A lift installed by the APB and the Town Council will improve pedestrian accessibility at Costa de ses Voltes in the port of Maó

A lift installed by the APB and the Town Council will improve pedestrian accessibility at Costa de ses Voltes in the port of Maó

 12/05/2021

A panoramic lift financed mainly by the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) will from now on bridge the 25.06 m difference in height on the Ses Voltes coast between the Claustro del Carmen and the port of Maó. The tower is equipped with a walkway that connects the upper landing with the expansion of the viewpoint square next to the Cloister and is protected from possible landslides by consolidation of the cliff. The president of the APB, Francesc Antich, has indicated that "our intention is to bring the ports closer to the city with a view to their socio-economic integration through innovation and respect for the environment". On the other hand, the Mayor of Maó, Héctor Pons, affirmed that the new lift will be "a direct connection between the centre of the city and the port of Maó, which will allow people to walk in both directions, reducing architectural barriers". In this respect, the mayor added that the new installation will become "a determining element in the city, which will function as a major driving force of the entire port and the whole area around the Claustro del Carmen". The result of this work is "very positive, with a very high level of acceptance among the citizens of Maó and among the visitors who come to the town", concluded Héctor Pons. The contract, awarded to the company Copcisa-Olives for 1,232,680.57 euros, is already in operation. The work was carried out without restricting traffic in ses Voltes and in coordination with both the town planning services of the Maó Town Council and the catering businesses in the area, using small machines to reduce the impact, especially on pedestrian traffic. The building has also been integrated into the landscape, given its location near the historic centre of Maó, through the colour of the concrete and the structure with the two natural tones of the maritime façade. With this intervention, the APB continues with its strategy of integrating the ports into the cities and involving citizens in the various leisure possibilities that the ports have to offer. Access point to the port The Costa de ses Voltes is one of the main access points between the port and the town centre. The city centre is currently accessed by means of a conventional staircase with several sections and a succession of curves in order to overcome the existing unevenness. The improved connectivity will therefore increase social integration by providing more universal accessibility without jeopardising people’s health. The APB and Maó Town Council signed an agreement in February 2018 to proceed with the project, given the importance of access between the port and the city centre, and the need for efficient and sustainable urban mobility. The construction of this building outside the port area was therefore approved under the Port Land Accessibility Financial Fund.

Port-city Socio-economic development
The APB awards MARINA ASMEN the management of mooring and workshop facilities on the Poniente quay of the port of Maó

The APB awards MARINA ASMEN the management of mooring and workshop facilities on the Poniente quay of the port of Maó

 07/05/2021

The Board of Directors of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has chosen the proposal presented by the company MARINA ASMEN, S.L. as the appropriate solution in the public tender called for the award of the concession for the management of mooring and workshop facilities on the Poniente quay of the port of Maó. An occupancy permit is therefore granted with facilities for the mooring of pleasure boats, workshop boats or those for sale afloat and the supply of water and electricity, and optionally telephones and data transmission. The annual occupancy fee is €100,548.74 and is granted for a period of 2 years. The activity fee has been set at 4% of the turnover. On the other hand, MARINA ASMEN has offered a fee improvement of €13,150. The administrative concession consists of a total surface area of 12,896 square metres (12,842 m2 of water surface and 54 m2 of land). The Poniente quay will have a mooring line of 273.15 metres, and five sections of pontoons of 50 metres each. On land, it has a 10 x 2.50 metre enclosure for the accumulation of waste in containers and an area equipped with support infrastructures and electricity, drainage and plumbing connections to two prefabricated modules.

Port-city Socio-economic development
Work has started on the construction of the Molinar de Levante marina building

Work has started on the construction of the Molinar de Levante marina building

 07/05/2021

This Monday, 10 May, the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) will launch the tender for the construction of the Molinar de Levante marina. The work will be carried out by the company ACSA Obras e Infraestructuras, S.A.U., and is expected to be completed in early 2022. The budget for this project is €864,761. The original building was built in 1927 and designed by the architect, Carles Garau. It has a square design with two floors, a tower and terraces. Its construction is regionalist with a Mares stone structure and timber roof truss. Over the years, different extensions have been made to the main section on the ground floor. These extensions made for restoration purposes consist of different construction methods not related to each other or to the original building. Construction project The project is aimed at refurbishing the historic building of the Molinar de Levante marina in the city of Palma, taking into account the urban planning conditions of Palma’s Special Port Plan, the cultural interest of the building based on its history and its construction type, and equipping it with the functional conditions necessary for the general restoration of the ground floor and facilities for the members of the maritime club on the first floor. This work will be carried out within the general framework for remodelling Molinar port (Project for the Improvement of the Port-City Environment and operations at Molinar port), which involved reinforcing the maritime security equipment, creating a new sailing school facility, redeveloping the port in general with new spaces for public use and lengthening the promenade.

