breakwater.Restricted anchoringFurthermore, in order to guarantee safe navigation, it is forbidden to anchor ships, vessels or naval artifacts in both channels without the express authorisation of the APB, except in cases of force majeure or danger to human life at sea.The obligation to use the separate channels has come into force with the installation of the buoys. However, the system of penalties associated with this regulation will not be applied until the publication of the corresponding port ordinance in the BOE (Official State Gazette).

Transport and infrastructure

The APB opens the tender for the mooring management and service provision on the Levante quay in the port of Maó

15/05/2025

The Board of Directors of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) agreed at its recent meeting in the port of Palma to open a public tender for the management and operation, under an administrative concession, of mooring points for pleasure craft, between the Reynés dry dock and the point of Cala Figuera, on the southern shore of the port of Maó.The aim of the tender is to guarantee the continuity of the services provided to the pleasure craft moored in this area, optimise the use of the public port domain, increase the number of moorings for resident vessels and foster an operating model based on sustainability, innovation and efficiency.The concession will cover more than 47,000 square metres of the public port area, 46,500 square metres of which are sheltered water surface and 650 square metres are located on land, where a service facility for the marina will be built.The call for tenders will particularly value proposals that reduce mooring fees, thus favouring economic accessibility for users, especially for smaller vessels. In addition, the bidding rate is set at an exit occupancy fee of around 400,000 euros per year, which can be increased upwards, and an activity fee of 4 percent of the annual turnover.The concession shall be granted for a maximum of 18 years. The management will include the operation of 135 existing moorings, with the obligation to reserve 8 berths for public service vessels, such as those destined for the Guardia Civil, Maritime Rescue, Customs, etc., 5 for the APB and the provision of 15 additional berths for auxiliary vessels of up to four metres in length.At the western end of the concession, a service building will be constructed, which will include facilities for the marina and premises ceded to the APB, with a total built area of nearly 1,000 square metres. The building must respect the existing protected frontage and also comply with the highest standards of energy efficiency and sustainability, including certification as a near zero-energy building.Preference to resident vesselsThe future concessionaire must guarantee mooring service to existing resident vessels, respecting their preferential rights in accordance with the conditions established by the APB. It may also propose a redistribution of moorings, provided that it respects the demarcation of the navigation channel and the established technical limitations.With this initiative, the APB pursues the modernisation and optimisation of the nautical-recreational infrastructures of the port of Maó, in accordance with the Delimitation of Port Areas and Uses and the Special Plan for the port.Environmental and quality criteriaThe tender will prioritise proposals that incorporate renewable energy, efficient waste management systems, water and energy saving measures, and the use of environmentally friendly materials. The inclusion of electric chargers on moorings, the installation of systems to improve marine biodiversity and the adoption of technological innovations in marina management will also be assessed.Tenders must guarantee the adequate provision of mooring services, water and electricity supply, cleaning, maintenance, surveillance, and access control, as well as the proper management of the waste generated in the facility.

Environment and CSR Socio-economic development

The Port Centre of Mahón opens up to the public with a commitment to sustainable innovation

14/05/2025

The Port Centre of Mahón today hosted its first public event, a milestone which marks the beginning of a new stage in the relationship between the port and the city. This new space, backed by the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB), was created with a view to becoming a permanent meeting point for the port community, institutions, local businesses and the general public.The opening ceremony was presided over by the president of the APB, who emphasised that the Port Centre of Mahón "forms part of a global strategy to promote port-city integration and sustainable development", following the model already successfully consolidated in the Port Centres of the ports of Palma and Ibiza. "We want ports that are alive, open and participative, that are motors of innovation and sustainability", he stated.To inaugurate this space, the prototype of the Power Drive propulsion system was presented, developed by the Menorcan company ESEA Propulsion, a pioneering project for sustainable electric navigation for light and semi-rigid boats.This innovative propulsion system has recently been recognised with the Timón de Innovación 2024 Award, one of the most prestigious awards in the nautical sector at a national level. The Power Drive stands out for its energy efficiency, quiet operation and zero emissions, and has been described as one of the most advanced projects in Europe in its field.The choice of this project as the first event of the Port Centre of Mahón was not by chance, but rather a commitment to give visibility to the innovative talent born in the Islands and to reinforce the commitment of the APB to the ecological transition and the promotion of the blue economy.The event was attended by institutional, business and academic representatives, who were able to learn about the operation of the system and talk to those responsible for the project.With this first event, the Port Centre of Mahón is officially launched as a meeting, dissemination and participation space, and it is expected to host new events related to innovation, sustainability and the future of the port and the city in the near future.

