The Government starts with the works of the exterior port of Ciutadella

PortsIB adjudicates the redaction of the project and the technical assistance to define the improvement works of this essential port for the maritime connection of Menorca.

The Government of the Balearic Islands, through PortsIB, an agency under the Ministry of the Sea and the Water Cycle, has initiated the process of reforming and upgrading the outer port of Ciutadella, with the goal of boosting its capacity and optimizing the operations of this key infrastructure for maritime traffic in Menorca.

On the morning of July 28th, the Minister of the Sea and the Water Cycle, Juan Manuel Lafuente, visited the port facilities accompanied by the Director General of Ports and Maritime Transport, Toni Mercant, and the manager of PortsIB, Kiko Villalonga, to assess the current state of the infrastructure and highlight the significance of the planned works. Also attending the visit were the President of the Consell Insular of Menorca, Adolfo Vilafranca, and the Mayor of Ciutadella, Llorenç Ferrer.

The planned intervention proposes a functional reorganization of port areas for more efficient and sectorized use of the zones designated for vehicle traffic and maritime operations, aiming to provide a service that meets both current and future needs.

Minister Lafuente emphasized that, “with this initiative, we are taking a step forward in adapting the outer port of Ciutadella to the real needs of Menorca and ensuring a more efficient, orderly, and safe service for everyone.” He also stressed that, “this reform is not just a technical upgrade but a direct response to the increased traffic and user demands, especially during the high season.”

The outer port of Ciutadella, used exclusively for commercial traffic, mainly operates with ferries and high-speed vessels that connect Menorca with the rest of the Balearic Islands and the Spanish mainland. The steady increase in traffic volume has highlighted the need for improvements in functionality, safety, and user comfort.

In 2024, the port handled 599,212 passengers and 34,516 trucks, figures that underscore its strategic relevance. In the first five months of 2025, the port has already surpassed 168,312 passengers and 14,223 trucks, indicating a clear upward trend.

To meet this growing demand, PortsIB has awarded the contract to Project Solvers Asesores S.L. for the drafting of the basic and detailed construction projects, as well as for technical assistance during the bidding and execution phases of the works, including health and safety coordination. The assignment also includes a viability analysis of the preliminary study conducted by ARUP in 2019.

The total contract value is €496,100 (VAT included). Of this, €213,710.17 is allocated for project drafting, with a completion timeline of 12 months, and €282,389.83 is designated for technical assistance during the works and health and safety coordination over the expected 19-month construction period.

Through this initiative, the Government of the Balearic Islands reaffirms its commitment to modernizing port infrastructure and promoting an efficient, safe, and sustainable maritime transport model for the islands.

In parallel with the port reform, PortsIB has also launched the drafting and execution of a project to implement an Onshore Power Supply (OPS) system at the quays of Ciutadella’s outer port, also known as Cold Ironing.

This system will allow vessels to connect to the land-based power grid and shut down their onboard diesel generators while docked, thereby reducing pollutant emissions, noise, and vibrations. This measure will contribute to improved air quality and promote the environmental sustainability of the port infrastructure.

The project is part of the Next Generation EU Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan. The total tender budget is €4,792,955 (VAT included), of which €1,444,318 comes from European funds.