The Andalusian regional government, through the Andalusian Public Ports Agency (APPA), has awarded the concession for the expansion and redevelopment of La Bajadilla Port in Marbella. The new concessionaire is due to take over the facilities on 1 January, with more than €200 million earmarked for the expansion. The project is expected to increase the port’s capacity from 268 to about 750 berths and allow it to accommodate larger vessels.
Regional Minister for Development and Mobility Mario Muñoz-Atanet visited the port on Wednesday with Marbella Mayor Ángeles Muñoz. He said the concession award would bring investment of more than €200 million. Muñoz-Atanet said the project was first put out to tender 16 years ago, before its contract was terminated and the file was left inactive. He said the government led by Juanma Moreno resumed work on the project in 2019 and completed the process, which required environmental procedures, coastal and legal reports, and a new tender.
The planned works would expand the port’s water area to nearly three and a half times its current size and increase the number of berths to about 750. The marina is designed to accommodate vessels up to 70 metres long, from recreational boats to large yachts and cruise ships.
The port works include a 1.13-kilometre main breakwater to protect the eastern and southern sides, a 450-metre counter-breakwater for protection on the western side, and a groyne to channel the Primero stream. The stream works are also intended to separate it from Cable Beach and help conserve the sand. Environmental integration and restoration measures are planned, including sand replenishment and transfers at Venus, La Bajadilla, Cable and Faro beaches.
The redevelopment also includes new infrastructure and services, a commercial area, fishing facilities, a boatyard and 1,000 parking spaces. Mayor Muñoz said the concession award marked the completion of a process shaped for years by administrative and judicial difficulties. She said the transformation would enable Marbella to expand its maritime activity, respond to existing demand and create economic and tourism opportunities.