News APB | Ports de Balears

Restoration service for the lighthouses of Formentor and Artrutx is once again being put out to tender

24/03/2021

The Board of Directors of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB), in an ordinary session on 18 March, agreed to launch a public tender for the management of two tourism establishments at the lighthouses of Formentor (Mallorca) and Artrutx (Menorca). In both cases, the most advantageous bid will be selected and the corresponding authorisation will be granted for the operation of a bar-cafeteria-restaurant service. Both lighthouses have been offering this service to the public for years through different authorisations. The cafeteria at the Formentor lighthouse has been open since 2006 and has been a compulsory stop for residents and tourists for decades. The restaurant at the Artrutx lighthouse opened its doors in 2009. Recognised for being located in areas with very picturesque landscapes, these two lighthouses are the only ones in the Balearic Islands that have a service of this kind, although the APB is about to grant the operation of a new cafeteria at the lighthouse of La Mola in Formentera. Three years of authorisation In the case of the Formentor lighthouse, authorisation will be granted for temporary occupation of several premises (rooms in the lighthouse building, annexes, garage, place where the transformer was located and a warehouse under the viewpoint) with a total surface area of 636.5 m2, for the use of a public port area for hotel and catering purposes. The annual amount of the occupation fee to be improved by the bidder amounts to 32,153.06 Euro excluding VAT. The maximum duration of the authorisation will be three years from the date it is granted. On the other hand, with regard to the Artrutx lighthouse, the specifications contemplate the occupation of rooms in the lighthouse building, the substitute's house, the warehouse, annexes, and an uncovered area adjacent to the lighthouse for use as a terrace. The annual amount of the occupation fee to be improved by the bidder is 11,280.39 Euro excluding VAT. The maximum duration of the authorisation will be three years, starting from the date it is granted.

Socio-economic development

The APB improves the pavement surface of the Camí de s’Escullera

17/03/2021

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) improves the pavement surface on the sea side of the Camí de s’Escullera in the port of Palma. Pavements, foundation slabs, concrete factories and others that will allow the work to be done properly have already begun to be demolished. The work ranges from the top of the APB headquarters to the access road to the commercial docks and is being carried out in a way that causes the least possible interference with the use of the port. For greater security, one of the access traffic lanes to the Paseo Marítimo has been shut off. Construcciones, Excavaciones y Asfaltos (COEXA) is the company that has been awarded the contract, which has a cost of €341,676.85 and an expected duration of three months. This project will create eight direct jobs.

Port-city Transport and infrastructure

The restaurants in the port of Palma are committed to sustainability with the separation and monitoring of their organic waste

15/03/2021

12 restaurants located in the port of Palma are participating in a pilot project for the collection of organic matter promoted by the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB). The initiative began in 2019 with a group of restaurants that started to separate their organic waste in specific containers, monitored in real time, and up to now they have collected more than 19 tons of organic matter. The key point is in the correct separation and sensorisation of containers, which enables restaurant owners and the APB to know the weight of the waste and its origin in real time. Each participant can therefore access their data at any time through a computer application. The municipal collection service is responsible for removing the waste on a daily basis and delivering it to the TIRME recovery plant, where this waste goes through a process of producing compost that is delivered to local producers to fertilise their crops. This year the project has been consolidated, and restaurant owners have been invited to close the circle by purchasing agricultural products from local suppliers. By doing this, the initiative to minimise and recover waste along with the value of supporting 0 km products reduces the carbon footprint. Certificate issued by the APB Restaurant owners have a spreadsheet where they enter the necessary kilos of agricultural products grown in Majorca, and which informs them whether the quantities purchased are sufficient to counterbalance the waste produced. If so, the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands will issue a certificate to the establishment confirming and distinguishing its initiative.

Environment and CSR

APB opens a tender for improving the energy efficiency of public lighting at the port of Alcúdia

12/03/2021

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) opens a tender for improving the energy efficiency of public lighting at the port of Alcúdia. This improvement project, which is in the open tender phase, has an initial budget of 1,081,635 euros and an expected duration of 5 months from the official start of the works. The deadline for receiving offers is 25 March 2021. Interested parties may submit their applications through the APB Electronic Bidding Portal. The proposal provides for replacement of the type of lamps used - 12% of which are also in poor condition - by other more efficient technologies such as LEDs that reduce light pollution levels. A total of 739 light points with 1,192 lamps have been inventoried in the port’s outdoor facility. In the port, restricted access areas are combined with spaces open to the public such as pedestrian walkways, double-lane and single-lane roads, bicycle lanes, loading and/or passenger docks, parking lots, etc. that require different levels of lighting to ensure their safe usage. This intervention also seeks to reduce the costs of electricity consumption by 50% through replacing discharge or fluorescent lamps - less efficient than current technological developments - with LEDs, together with the implementation of regulation equipment and the use of remote management systems in switchboards to adapt lighting to environmental conditions. Reduction of CO2 emissions This improvement in energy efficiency also aims to contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions and other greenhouse gases, in compliance with European guidelines and current trends towards sustainability. This public lighting energy efficiency project covers other ports of general interest in the Balearic Islands. In fact, work has already begun in Palma, Maó and la Savina, while in Eivissa, a tender will soon be opened.

