Shipyards calling for more space

Balearic shipyards are considered some of the best of the world but there are concerns that they are running out of space.Palma, in particular, has a global reputation for the high quality of its refit and repair facilities and services but, shipyards and the service companies are calling on the Balearic Port Authority to remodel the Port of Palma, and examine other regional ports, to see where extra space can be found for the existing shipyards.
Not only is demand growing year-on-year for refits and repairs in Palma, yachts are getting bigger and in the STPin Palma, in particular, which will be full again this winter and having to turn clients away due to the lack of space, there is a shortage of facilities  for yachts of between 100 and 120 metres in length.
STP manager, Joan Rossello said yesterday that all they are asking for is for the Balearic Port Authority to give them more space and more capacity. “The authority has got to take into account the importance of our location and we can improve the services provided even further if we had the space,” he said.
The repair and refit industry not only generates a substantial amount of money for the local economy, it also creates an important number of jobs and more space, will not only lead to more revenue, but also more jobs.
Diego Colon, manager of Astilleros de Mallorca agrees.
He said that the port has got to be redesigned and expanded, but that it will have to be done with the consensus of everybody involved “so that we all benefit.”