News APB | Ports de Balears

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

03/06/2025

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

03/06/2025

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

16/05/2025

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 of Palma as a consensus-based strategic axis for urban integration and sustainability

04/12/2024

The future of the Port of Palma took the spotlight at this morning's forum held at the institutional head offices of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB), which was organised by Grupo Serra's specialised newspaper, El Económico. Under the slogan “A consensus project for the city, economy, territorial connectivity and industrial competitiveness”, the forum explored the opportunities and challenges arising from restructuring this strategic space, with the project already underway. Bringing together prominent political, business and technical leaders, the event featured keynote speeches that highlighted the port's importance as Palma's economic, social and cultural driving force. The president of the APB, Javier Sanz, delivered a speech in which he outlined how the port of Palma is to be redeveloped, emphasising the port organisation's commitment to sustainability, urban integration and improved economic competitiveness, as well as the consensus achieved in its approach. During his presentation, Sanz highlighted how this project seeks to balance port needs with the creation of accessible spaces for citizens by promoting cultural, educational and recreational activities in the freed-up areas. “We want the Port of Palma to serve as a model of sustainability and connection with the city. This project not only responds to the economic and logistical challenges, but also to the need to build a more people-oriented port, which is available to citizens and respectful of the environment,” said the president of the APB. The Port Authority's objective is to establish the Port of Palma as a global benchmark for innovation, sustainability and competitiveness. To do so, the project includes a reorganisation of port uses, maintaining ferry activity and boosting the nautical industry in the West dock. New urban spaces will also be created for education, culture and sport, which will democratise access to the port. There are also plans to reduce the environmental impact through renewable energies, clean technologies and energy efficiency. Lastly, this project will strengthen the local economy by consolidating key sectors such as maritime transport and ship repair. A forum to discuss the port's future The forum also included presentations and panel discussions attended by political and business representatives and those from educational, cultural and sporting bodies. The president of Puertos del Estado (State Ports), Álvaro Rodríguez Dapena, highlighted the strategic role played by the ports as driving forces for sustainable development. The Mayor of Palma, Jaime Martínez, also spoke about the need to integrate the port into the city's urban dynamics, promoting its sustainability and connectivity with the surrounding area. The panel discussions tackled key aspects such as logistical efficiency, the nautical industry's opportunities and port-city integration. Experts such as Matteo Catani (GNV), Adolfo Utor (Baleària), Pedro Suasi (Balearic Marine Cluster) and Albert Forés (Museu Marítim de Mallorca) contributed valuable perspectives on the future of the Port of Palma. A consensus-based project focused on the future The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands conducted a participatory process to define the future of the Port of Palma, where over 65 interest groups put forward their needs and suggestions and reached widespread consensus that reinforces its viability and social acceptance. The project to redevelop the Port of Palma has become a driving force for transformation that strengthens the city's cultural identity, boosts innovation and meets the sustainability objectives established at local, national and European level. The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands once again confirms its commitment to this vision, promoting an intelligent, sustainable and well-integrated port that adds value to the city, its citizens and the natural environment. To close the forum, APB director Toni Ginard summarised the most important aspects discussed by the participants and noted that the word ‘consensus’ was the most frequently heard word throughout the day. “This project represents our shared responsibility to convert the Port of Palma into a benchmark, where sustainability, integration and progress work together harmoniously and benefit everyone,” he concluded.

Port-city Transport and infrastructure Socio-economic development

La Lonja Marina Charter wins the tender to manage the moorings at the Lonja quay in the Port of Palma

27/11/2024

The Board of Directors of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) reached an agreement at its latest session held last week in Palma to select the company La Lonja Marina Charter to manage the moorings at the Lonja quay in the Port of Palma. The nautical facility will only serve Spanish vessels on the sixth list or foreign vessels exclusively for charter or rental. The Lonja Marina Charter emerged as the most competitive solution of all the bids submitted in the tender to manage an area of over 18,000 square metres of public port space in one of the Port of Palma's most historic areas. The concessionaire will invest around €3.5 million for an eight-year tenure and will contribute an annual amount of more than €1.6 million in occupancy and activity fees. Environmental improvements La Lonja Marina Charter has managed this nautical facility since 2009 and is now committed to refurbishing and upgrading existing quays and pontoons, as well as installing office, workshop and storage units. Highlights of the project include the environmental improvements committed to minimising water and electricity consumption, cleaning the water surface, improving marine biodiversity, as well as installing solar pergolas to produce almost 220,000 kilowatt hours per year.