Environment and CSR Port-city Transport and infrastructure

Work starts on the replacement of the lighthouse at Punta s'Esperó in the port of Maó

11/03/2021

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) is installing a new lighthouse at Punta s'Esperó in Menorca. Work to replace the old one began in February and will last three months. The light source and solar panel have therefore been dismantled, and the old lighthouse, noted for its proximity to the sea and which had cracks and fissures in its reinforced concrete support structure due to corrosion of the reinforcement, has been demolished and will be replaced by another modular fibreglass and polyester one. The day mark of the new lighthouse will be 5 metres high and its focal height will be approximately 6.2 metres. The tower will be 1.25 metres wide and will be equipped with air vents to prevent the accumulation of gases and humidity. The contract was awarded to Mediterráneo Señales Marítimas SL at a cost of €49,500. Difficult access Before starting the demolition work, a temporary lighthouse with a high luminosity self-powered LED was installed so as not to alter its function as a navigational aid for ships. Due to the location of the lighthouse and its difficult access, all demolition work was carried out manually, with the loading of waste into sacks and the help of a crane truck. The new lighthouse, equipped with LED lamps, will have much lower maintenance cost and energy consumption. The Punta s'Esperó lighthouse, located on the cliffs of La Mola, at the entrance to the port of Maó, is the easternmost point in Spain.

Port-city Technology and innovation

The APB will present 310 million euros worth of Mediterranean Corridor projects to the European Commission

10/03/2021

The recent inclusion of the port of Palma in the Mediterranean Corridor as a node of the Trans-European Transport Network will enable the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) to participate in the Mediterranean Corridor Working Group and to propose and monitor projects that will make a significant contribution to the general objectives of that Corridor. The president of the APB, Francesc Antich, affirms that "the Mediterranean Corridor that strengthens the connection with the continent, which is so important for us in terms of goods and passengers, will allow us to participate in the commissions that must decide on funding to improve infrastructures and services.” The projects that the APB plans to carry out, in any event, in the investment planning of the Port of Palma until 2030 will thus be potentially eligible for EU funding. With the current estimates, updated periodically, they amount to 310 million euros, and are divided into three large groups, which are the development and modernisation of port infrastructures and internal connections and accesses to the port of Palma (275 million euros) the implementation of projects linked to clean energies and environmental sustainability (25 million euros) and the application of new technologies and innovation (10 million euros). The first group includes the development of docks and esplanades, interior roads and accesses to the southwest area of the port. The clean energy and sustainability projects include infrastructures and facilities for cold ironing, as well as systems to improve energy efficiency (lighting, promotion of electric vehicles) and even the possible desalination of water with renewable energies to supply vessels and terminals. Finally, the projects aim to transform the port of Palma into a digitalised and "intelligent" port, with new architecture and connections with operators and other ports, and further development of electronic administration and cybersecurity. Mediterranean Corridor The financial framework 2021-2027 of the CEF (Connecting Europe Facility) Regulation, which finances the trans-European transport, energy and telecommunications networks, includes among its objectives and priorities actions in 9 multimodal transport corridors (for goods and people), including the Mediterranean Corridor. Moreover, due to its connection with the European high-speed lines and its interoperability with the main Spanish ports, it is one of the major transport hubs at an economic and commercial level in Europe.

Transport and infrastructure Socio-economic development Technology and innovation

Fermín Aramburu: “We pilots have the manoeuvres in our veins”

