Christine M. Watterson Maó
A local company, Marine Ribera Mahón, has submitted an original ecological project to the Port Authorities for consideration. The firm, which is one of seven vying for the moorings concession on the north shore of Maó harbour, proposes using renewable energy sources in order to create a sustainable port and has planned the necessary infrastructure to respect the biodiversity of the environment. Although Marine Ribera Mahón is not the highest bidder for the concession, proposing to invest 5.6 million euros over the next 14 years as opposed to Balearische Routen's offer of 9.5 million over the same period, its project is the one most in keeping with the concept of Menorca as a Biosphere Reserve.
"Maó Port Natural"
The project, entitled "Maó Port Natural", proposes separate platforms which can take up to 20 boats, depending on the size of the craft. All supplies to the vessels would be in the form of renewable energy: the electricity would be generated by wind and solar power and stored in supply towers; and drinking water would be supplied by a desalination unit. The mooring system would also be ecological, using seaflex anchors which avoid the erosion caused to the seabed by the usual concrete blocks and chains.
The use of these small platforms, strategically positioned, would avoid a mass of boats along the coastline. Small boats would use shore pontoons and would be charged very competitive mooring rates.
Collection points for selective rubbish disposal, sewage and bilge water, and oil would also be provided, along with anti-pollution barriers.
A total of 446 moorings are envisaged in the project, 232 of which would be on shore pontoons and 214 accommodated on the floating platforms or the port for transient vessels which would be located on the Illa del Rei.
"Little Venice", Richard Branson's former holiday home which juts out into the sea on the north bank of the port, would be converted to provide services for the port users: a laundry, changing rooms, a crew room, a storeroom, social room, showers and offices for administration and the harbour master. A pontoon will be attached to the building to help in the collection of sewage and bilge water from leisure boats.
Concession
The Port Authorities have seven projects to consider before the concession can be awarded, analysing aspects such as the viability of the project, the financial offer, the proposed charges to the public, whether the scheme is in keeping with the environment, and the length of the concession.
The companies bidding for the concession (Ocibar, Trapsyates, Ribera del Puerto, Marine Ribera Mahón, Sunseeker, Balearische Routen and Renos) should know the outcome this year.