The Reorganization of the Port of Palma Under Discussion

Yesterday, Tuesday, December 5th, at the headquarters of the Balearic Port Authority (APB) and organized by El Económico, a forum brought together prominent representatives of the Balearic nautical sector to discuss the future of the Port of Palma and its impact on the economy of the Balearic Islands.

The forum addressed crucial topics such as sustainability, innovation, and reorganization of uses at the Port of Palma, which are essential to drive the productivity and competitiveness of the sector.

In the roundtable titled "The nautical industry, possibilities to navigate towards new horizons," Pedro Suasi, manager of the Balearic Marine Cluster (BMC), together with José María Campuzano, CEO of Servicios Técnicos Portuarios (STP), and Diego Colón de Carvajal, CEO of Astilleros de Mallorca, highlighted the strategic importance of the nautical industry in the Balearics. They noted that the sector includes 879 companies, generates an annual turnover of 1.1 billion euros, and employs 5,145 workers, of which 45.3% are based in Palma. Suasi also pointed out that an average nautical sector company bills 1.48 million euros and employs an average of 7 workers, demonstrating the dynamism and specialization of the business fabric.

"The nautical industry has the capacity to position the Balearics as an international benchmark in sustainability, innovation, and skilled employment. To achieve this, it is crucial to commit to a strategic vision that combines public-private collaboration, specialized training, and the integration of advanced technologies," Suasi stated.

Campuzano's intervention emphasized the exponential growth of the repair activity since 2008, mentioning that 97% of nautical companies are Spanish-owned, while 86% of the boats repaired come from abroad. According to Campuzano, increasing space for companies and their development capacity is essential for their future growth.

For his part, Colón de Carvajal stressed the need not to lose market positions due to limitations in haul-out infrastructure and to adapt them to the needs of new boats. Colón highlighted that although the sector has grown over the last 20 years, it is crucial not to lose focus on competitiveness and productivity to prevent stagnation by the companies.

Suasi emphasized the need to invest in specialized training that equips new generations with essential technical and digital skills for the future of the nautical sector. "This strategy aims not only to ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of the sector but also to promote the creation of high-quality jobs adapted to the demands of an ever-evolving global market," he explains.

The event also included other roundtables focused on efficiency, sustainability, and connectivity in service of maritime-land logistic chains, as well as port-city integration as a model to facilitate coexistence. These sessions featured institutional figures like Jaime Martínez, Mayor of Palma, and Álvaro Rodríguez Dapena, President of Puertos del Estado, who discussed key issues such as the reorganization of the Port of Palma, port-city integration, and economic development opportunities linked to the nautical sector.

The event concluded with a general consensus on the need to advance the reorganization of the Port of Palma, including sustainability, innovation, and training to strengthen the nautical industry as a key support of the Balearic economy.