04/03/2021

How does a person from Bilbao end up in Maó? In Bilbao, there was a lot of competition for pilot jobs and I didn’t see a lot of opportunities. On the other hand, I had sailed for many years with Iscomar and the Balearic ports were familiar to me. So I sat the exam in Madrid in June 2000 and I have been in Maó ever since. I’m very content with the work I have done. What training does a pilot have to do? We pilots are Merchant Navy captains we have also sat some exams, including a public entrance exam with different technical and legal topics. When you pass, you become an apprentice for 4 or 5 months, learning manoeuvres under the supervision of a pilot. After obtaining a certificate, you are officially appointed pilot and play an active role in the community. But training never ceases: Every 5 years we have to pass a tough exam to be able to remain in the job. What is a pilot’s mission? Our mission is to go on board the vessel to advise the captain on how to manoeuvre it until it reaches the dock. It is important to emphasize that we pilots do not take command of the ship at any time it is the captain who does so and relies on our advice. The same thing occurs for outbound pilotage: You board and give him advice on courses, speeds, possible tides and currents (although in the Mediterranean there are none). When we have done our job, we greet the crew and disembark. Another less known mission is inland pilotage, when a ship is moved from one dock to another due to operational requirements. The captain’s full trust is therefore very important. That’s what it’s like. Empathy, this word that is so fashionable these days, is essential for the technicalities of the job to be as positive as possible. You must have heard a lot of funny stories over more than 20 years. Yes, but what is more important are the compliments made by all the cruise passengers on their way to the port of Maó. Every one of them was amazed by the unique physical structure of this port. It was a key factor in attracting cruise ships to Maó. I would say that it has been more of a team effort, by the Port Authority, shipping agents, even the administrations, and us. In any case, Maó has a handicap, which is its relatively narrow structure, preventing it from accommodating cruise ships more than 275 m long. And the truth is that shipping companies are increasingly opting for larger ships, which are much more profitable. Do you remember your first manoeuvre in the port of Maó? No, not really. I had been there many times as captain and I worked alongside the pilot a lot, so I knew him very well. I don't know if it was a cruise ship or a ferry. What I do remember is the last one, a few days ago, the Volcán de Tinamar operated by Trasmediterránea. Have you experienced any complicated situation? We are always worried about everything going well, but fortunately we have been able to solve all problems, despite the limitations of a port like this one, with very strong winds. Has the work changed over the decades? It’s true that the ships are more high tech, and we have had to improve our knowledge to keep up. But the work itself and the manoeuvring are the same. It's in our veins. Your hobby has always been to get to know Menorca on foot. To stay in shape it's very good for me, and it's also very instructive and beautiful. The Camí de Cavalls is a real marvel, and other inland trails are equally interesting. What do you plan to do from now on? I'm going to do a lot of mountaineering in the Basque Country, and also hiking in Menorca.

Transport and infrastructure

The new vehicle weighing control systems at the port of Palma will allow the process to be automated and remotely managed

25/02/2021

The Balearic Islands Port Authority (APB) has new vehicle scales in the port of Palma. The new system enables automated weighing that is controlled from the APB security gates at the entrances to the different restricted areas. Since 2015, Palma's port facilities have had a weighing scale that can be used in both directions on the commercial docks, two scales (one inbound and one outbound) on the Poniente wharf, and another one on the Dique del Oeste (West dock). In its effort to modernise and implement state-of-the-art technology, the APB has welcomed the request for these functions, which include unattended terminals that allow drivers themselves to carry out the weighing. Therefore, this investment means that the drivers themselves will carry out the weighing, after prior authorisation. The price of the construction contract, awarded to Distribución de Registros de Control SL, was €99,547 and had a duration of 10 months. The scales are intended to speed up control of the removal of waste from ships and of goods for maritime transport, and to facilitate the control of any other type of check that may be necessary due to port operations or not, such as the unloading of bulk solids, the control of construction work material, etc. These include the weighing of waste from ships, MARPOL waste, enabling control and quantification of the kilos of waste unloaded during the stopover of ships. The aim is to simplify and streamline the process in order to improve operational efficiency.

Transport and infrastructure Technology and innovation

The APB offices in the port of La Savina will be moved to the Levante dock

24/02/2021

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has put out to tender the contract for the refurbishment of the first floor of Building A of the port of La Savina, situated in the Levante dock, between the Commercial and the fishing docks. After the refurbishment, the building will house the APB offices, which are currently located in the Casa del Mar building. The offices of other public services that currently share the Casa del Mar building will also be moved to the new facilities. These include the Maritime Authority, the Social Marine Institute, the Marine Reserve des Freus and the Consell de Formentera. The first floor of the new building will therefore house the offices, the control centre and changing rooms of the APB, offices for the Consell de Formentera, Maritime Authority and the Marine Reserve, a medical office, as well as a cafeteria, library, conference room, archive rooms, storage rooms and toilets. The ground floor will continue to be used for commercial purposes. Work will also be carried out on the entrances in the central inner courtyard of the building, improving accessibility and the institutional image of the port offices and administrations. Modernisation of the facilities The aim of this move is to make a series of improvements to optimise space in the administrative offices, improve accessibility for users and workers, and renew and update the image and working environment of the public administrations. The APB investment budget is €1,318,572 and the duration is 6 months from the start of the works. The deadline for receiving offers is 2 March 2021. Interested parties may submit their applications through the APB Electronic Bidding Portal.