Transport and infrastructure

The APB raises the barrier on the Marina promenade of the Port of Ibiza on 1 December for the entire winter

27/11/2024

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) will raise the access barrier to the Marina promenade in the Port of Ibiza on 1 December to allow road traffic to pass through. With this, the APB upholds its agreement with the Ibiza Town Council to boost mobility and facilitate parking during the winter months. This is the same initiative that was very successful last year. Car parking on the Marina promenade will continue to be allowed 24 hours a day, although there will be a two-hour limit between 8 am and 10 pm in order to encourage vehicle rotation. Motorists will be required to place a piece of paper in a visible place in the car with the start time of the parking period. The spaces reserved for loading and unloading will also be kept to support commercial activity in the area. By repeating this initiative, the APB and Ibiza Town Council have responded to the positive response from citizens, local residents and shopkeepers. It is also a sign of their collaboration to facilitate mobility and offer greater comfort during the winter months.

Port-city

The APB puts the restaurant at Menorca’s Artrutx lighthouse in Menorca up for public tender for 15 years

21/11/2024

At its last meeting, held yesterday in the port of Palma, the Board of Directors of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) approved, the specifications and clauses governing the public tender for the management of an establishment providing tourism services in the Artrutx lighthouse (Menorca). This time, the administrative concession will be for a maximum of 15 years. The Artrutx lighthouse restaurant opened its doors in 2009, the only lighthouse in Menorca and just the second in the whole of the Balearic Islands to provide such a service, together with the one at Formentor (Mallorca). Ever since it opened, it has been managed by the granting of short term authorisations. The purpose of this tender is to choose the best solution for the granting of a concession for the exploitation of several spaces, including several rooms in the lighthouse building, the lighthouse keeper’s house, a warehouse and annexes, as well as its terraces. The annual amount of the occupancy fee will be 22,144 euros and an activity fee of 4% of turnover has been established.

Transport and infrastructure

The management of the Botafoc moorings in the port of Eivissa is put out to tender

21/11/2024

The Board of Directors of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) agreed at the meeting held yesterday afternoon in the port of Palma to approve the specifications and clauses that will govern the public tender for the administrative management of mooring places, the service station, the dry dock area and commercial premises at Botafoc, in the port of Eivissa. The duration of the concession will be two years, renewable up to a maximum of three years. At present, the Special Plan for the Port of Eivissa is being processed, which conditions and precludes a call for tenders for the granting of a concession, with long terms of 20 to 30 years that would allow the amortisation of the significant investments that this installation requires. Specifically, the reorganisation of land and water spaces, the complete renovation of maritime infrastructures and buildings on land, in order to improve the quality of the services provided at this facility. For this reason, the APB is obliged to launch a tender for site occupancy authorisation for a maximum period of three years. It should be noted that the processing of the Special Plan is currently at a very advanced stage, so it is hoped that it will soon be approved. The purpose of this tender is to select the most advantageous solution for the granting of an administrative concession for the management and operation of a plot of ninety-seven square metres, of which forty-three square metres correspond to areas of land on which a series of buildings for commercial use will be constructed, a service station to supply fuel to recreational craft, an area for mooring and repairing boats, and an area providing mooring and repair services for boats. Furthermore, there are more than fifty-four square metres of water mirror where mooring services are provided to 432 boats distributed over five pontoons. The annual amount of the occupancy fee will be 2,215,013.76 euros and the activity fee is established as 4% of the turnover.