Port-city Transport and infrastructure
The APB awards the contract for the drafting of the construction project for the new berths and esplanades for ferry traffic in the West dock of the port of Palma

The APB awards the contract for the drafting of the construction project for the new berths and esplanades for ferry traffic in the West dock of the port of Palma

 05/05/2021

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has awarded the GPO-TYPSA Dique del Oeste joint venture the contract for the drafting of the basic project, the construction projects and the corresponding environmental processing of the new berths and esplanades for ferry traffic in the West dock of the port of Palma for the sum of 1.65 million euros. At present, the ferries that operate in the port of Palma do so in three areas (Poniente quays, Commercial quays and the West dock). The land use planning of the Port of Palma is aimed at positioning the ferry transport terminals in a single area. Therefore, in March 2018, the APB Board of Directors agreed to transfer all the ferries to the West dock and all cruise ships to the Paraires-Poniente docks, leaving the Commercial docks area to be shared between solid bulk ships and the ship repair industry. This restructuring will entail a major investment of more than 240 million euros in the West dock, consisting of the creation of new esplanades and quays capable of berthing up to eight ferries simultaneously. It also contemplates the creation of new berths and esplanades for ferry traffic in the first and second line and the San Carlos quay of the West dock. Parallel to the execution of the works, improvements to land accesses - in collaboration with the other administrations and organisations involved - are also envisaged, as well as the subsequent superstructures and installations for their operation and functioning with the maximum efficiency. Actions The current APB Investment Plan already contemplates the following actions: New berths and esplanades for ferry traffic in the first line and the San Carlos quay and platform on the West dock of the Port of Palma (Approximate budget: 135 million euros). New berths and esplanade for ferry traffic in the second line of the West dock of the port of Palma (50 million euros). New maritime stations and walkways for ferry traffic in the West dock (50 million euros). Planning of areas and roads for vehicle and passenger access to the West dock (3.1 million euros). Access to the Poniente motorway from the West dock of the port of Palma (3 million euros).

Technology and innovation Socio-economic development Transport and infrastructure Port-city
The APB will replace some 20 palm trees at structural risk in the port of Palma

The APB will replace some 20 palm trees at structural risk in the port of Palma

 30/04/2021

In view of the structural risk to some palm trees in different areas of the port of Palma, the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) will undertake a series of works to uproot and replace some 20 specimens to guarantee their stability as far as possible. Several types of operations will be carried out: the uprooting of the existing palm trees and subsequent replanting with the repair of the pavement, if any. A study of the behaviour of the palm trees managed by the Port of Palma showed the intervention points, which are centred in the gardens of the Lonja and Poniente quays and the Escollera route. This improvement project, which is currently in the open tendering phase, has an initial budget of 65,421 euros excluding VAT, and is expected to last six months from the date of signing the contract. The deadline for receiving offers is 12 May 2021. Those interested may submit their applications through theAPB e-Bidding Portal. The APB has more than half a thousand palm trees in the public area of the port of Palma: 282 date palms, 58 canary palms and 179 washingtonias, as well as palmettos and palms excelsas, distributed in various green areas with trees and other plants that form part of the plant decoration.

Environment and CSR Port-city
Jorge Nasarre, appointed new director of the APB by the Board of Directors

