The Board of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has approved a new public tender for the management of berths at Palma’s local traffic terminal, known as the Golondrinas Quay, with party boats explicitly banned from operating there.
Under the new concession, located on Palma’s seafront promenade, only passenger-carrying merchant vessels (second-list vessels) will be permitted. The concession also includes two berths for the Bus Nàutic, a new public maritime service linking areas of the port with the city, as well as two additional berths for transit vessels embarking and disembarking passengers.
The APB said the decision reflects its commitment to local residents, who have complained in recent months about noise and disturbances caused by some tourists. A new civic ordinance regulating behaviour in public areas of the port is also expected to be approved soon and is currently open to public consultation.
APB president Javier Sanz said the measures aim to curb vandalism, tackle the sense of overcrowding, and improve the image of both the port and the city—issues raised repeatedly by nearby residents. The concession area covers the local traffic quay and the adjacent waters used by excursion boats, a total of 17,000 square metres of public port domain.
A key requirement for bidders will be the organisation of cultural and family activities to help revitalise the terminal, particularly during the low season. Proposed initiatives include free outings for school groups, exhibitions, and children’s theatre with maritime themes.
Environmental improvements will also be heavily weighted in the evaluation of bids. These may include reusing surplus construction materials, installing features that promote marine biodiversity, and introducing systems for energy self-sufficiency or renewable energy generation.
The concession will run for a maximum of ten years. The annual occupancy fee to be improved stands at just over €192,000, with an activity fee of four per cent of turnover.