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
30/04/2021In 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
29/04/2021The 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
22/04/2021The 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
22/04/2021The 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
20/04/2021The 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"
16/04/2021One 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
12/04/2021The 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
08/04/2021The 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
The ports of Eivissa and La Savina undertake to repair damage to the paintwork of their facilities within 12 working hours
06/04/2021The ports of Eivissa and La Savina undertake to repair damage to the paintwork of their exterior facilities within 12 working hours. The new contract, awarded to APIMOSA, began on 9 March and will have a duration of 2 years with a possible extension of two more, and is valued at 424,615 euros. The service includes refurbishing the surface of railings, benches, structures, enclosures and other metal furniture and ornamental elements (grilles, anchors, lights, litter bins...). Work is also carried out on horizontal traffic signs and interior and exterior walls. The problems detected will be reported through a Computer Aided Maintenance Management System (CMMS), and will be resolved within the contractual deadlines. Objectives In parallel to the possible problems, the following tasks are already: Painting the façade of the APB building in Eivissa, maintenance of the horizontal traffic signs in the Port-City area and in the Botafoc operations area (Eivissa) and recoating outside the La Savina urbanisation project.
Transport and infrastructure
Port-city
The APB starts the strategic environmental study for the Special Plan for the Port of Eivissa
06/04/2021During March, the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has started the strategic environmental study for the Special Plan for the Port of Eivissa. This study, entrusted to a technical design office, is being carried out at the request of the Balearic Islands Environmental Commission, and will form part of the procedure for the creation of the Special Plan, which the APB will be able to complete once the Definition of the Port Area and its Uses (DEUP) has been approved. The preparatory work for the creation of the Special Plan—an urban planning procedure for ports classified as installations of national importance, and which involves coordination between the public administrations responsible for the port area—started in March 2018 in the form of a technical commission formed by the APB and Eivissa Municipal Council. In December 2019 the APB transmitted the agreed draft of the Special Plan to the Municipal Council (the body responsible for approving it), together with a document requesting the initiation of the strategic environmental evaluation procedure. This request was transmitted by the Municipal Council to the Environmental Commission of the Government of the Balearic Islands. In March 2021 the APB and the Municipal Council received a reply from the Commission, which, after carrying out the mandatory consultations, includes the technical considerations and scope for the undertaking of this study. DEUP For its part, the DEUP for the Port of Eivissa—a procedure used in ports classified as installations of national importance to identify the public port area in accordance with its current and foreseeable uses—is awaiting approval on the part of the Spanish Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Planning. The APB has processed the DEUP in accordance with the legal procedure established in the Revised Text of the Spanish Law for Public Ports and the Merchant Navy, including the mandatory process of citizen participation with public information and consultation with the public administrations affected and the persons concerned. These include the Department of the Environment and Territorial Planning of the Government of the Balearic Islands, which transmitted to the APB the observations taken into account for the final drafting of the document. In this respect, the Spanish National Ports Authority, after receiving reports from the Spanish Solicitor General’s Office, declares that the processing of the DEUP does not require its submission to the formal procedure for strategic environmental assessment, which is however required for the Special Plan. Nevertheless, the Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge has participated in the process through the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and the Coastline, whose final report was favourable in keeping with the conditions established in the final document of the DEUP.
Transport and infrastructure
Environment and CSR
The APB promotes sustainable mobility among its employees
30/03/2021Employees of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) participate in the ‘30-day Ciclogreen Challenge’ held in April. The main aim of this challenge is to promote sustainable mobility within the organization and help reduce CO2 emissions from transport. Therefore, APB workers commit themselves to going to work using a sustainable means of transport: bicycle, on foot, electric scooter, public transport, etc. But this commitment is not only limited to 30 days in April. The organization aims to encourage long-lasting healthy habits among its employees, allowing them to take advantage of the environmental benefits of sustainable mobility. The Ciclogreen mobile app enables employees to log their sustainable journeys. In return, they accumulate kilometre points (ciclos) for each kilometre travelled. Those employees, who reach the minimum number of cycles and, therefore, manage to meet the challenge, will enter the draw for different prizes including a bicycle. Each user will also be able to access their private profile to see all the details of their trips and the metrics of their activities. Through this challenge, the APB collaborates in the transition from the prevailing mobility model in our cities to a more sustainable, efficient and safe one. For a long time now, many experts have warned of the problems related to our travel habits: air and noise pollution, less friendly cities for people, traffic, stress, etc. Reduction of CO2 emissions The organization can use the control panel that includes the initiative to monitor the reduction of CO2 emissions registered during the month of April. This will show it exactly how the challenge is working among the employees and if the objectives of reducing the company's carbon footprint are being met.