Jorge Nasarre, appointed new director of the APB by the Board of Directors

 29/04/2021

The Board of Directors of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) appointed Jorge Nasarre López this afternoon, at the proposal of President Francesc Antich, as the new director of the public body that manages the ports of general interest of the Balearic archipelago. Born in Madrid on 19 August 1972, Jorge Nasarre López is a civil engineer, specialising in Transport, from the Polytechnic University of Madrid. Until now, he was head of the APB's Planning and Strategy Department, a position he held from 2006 to 2011 and from 2013 to the present, and to which he was appointed by public competition. In 2011 he was appointed director of APB at the proposal of the chairman, José María Urrutia, a position he held for two years. Since 1998, he has held various positions related to port techniques and management, both in private and public companies, including the position of head of the Ports and Oceanography Division of Intecsa-Inarsa, S.A. (consultancy and engineering), between 2004 and 2006. In terms of his academic training, he holds a Master's Degree in Infrastructure and Public Services Management, awarded by the Colegio de Ingenieros de Caminos, Canales y Puertos, the CEDEX and the Agustín de Betancourt Foundation, as well as Specialisation in Maritime Transport and Port Management by the Madrid Polytechnic University, with the collaboration of Puertos del Estado and the Directorate General of the Merchant Navy, and the Advanced Programme in General Management by the IE Business School. He has participated in various technical committees and working groups at a national (ATPYC) and international level (ESPO and PIANC). Jorge Nasarre replaces Juan Carlos Plaza, who has stepped down as director of the APB after more than seven years in the position.

Work on the new building for the fishermen's guild in the port of La Savina has been completed

Work on the new building for the fishermen's guild in the port of La Savina has been completed

 22/04/2021

The Port of La Savina now has a new building for use by the Formentera Fishermen’s Guild paid for by the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB). The work was completed this January and was received today by the APB. This process ended with the visit of an inspector from the Ministry of Transports, Mobility and Urban Agenda (MITMA), who was able to verify, after a tour of the new facilities, which the work carried out complied with the project. The Fishermen’s Guild will manage this space as a concession, which will soon be operational. It should be noted that the new location is closer to the fishing pier and to the area for spreading and repairing nets to facilitate the fishermen’s work. The project has also been approved by the Consell de Formentera and the APB. At a cost of €1,040,910, the new building is triangular in shape and consists of a ground floor and a walkable roof with a pergola. It consists of a private area (ground floor premises for the fishermen's association and technical premises) and a public area, which is the roof that can be accessed by pedestrians. Access is along a ramp to a true vantage point for visitors and residents. The building faces the sea, creating an emblematic object in the port of La Savina with two functions: to create highly functional equipment and provide the population with a public space for meeting up. Promenade One of the objectives of this project is to give continuity to the entire perimeter of the port and to integrate the new building as a promenade. This urban landmark will therefore be able to convert the land area of the port into part of the urban fabric of La Savina.

Port-city Transport and infrastructure
The section of Teodor Canet and Gabriel Roca streets in the port of Alcúdia is open to the public

The section of Teodor Canet and Gabriel Roca streets in the port of Alcúdia is open to the public

 22/04/2021

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) completed the works on the promenade of the port of Alcúdia that extend the pedestrian promenade to the Maritime Station. This intervention included the urban improvement of the sections assigned to the public port area of the streets Teodor Canet and Gabriel Roca, through a tender for a project amounting to 802,968.25 euros and with a duration of seven months. The project consisted of improving the urbanization of Teodor Canet and Gabriel Roca streets in the port of Alcúdia with the widening of pedestrian pavements, improvements in street fixtures, road signs, incorporation of trees and a new rainwater and lighting network system adapted to the current needs of this new promenade. Another important aspect is the elimination of traffic lanes, converting the one-way road to the commercial port and building a roundabout that will direct traffic between the Commercial Docks and the Maritime Station. There is also a plan to make use of the side of the street bordered by the sea to park vehicles along the kerb. The total area of intervention for this urban improvement is 4,800 square metres. Joint action with the City Council This action by the APB had the support of the Alcúdia City Council, which has already taken charge of the urban improvement of its part of the project on Teodor Canet Street. Reducing the speed of traffic in this area, improving street fixtures and reducing vehicle noise are the measures that will be carried out to enhance the tourist amenities and the pedestrian promenade throughout the year.

Transport and infrastructure Port-city Socio-economic development
Three new infrastructures for the port of Palma