Transport and infrastructure

The APB has awarded the concession for the management of the El Molinar dock for small vessels in the port of Palma

11/11/2024

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has granted the concession for the management of the nautical facility in the El Molinar dock in the port of Palma to the company Nautic Assets Developers Team, S.L. The new facility will have sixty moorings for smaller boats of up to eight metres in length, as well as the existing and fully refurbished social building. The awardee company will invest 672,000 euros in the installation of new pontoons and other facilities and will manage the concession for a period of 18 years. In addition, it will take over the management of the building, using the ground floor as a bar-cafeteria-restaurant and the first floor for social and cultural activities. Work on the facility will begin shortly and is expected to be completed in time for the high season in the summer. Nautic Assets Developers Team will contribute 68,000 euros annually as an improvement in the occupancy and activity fees, which is in addition to the amount of 58,5000 euros and 4% of the turnover, as established in the tender specifications. In granting the concession, the APB has honoured its commitment to maintain the dimensions of the El Molinar dock and the type of boats it accommodates, as well as to improve the integration between the port and the city, promote sports activities and ensure that the moorings maintain their social function. Renovated building With regard to the building located in the Molinar marina, the refurbishment work has been completed, and the keys are expected to be handed over to the new concessionaire shortly. From the outset, the APB has been committed to preserving the structure of the historic building, recognising the value of the heritage derived from its history and construction style while at the same time complying with the urban planning requirements set out in the Special Plan for the Port of Palma. The actual state of the structure was much worse than expected, leading to a slowdown in the works and an increase in the budget to 1.2 million euros. This summer, the APB finished the work to clean the seabed of the El Molinar dock, extracting the 1,400 cubic metres of rock and sand that had not been removed since the end of the works to restore the original draught and ensure safe navigation inside the bay.

Port-city Transport and infrastructure

The APB sends a team of fifty plus staff and material to help in the wake of the storm emergency

07/11/2024

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) dispatched its first convoy of volunteers and machinery this week to provide assistance following the storm damage in the Valencian Community. This aid is intended to help the Valencian people and ensure that resources reach the most affected areas, reiterating the APB's commitment to solidarity during this difficult time. The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands has deployed over 50 volunteers, including Port Police officers and staff from the Conservation Department, together with the necessary machinery for the relief work. The detachment will be divided into convoys of six staff members that will work alternately over the coming weeks. Yesterday, the first unit arrived in Valencia, made up of Port Police officers from the ports of Palma and Ibiza. The volunteer team will work in Benetússer, one of the worst affected areas and home to a colleague from the Castellón Port Police who died during the catastrophe. The resources included generators, pumps, support vehicles, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), etc. This specific contribution responds to the needs that the Port Authority of Valencia and the Port Authority of Castellón have made known to the APB over the last few days of ongoing contact. Their current priority is to have skilled staff and heavy machinery available to support the clean-up work and the unblocking of streets and accesses to facilitate the passage of humanitarian aid to the affected areas. APB volunteers will therefore collaborate in essential tasks such as the removal of vehicles and traffic control, reinforcing security and order in this difficult situation. Baleària's collaboration Throughout the emergency response, the shipping company Baleària has helped transport volunteers and the machinery required for the relief work in the areas affected by the disaster. This collaboration has made it possible for the resources and support staff sent by the APB to reach Valencia quickly and efficiently.

Port-city

The APB has awarded the concession for the management of the Ribera Norte moorings in the port of Mahón

31/10/2024

The Board of Directors of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) agreed, at its most recent meeting held yesterday in Palma, to select the bid submitted by the company La Azulona 2023 as the winning bid for the concession to manage the Ribera Norte moorings in the port of Mahón. It was deemed the best offer presented in a public tender process aimed at improving the facility's infrastructures and sustainability. The project submitted by La Azulona 2023 includes a comprehensive renovation of the facilities, with an investment budget exceeding 8.8 million euros. It also features initiatives aimed at reducing water and electricity consumption, as well as the installation of photovoltaic panels to generate green energy. In addition, advanced bilge and grey-water management systems will be implemented to enhance environmental standards in the port of Mahón. In terms of mooring charges, the proposal offers a significant reduction in tariffs for Mahón-based vessels of up to 8 metres in length, a measure that will considerably benefit its users. The concession, which has a maximum term of 12 years, comprises an area of more than 57,600 square metres of water surface. As for the annual fee to be paid to the APB for occupying the space, La Azulona 2023 offered 1.1 million euros more than the amount stipulated in the tender conditions. Therefore, the new concessionaire will pay the port authority 1.3 million euros per year, plus 4% of its turnover, as set out in the tender specifications.

