Marinas de Baleares calls on the APB to apply consistent criteria to concession extensions

Marinas de Baleares has expressed its satisfaction with the decision by the Balearic Islands Port Authority (APB) to grant an extension of term and concession renewal to the Real Club Náutico de Palma (RCNP), a measure that guarantees the continuity of its activity and follows the same approach as the extension recently granted to Club Nàutic Portitxol.

The president of Marinas de Baleares, Andy Halcón, welcomed the decision, stressing that “the continuity of established operators provides stability and certainty for the entire nautical sector, avoiding unnecessary uncertainty and encouraging long-term planning.”

In this regard, Halcón highlighted that “the extension of a concession is a legal, reasonable and beneficial instrument for the public interest, as it makes it possible to consolidate investment, preserve jobs and maintain the economic and social balance generated by each recreational marina facility.”

However, the association has called on the APB to apply the same criterion to marinas and boatyards, whose operators have seen their extension requests denied in recent years. “It is difficult to understand how, in the same board meeting, the extension granted to the RCNP is celebrated while other similar concessions are refused,” said Halcón. He added that “marinas are also an essential part of the economic and social fabric of the Balearic Islands: they provide indispensable services and contribute to the sector’s professionalisation and competitiveness.”

Marinas de Baleares insists that there should be no “double standard” between yacht clubs and marinas, and advocates for a balanced port-management model. “The administration should not set sporting and business activity against one another, because both are complementary and necessary for a strong and sustainable port system,” the president stated.

Halcón also noted that other port authorities across Spain are applying the same legislation using more consistent criteria: “A review of the Official State Gazette is enough to confirm that, in other autonomous communities, extensions are being granted in defence of the public interest, rather than solely on the basis of revenue-raising considerations.”

The association believes that maintaining the continuity of concession holders makes it possible to strengthen environmental and social commitments, as well as investments in facility improvements, without disrupting established operations. For all these reasons, Marinas de Baleares has reiterated its commitment to continuing to defend concession extensions as a key tool for ensuring sector stability, protecting the Balearic business community, safeguarding employment and moving towards a sustainable and competitive port-management model in the Balearic Islands.