Balearic Marine Cluster Meets with Government to Shape the Future of the Nautical Sector

On May 31, the Balearic Marine Cluster met at the Consolat del Mar with the President of the Government, Margalida Prohens; the Minister of the Sea and Water Cycle, Juan Manuel Lafuente; and the Minister of Business, Employment, and Energy, Alejandro Sáenz de San Pedro, to define the future of the nautical sector in the Balearic Islands.

During this meeting, which marked the first official gathering between the innovative Balearic business group and the President of the Government, Toni Salom, President of the Balearic Marine Cluster, and Pedro Suasi, the association’s manager, presented a detailed analysis of the nautical sector and its impact on the Balearic industry and society. In 2022, this sector accounted for 3.1% of the GDP, generating 1.106 billion euros and creating 5,145 jobs, according to the first sector report by the Balearic Marine Cluster.

The nautical sector highlighted two key demands for its future development. Firstly, the urgent need to clarify the future location of the naval repair and maintenance sector in the port of Palma was emphasized. This decision is crucial for the strategic planning and competitiveness of nautical businesses, as uncertainty leads to a loss of competitiveness not only against international markets such as France and Italy but also against national destinations like the Valencian Community and Catalonia. In response, the Government committed to addressing this issue as swiftly as possible.

The second issue raised was the creation of a joint strategic plan between the nautical sector, represented by the Balearic Marine Cluster, and the Government, involving the Ministry of the Sea and Water Cycle, the Ministry of Business, Employment, and Energy, and the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands.

Key points of this strategic plan include:

• Promoting the visibility of the nautical sector to the public as a strategic industrial engine generating quality employment.
• Taking measures to bring the nautical sector closer to society and ensure that all citizens can enjoy the sea.
• Supporting specialized training centers, such as L’Embat and the National Nautical Reference Center in Menorca, by promoting sector-specific professions and improving job offerings.
• Working on the sustainability of the sector, positioning the Balearic Islands as an international leader in sustainable nautical practices.

Toni Salom emphasized that “the agreement reached represents a significant step forward for the future of the nautical sector in the Balearic Islands, ensuring that both the industry and the community benefit from a sustainable and competitive environment.”