Nautical sector wants new dry dock built in the Playa de Palma

PALMA
THE Balearic nautical industry yesterday called for the construction of a large dry dock to be included in the ambitious reformation of the Playa de Palma.

The President of the Balearic Association of Nautical Companies, Margarita Dahlberg, explained that the Playa de Palma project provides the perfect opportunity for a much-needed dry dock to be built. “The industry desperately needs such a storage facility and along the Playa de Palma there are plenty of possible locations and all close to the sea,” she explained.

Dahlberg said that the dry dock would serve to ease the burden on marinas and ports during the winter and also offer boat owners and the charter sector a safe and secure place to store their yachts “What is more,” she added “fiberglass yachts are best kept out of the water when not in use.” However, the nautical industry is not looking for government financing, Dahlberg is keen for the venture to be private, but rather for its support and cooperation. “The charter industry is becoming increasingly important to the local economy and government backing would give the Balearic nautical industry an important confidence boost,” she said. “The local authorities have promised much but given the nautical industry very little over the years. We desperately need to be allowed to expand and grow in order to compete with the new and emerging nautical destinations in the Eastern and Southern Mediterranean.