Green Light for La Bajadilla Port Expansion in Marbella
The Junta de Andalucía has approved the environmental authorisation for the expansion of La Bajadilla port in Marbella. This approval is a crucial step in the project’s development, as it outlines the environmental standards that the developer must adhere to during the project’s execution and implementation.
UTE Marina Internacional to Lead the Expansion
UTE Marina Internacional, the company responsible for the expansion, was awarded the contract after a public tender controversy in 2011 involving Sheikh Al-Thani, the former president of Málaga FC. The expansion is expected to significantly transform not only La Bajadilla but also the increasingly popular nautical offerings in the area.
Marbella Mayor Comments on the Project
Marbella’s mayor, Ángeles Muñoz, has stated that there are still procedures to be completed before the regional government can definitively award the contract. She also highlighted the transformative potential of the project, which will increase the port’s capacity to accommodate over 1,200 vessels, including cruise ships, mega yachts, and tall and medium-sized boats.
Changes to the Original Proposal
One of the main alterations to the original proposal is the removal of a planned hotel, which was deemed incompatible with coastal law. The port’s new circular design, however, will allow for a greater number of vessels.
Other Ports Undergoing Expansion and Remodelling
La Bajadilla port is not the only one undergoing expansion and remodelling. Technical teams, backed by a specialised consultancy firm, are currently working on a proposal for the improvement of the Virgen del Carmen port.
Details of the Port Expansion
The expansion will involve the reorganisation of the existing 350 moorings to accommodate longer vessels, the relocation of the harbourmaster’s building and fuel tanks, and improvements to the sewage and drainage network. The project will also include the installation of photovoltaic panels and small desalination plants to enhance energy efficiency.
