SPAIN: Marina Port Vell completed a significant transformation project in July ahead of its involvement in the America’s Cup. The €20 million project, which began in 2021, has enhanced its capacity and services for large yachts.
The president of the Port of Barcelona, Lluís Salvadó (second from left), visiting the renovated facilities along with representatives from Port Vell and the Barcelona City Council.
The project focused on three areas: reorganisation of berthing, landscaping, and installation of a new fuel system. A total of 23 new berths was added for vessels up to 70m (230ft) and the mooring area was reorganised to improve the visitors’ view of the water. The action plan for landscaping included increasing green spaces around five of the docks. The new fuel supply was installed to reduce the risk of pollution. This involved the installation of a 510m (1,670ft) supply network, which gives in-berth fuel access to all vessels via a pumping system. The project completion came just one month before the start of the America’s Cup on 22nd August and 18 months after Marina Port Vell was designated as the preferred superyacht marina for the event. The marina is hosting exclusive activities, special dining opportunities and experiences in its facilities, including VIP On Board programmes to watch the competition on premium vessels, and sale of exclusive merchandise, and more, in luxury boutiques. Marina Port Vell was expecting to welcome over 110 superyachts during the America’s Cup, meaning that on any given day there could be around 2,500 yacht owners and guests, along with approximately 1,000 crew members. Additionally, via agreements with public and private entities in the city, the facility expected to host thousands of visitors over the two-month period.