Transport and infrastructure

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands initiates the reorganisation of the port of Palma

30/10/2024

Today, the Board of Directors of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) met in Palma and agreed to initiate the studies and plans for a new project aimed at reconfiguring the infrastructure and uses of the port of Palma, following a participatory process with stakeholders. The solution will have to take into account the four key areas established and agreed upon by all the stakeholders consulted over the past few months. Firstly, it must maintain the current simultaneity of the port operations on the commercial docks, the Ponent-Paraires docks and the West dock to reduce the risk of operational congestion in terms of loading and unloading goods and passengers, particularly at peak times in the morning. Secondly, it will relocate the space allocated for cruise operations to the Ponent-Paraires dock. In parallel, and to the extent compatible with the continuation of port operations in each area, the proposal will also provide for the phased relocation of the repair and maintenance areas to the West dock and within the sheltered waters of the port. Finally, and as an added benefit to the overall merit of the proposal, the new configuration envisages a project to improve the integration between the city and the port, using the spaces freed up by relocating the nautical repair industries that currently occupy the area in front of the Cathedral and the Contramoll-Mollet area, both of which will be earmarked for initiatives relating to culture, training and, in particular, sport, prioritising the need to increase the quantity and quality of spaces given over to public use. At the same meeting, the Board of Directors agreed to initiate the appropriate procedures, including the tenders needed to further define the measures to be undertaken and estimate the amount of public and private investment required. It also gave the green light for plans for the new infrastructures resulting from the reorganisation of the port to be drawn up based on the requisite economic and environmental studies. Broad consensus Last summer, the APB began a series of meetings with representatives of its stakeholders to comply with the requirements set out by its Board of Directors and State Ports, which stipulated that it would support any port development solution fully aligned with the economic, environmental and social sustainability of Palma and the island of Mallorca, and which emanated from a broad consensus between all the political, institutional, economic and social stakeholders within the sheltered waters of the existing port. As a result, between June and October 2024, the port authority conducted a participatory process in which the main themes of the proposal to reorganise the operations in the port of Palma were presented to more than 65 representatives of various collectives. Thus, meetings were held with the nautical sector through associations and concessionaire companies such as APEAM, STP- Servicios Técnicos Portuarios, Astilleros de Mallorca, Balearic Marine Cluster, ADNEA, FANMED, Club de Mar, Naviera Balear, Pantalán del Mediterráneo, Marina Puerto de Mallorca, Marina Cuarentena, La Llotja Marina Charter, the Association of Balearic Nautical Clubs, AENIB and ANADE. In the financial sector, meetings were held with PIMEM, PIMECO, CAEB, the Chamber of Commerce, AFEDECO, and ACOIPAM. While in the social and environmental sphere, the APB met with the Association of Friends of the Maritime Museum, the Ran de Mar Association, the Palma Neighbourhood Association, the Royal Spanish Naval League, the Alzinaires Association, the Palma Fishermen's Guild, the Federation of Fishermen's Guilds of the Balearic Islands, the Passeig Marítim Neighbourhood Association, the Civil Society Forum and ARCA. On behalf of professional associations, meetings were held with the Professional College of Architects, the College of Naval Engineers and the College of Civil Engineers. Lastly, the series of meetings concluded with talks in the political sphere, meeting with several parliamentary groups, including the Partit Popular, PSIB-PSOE, Unides Podem/MÉS per Mallorca, VOX, and the Government's Delegate in the Balearic Islands, Alfonso Rodríguez. A change of course The Board of Directors of the APB unanimously agreed, at a meeting held on 5 June this year, to abandon all environmental procedures related to the 2020 approved plan, which envisaged the concentration of regular traffic in the West dock and the use of the commercial docks for the nautical maintenance industry, and to suspend the contract for drafting the construction projects. The decision was taken after it became clear that some stakeholders, such as the shipping companies and the maintenance industry, disagreed with the substance of the 2020 plan because it failed to address long-term needs. After the APB's Board of Directors decided to halt the implementation of the plan, the president of the APB, Javier Sanz, promised to put forward a new proposal for the configuration of the port of Palma in the coming months, a commitment he fulfilled today and which received unanimous approval.

Environment and CSR Port-city Transport and infrastructure Socio-economic development