Call for bids to operate Funchal Marina

The Ports of Madeira (APRAM) has launched a public tender for the concession to operate Funchal Marina (Marina do Funchal). The tender includes the operation of the commercial zone (dry area of Funchal Marina), the maritime tourist zone (the Port of Funchal recreational pier) and the requalification and operation of the Funchal Marina nautical zone. The deadline for submitting proposals is 26th September 2024.

The area covered comprises a total of 60,000m², of which 14,700m² is land area. The concession term is 15 years and, in addition to an annual rent of no less than €535,000 plus VAT (updated annually in accordance with the Portuguese consumer index), the successful tenderer will pay €500,000 on signing the contract as a consideration for the concession.
“This materialises the vision we have for Funchal Marina for the next 15 years,” says Paula Cabaço. “We want a modern, attractive and competitive marina in this part of the Atlantic which, at the same time, creates a central location in the city of Funchal with aesthetic and commercial relevance.”
In addition to the modernisation and efficiency of the infrastructure, APRAM’s main concern when preparing the public tender was to safeguard existing jobs at the marina. “All workers currently assigned to the concession for the wet part of the marina will keep their jobs,” Cabaço emphasises.
The company awarded the concession will have to carry out requalification work in the nautical area within a period of one year after the date of the contract. This intervention includes the installation of electric boat charging stations; the replacement of walkways, fingers, ramps, ladders, and water, electricity and communications modules and cabinets; and reinforcement of the piles for the floating infrastructure.
In addition to these investments, the concessionaire is required to install and maintain a Wi-Fi network that covers all concession areas, and ensure human surveillance and video surveillance (CCTV) services, 24 hours a day, every day of the week. The concessionaire will also commit to providing annual support to at least two national and international nautical events promoted by the Madeira Regional Government. This support will be achieved through the provision of docking stations and support services.
The company that wins the public tender will be left with the completely refurbished dry part of Funchal Marina, the result of an investment of €5.3 million made by APRAM. The project, which will be completed by the end of the year, includes improvement of the commercial area. This covers four spaces earmarked for restaurant activity; three spaces intended for cafeteria/beverage activity; nine spaces reserved for general commercial activity, of which at least one must be for grocery activity; ten spaces, in kiosks, intended for customer services and for the sale of services within the scope of tourist entertainment activities; and six storage areas.
Funchal Marina has around 200 berths for recreational vessels and the Porto Funchal recreational pier has capacity for 30 vessels involved in maritime tourist activities.