Eleven lighthouses in Mallorca are to be equipped with a visitor-counting system

22/02/2021

The eleven lighthouses in Mallorca and Dragonera will be equipped with a data-capture counting system to record visitor numbers. The data-captures will provide information on occupancy and trends in the usage of the facilities. Technicians have already begun installing the cameras and the entire network is expected to be up and running soon. The project forms part of Mallorca Island Council’s ‘Smart Island Mallorca’ initiative. It aims to capture data on visitor numbers at places of cultural interest and tourist attractions and is being backed by public business entity Red.es The occupancy data will be extracted from cameras and sensors designed to withstand the external environmental conditions and outdoor use. In addition to the Mallorca lighthouses, devices will also be installed at multiple archaeological sites and around the grounds of the Raixa manor house. Video analysis software will provide data on visitor numbers and detect any unauthorised access to the areas where the cameras are installed. However, in compliance with data protection laws, the cameras do not provide real-time images or video clips. The tool has some important features. Authorised users will be able to monitor, in real-time, the volume of visitors in attendance at a lighthouse at any given time, as well as download reports and graphs.

APB will soon renovate the old lighthouse of the port of Sóller

11/02/2021

The old lighthouse of Sóller, currently in disuse, will soon be renovated by the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB). The frequent winds in the area and its difficult location mean that the lighthouse is currently in a poor state of conservation. The drafting of the renovation project has now been completed, pending receipt of sector reports to start work. The works are expected to begin in early 2022 and will then be put out to tender. Meanwhile, due to the poor condition of the lighthouse, an emergency action has been taken to stabilise the structure using a steel cable and struts to prevent the loosening of ashlars. Problematic location The lighthouse was designed by Emili Pou and approved in 1862. Two years later it was to be inaugurated and it became immediately evident that it was a problematic lighthouse due to the complications provoked by a bufador (blowhole) located close by. This is a large hollow in the rock stretching down into the sea that causes a furious 30-metre high-wave to form during the strong NW storms and then crash down onto the lighthouse. As early as 1865, intense shaking was felt in the building as a result of storms and large waves. The lighthouse keeper considered staying in the building very dangerous in those days and he transferred his family to a house near the lighthouse. Plans were drawn up in 1928 for a new tower - the one currently known as far de sa Creu - located close by but slightly higher up and away from the bufador (blowhole), at the same time as a new residential building was built and already concluded. It was ready to be inhabited in 1944. Photo: Guillem F. Raja Mayol

The ports of general interest in the Balearic Islands moved more than 12 million tons of goods in 2020, 24% less than in 2019

04/02/2021

According to the traffic statistics of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB), during 2020, 12,327,169 tons of goods passed through the ports of general interest in the Balearic Islands, which corresponds to a decrease of -24% in traffic compared to 2019. The decrease in goods traffic has affected all ports, which was undoubtedly due to the health situation and mobility limitations. A general decrease in goods has been registered in all ports, with -24% in the port of Palma, -27% in Maó, -30% in Alcúdia, -25% in Eivissa and -16% in La Savina. A total of more than 10 million tons was registered per item (consumer goods) in 2020, decreasing by 20% in comparison with 2019, 7,066,534 tons corresponding to the port of Palma (-22%) 2,217,306 to Eivissa (-24%), 236,118 to La Savina (-13%) and 410,124 to Maó (-23%). An exception is the port of Alcúdia, where the movement of general goods increased by 21% compared to 2019, from 740,731 to 893,245 tons in 2020. The total liquid bulk (basically fuels), in the Balearic Islands registered a decrease of -37%, especially in Eivissa (-44%), followed by the ports of Palma (-36%), Maó (-36%) and Alcúdia (-24%). The total volume of solid bulk (coal, cereals, salt, construction materials, etc.) fell by more than half (-57%), with a significant drop in La Savina (-80%) and in Alcúdia (-73%), and a more moderate one in Maó (-34%), Palma (-17%), and Eivissa (-2%). These are the worst figures since the economic crisis that began in 2008 and only showed signs of improvement in 2014. Passengers Passenger traffic has undoubtedly been one of the most affected by the pandemic. Therefore, 3.8 million passengers were registered in the five ports throughout 2020, 60% less than in 2019, 3.6 million corresponding to regular lines (-47%), and 156,757 to cruises (-94.12%), all of them during the months of January and February, prior to the limitations imposed by the pandemic. All ports managed by the APB have seen a reduction in the number of passengers, mainly Palma, with 76% less, Maó and Eivissa with a drop of -54%, La Savina -52% and Alcúdia -45%. From Puertos del Estado, a gradual recovery of traffic is expected this year until reaching figures similar to 2019.

Transport and infrastructure Socio-economic development