Port-city Technology and innovation

The port of Maó opens its doors to the public with the "Viu el Port" event

13/05/2025

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) will be holding the first Open Day at the port of Mahón on Saturday 7th June with the initiative "Viu el Port". This proposal, which is free and open to everyone, was created with the aim of bringing citizens closer to the reality of the port and to vindicate the social, economic and cultural importance of this strategic space for the island of Menorca. The event has the collaboration of more than 40 public and private entities.The day will start at 10 am and will last until midnight, with a varied programme designed for all audiences. The port will become a lively and dynamic space, with guided tours of heritage sites such as La Mola, San Felipe Castle, Fort Marlborough, the Naval Station, the Favàritx lighthouse and the Isla del Rey. Visitors will also be able to visit the mussel beds of La Solana, the Fishermen's Guild, professional boats and port facilities to learn about the work of the teams and services operating in the port.Activities at sea will be one of the highlights of the programme, with canoeing exhibitions, a demonstration of the Asian Dragon Boat and the opportunity to explore the port of Maó from the sea. In addition, a coastal regatta will be held as part of the Balearic ORC Cruiser Championship, which will offer a unique and exciting sporting spectacle.The event will also include photographic exhibitions, displays of traditional boats and fishing gear, as well as spaces to reflect on oceanography and the role of women at sea, as in the case of the exhibition on lighthouse keepers at the Cavalleria lighthouse. Talks and workshops focusing on science, sustainability and innovation will enable the public to discover the challenges and the future of the port.For the whole familyThe little ones will enjoy an offer specially designed for them, with creative workshops, shows, entertainment, storytelling and a road safety circuit. They will also be able to discover in an experiential and participative way the professions linked to the port and become aware of the importance of caring for the sea and the natural environment.The highlight of the day will come in the afternoon with the awarding of the Balearic Port Authority Trophy, as part of the Balearic ORC Cruising Championship, organised this year by the Club Marítimo Mahón. The award will recognise the best teams participating in the regatta, which will have started at 11:30 a.m. at the Cruiser's dock. Afterwards, music will take over with a concert by the Menorcan musician Joan Bagur, which will put the finishing touch to a day full of activity, emotions and discoveries.To facilitate access and guarantee comfortable and sustainable mobility, the APB will provide a free little train service connecting the main points of interest in the port. It is also recommended to arrive on foot, by bicycle or public transport, to avoid congestion and contribute to a more environmentally friendly celebration.Some of the programmed activities require prior registration. All detailed information is available on the event's official website: viuelport.com.

Port-city

The APB extends the authorisation to Puertos y Litorales Sostenibles for another year in the port of Ibiza

06/05/2025

The Board of Directors of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) agreed today, in a session held this afternoon in the port of Palma, to grant two extensions to the company Puertos y Litorales Sostenibles, SL (PyLS), the current awardee of the administrative authorisation for the management of a nautical facility for small and medium-sized vessels in the port of Ibiza, commercially known as Port Nàutic Ibiza.The first of the approved extensions adds another year to the authorisation, until 6 May 2026. The second extends the deadline for completion of the works associated with the facility to 15 November 2025, with a shutdown scheduled between 15 June and 30 September, due to the impossibility of carrying out work during the summer season.This decision is based on the APB's internal technical analysis, as well as a favourable report from Puertos del Estado. Both documents conclude that the solution presented by PyLS in its building projectto install a floating breakwater sufficiently minimises the safety and operational problems of the dock, as required by the public tender specifications for authorising the extension.The reports also consider that the work planning is feasible and provides for adequate margins to absorb unforeseen events. The company's arguments justifying that part of the delays in execution are attributable to causes beyond its control, such as extreme weather conditions and administrative delays, have also been taken into account.Delays due to the DANAThe report notes that due to the DANA, which severely affected the province of Valencia on 29 October 2024, it was very difficult to obtain the necessary resources to carry out the earthworks at the site chosen for the construction of the breakwater, which was finally decided to be the port of Alicante.However, the Board of Directors has agreed to initiate the administrative process to apply penalties for delays in the execution of the entire works as stipulated in the conditions of the authorisation.The APB stresses that, although the extension is granted, it does not exempt the company from complying with the conditions imposed in the authorisation or from assuming the penalties stipulated for delays, in the event that these are not duly justified.Complaint managementAlongside these actions, between June 2024 and April 2025, the APB received several complaints from the Ibiza Yacht Club and the Association of Boat Owners in the harbour subject to authorisation, regarding alleged breaches by PyLS in the management of Port Nàutic Ibiza, including moorings for boats that did not comply with regulations, unauthorised works, and the lack of services such as a sailing school or boat storage.To this end, the APB is continuing with the preliminary investigation and information gathering process. No sanctions have been imposed to date, nor has the expiry procedure been initiated, although these possibilities remain open as the preliminary investigation processes arising from the complaints have not yet been completed.

Socio-economic development