Three new infrastructures for the port of Palma

 20/04/2021

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has today taken delivery of two major works in the port of Palma and another has been partially put into service for public use, for a total amount of nearly 31 million euros. These include the refurbishment of building no. 3 of the Moll Vell, the improvement of the operation and port-city environment in the Molinar de Levante dock and the partial commissioning for public use of the expansion of the esplanade of the Poniente Norte quay. In addition to all this, a visit was made to issue a report on the modification of the project for the installation of electricity for ferries on the Paraires quay. After the conclusion of these works, documentation began to be delivered by the contracting companies to the APB, which in turn sent it to the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda (MITMA). This process ended today with the visit of an inspector from the Ministry, who was able to verify, after a tour of the new facilities, that the work carried out complied with the project. Finally, the official reception of the work took place with the signatures of the project manager, the Head of the Infrastructures Area and the MITMA inspector himself, and the President of the APB and the Director of the port authority also visited the site. Expansion of the esplanade of the Poniente Norte quay In recent years, the needs of the operational surface area have increased as a result of the greater number of ships calling at the Poniente quays, the greater security requirements of port operations and the need to provide greater comfort for passengers using the port infrastructure. Hence the construction of an esplanade of some 36,000 square metres, starting from the Poniente Este quay, 360 metres long and 100 metres wide, aimed at improving the services provided to passengers. The 21-million-euro job was awarded to the FCC/Amer joint venture and will be completed next month, after four years and three months of work. Refurbishment of building no. 3 of the Moll Vell in Palma harbour In October 2012, the Port Authority moved its offices to the new building located in Moll Vell no. 5, thus freeing up the old premises located in no. 3. After studying the structural properties of the building, a period to study and determine its uses according to the social needs of the APB as well as its economic and management viability followed. This led to the creation of an exhibition and restoration space in the building. As the building was protected by the Special Plan of the port of Palma, this project was approved by the Historical Centre Commission and by the Urban Planning Management of the Palma City Council. With these works, a new cultural space was created that will house the Puerto-Ciudad Interpretation Centre (Port Centre), which will disclose the activities carried out in the port, and will show its inseparable link with the city. The cultural space will have a permanent exhibition hall and a travelling exhibition space. The northern part of the building was suitable for APB institutional uses such as the library and the boardroom. On the other hand, the building will have complementary restoration services, whose use will be subject to an administrative concession. Cost: 5,361,879 euros. Duration: 2 years. Successful bidder: ACCIONA. Improvement of the operability and the port-city environment in the Molinar de Levante dock The APB undertook to study the possible improvements of the port without renouncing its social character and the roots and importance it has in its immediate surroundings, and in 2017 the study of alternatives for the improvement of the port-city environment and of operations in the port of Molinar began. Subsequently, the construction project was drawn up to improve operability and the port-city environment in the Molinar de Levante dock. The set of actions that were carried out have the dual objective of improving port facilities and urban space. Meeting these goals ensured the success of the new seafront. The intervention managed to create a new public space for the use and enjoyment of the residents of the Molinar and Palma neighbourhoods through a set of actions. These interventions are the result of solving the issues raised at the beginning of the project, such as eliminating the problems of maritime safety and operability suffered by the boats moored in the port of Molinar eliminating the narrowing of the Molinar promenade, improving the change in levels of the promenade by means of large ramps with a gentle slope to facilitate these transitions between the upper part and the area around the port opening up the port to the neighbourhood and the city by removing the fence which separated, isolated and prevented the interaction between the port and the neighbourhood and creating a new open space for interaction, a large public space open to the sea where people can walk, linger, play, carry out activities such as neighbourhood festivals or concerts. In the neighbourhood there are some squares but in its interior, there is no large space facing the sea. The works, awarded to the company ACSA-SORIGUÉ and started in March 2019, cost 3,608,014 euros. A new esplanade for a sailing school and the eastern dock and its breakwater were built. The construction of the free dock, the dredging work and the improvement of the pedestrian walkway were also completed. Installation of electricity for ferries at the Paraires quay The MITMA inspector also visited the project for the installation of a medium and low voltage infrastructure for the electrical connection of ships to land, aimed at drawing up a proposal for modification. The ferries docking at the Paraires quay will therefore have a connection to the shore power grid for use while they are docked in order to reduce the emission of gases and noise generated by the vessels while docked. This technique is known as'cold ironing'. The installation will be ready for connection to the electrical grid, although not simultaneously, of a ferry with a maximum power demand of 1,600 kW (medium voltage) and another fast ferry of 800 kW (low voltage). For the electrical connection to land, the project includes the installation of 275 metres of medium-voltage underground lines, a transformation centre, a frequency converter and an electrical substation in the service area of the port of Palma, among others. The cost of the project is 1,311,930.39 euros (Sampol Ingeniería y Obras, S.A.). It is scheduled to come into operation at the beginning of 2022.

Transport and infrastructure Port-city
An environmental project supported by the APB, selected in the call for proposals "Ports 4.0"

An environmental project supported by the APB, selected in the call for proposals "Ports 4.0"

 16/04/2021

One of the projects presented by the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) to the call for grants "Ports 4.0" Fund will receive funding from the Distribution Committee of the Interport Compensation Fund in 2021. The chosen idea, called CICERO, which has been developed by Garau Ingenieros, substantially improves the quality of port waters and was considered one of the best, more specifically the fifth of the 125 presented. Thanks to this grant of 15,000 euros, a proof of concept will be developed for six months in the port of Palma. The idea is aimed at eliminating the turbidity of the harbour's sheltered water without pumping it outside, but rather promoting natural purification by providing it with oxygen under suitable conditions. The model includes software and a validation and monitoring system aimed at recovering the natural processes while occupying the minimum space and without hindering port operations. All this is done through specific aeration, filtering and water mixing modules for sports, fishing, industrial or passenger docks. Ports 4.0 Fund The Distribution Committee of the Interport Compensation Fund, of which the presidents of the 28 Port Authorities are members, approved the proposal made by the Technical Committee which evaluated the applications submitted to the first call for public aid to the "Ports 4.0" Fund, under the "Plan to promote entrepreneurship for innovation in the port sector.”33 ideas will receive aid for a total amount of 500,000 euros. Of the 33 approved ideas, 3 deal with process digitalisation, 4 with safety and security, 10 with environmental sustainability and energy, 1 with the tourism sector and the remaining 10 with logistical efficiency. In addition, 5 intra-entrepreneurship ideas proposed by port authority staff were selected. Ports 4.0 is an initiative of the Port System that is part of the Innovation Plan for Transport and Infrastructures of the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda (MITMA), and constitutes the major breakthrough project for the adaptation of the Spanish logistics-port sector to the 4.0 economy. The objective of the 'Ports 4.0' Plan to Promote Entrepreneurship for Innovation in the Port Sector is to attract, support and facilitate the application of talent and entrepreneurship for innovation in the Spanish public and private logistics-port sector, by implementing a public aid plan. The 'Ports 4.0' Fund was created and financed through the Interport Compensation Fund, with an additional 1% contributed by the 28 Port Authorities. You can find further information on the selected APB project here.

Technology and innovation Environment and CSR
Restoration of the floor slabs of La Creu lighthouse in port de Sóller

Restoration of the floor slabs of La Creu lighthouse in port de Sóller

 12/04/2021

The Balearic Islands Port Authority (APB) completed the restoration of the floor slabs of La Creu lighthouse, in Port de Sóller. The work consisted mainly of inserting metal beams to reinforce the first-floor slab, which was in poor condition. In addition, the interior walls were adapted, windows and blinds were replaced and façades were repaired. The intervention contract was awarded to the company VIGALCO for a total of €208,412.18 and a term of 75 days. La Creu lighthouse La Creu lighthouse is located within the Sóller Naval Station. Its construction dates back to the 30s but it did not start operating until 1945. The building has two floors, 13.60 m long and 10.10 m wide. On the first floor, there is a 36 m2 terrace, which is the only part of the building that has a wooden floor. The rest of the floor is unidirectional and made of reinforced concrete similar to its joists and vaults.

Port-city
Isla Plana will be included in the service area of the port of Maó

Isla Plana will be included in the service area of the port of Maó

 08/04/2021

The Board of Directors of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has recently approved the acquisition of the Isla Plana from the Ministry of Defence, for an amount of 318,631 euros. Previously, the APB had already agreed to incorporate this islet into the service area of the port of Maó through its inclusion in the Delimitation of Port Areas and Uses (DEUP) which is pending final approval. The objective of its purchase is the refurbishment of the existing buildings and their use as an ecological sailing school - traditional sailing (lateen sailing). These facilities will improve access conditions for users of both the Club Náutico Villa Carlos and the Club Marítimo de Maó. Furthermore, as stated in the DEUP, the association "Amics de la Mar - Port de Maó", whose influence in Menorcan society is very important for the promotion of traditional sailing, could be transferred to this island. The total surface area of the Isla Plana, excluding the maritime-terrestrial area, which already belongs to the port, is 7,519 m² and on it there are six buildings with a total surface area of 1,359 m². It is located approximately 200 m to the west of the Isla del Lazareto, just 150 m from the North Shore and 450 m from the South Shore.

Socio-economic development Environment and CSR Technology and innovation