The Arenys de Mar port is set to receive a significant upgrade with a €5.9 million investment aimed at enhancing safety and climate resilience. The project includes a new activity dock and improved infrastructure.
The public company Ports de la Generalitat has unveiled plans for a major upgrade to the Arenys de Mar port, committing €5.9 million to enhance its infrastructure and ensure its resilience against climate change. This investment marks the largest allocation from the company during this legislative term.
The presentation, attended by key figures including Esther Roca, General Director of Ports, outlined studies conducted by external technical teams that refine the original proposal made in 2019. These studies aim to bolster structural safety while adapting the port facilities to cope with rising sea levels and extreme weather conditions.
Among the primary goals of this initiative is the construction of a new activity dock adjacent to the reinforced breakwater, which will integrate more effectively with the local community. This development aligns with strategic objectives outlined in Catalonia’s Port Plan Horizon 2030, emphasizing urban integration and improved mobility.
The environmental assessments confirm that these enhancements will not disrupt marine ecosystems or coastal dynamics. The project includes constructing a ‘botaolas’—a structure designed to mitigate wave impact—alongside an orthogonal jetty that will improve navigation conditions for fishing vessels and recreational boats.
With an expanded navigation channel now measuring 126 meters wide—an increase of six meters from previous designs—the port aims to facilitate safer maneuvering for incoming and outgoing vessels under various weather conditions.
This latest phase follows extensive revisions prompted by damage sustained during Storm Gloria in 2020, which necessitated emergency repairs involving over 60,000 tons of rock fill. The current upgrades are designed not only to repair past damages but also to future-proof the port against similar events.
The new activity dock will be 11 meters wide, half the size initially proposed but still significant enough to support diverse maritime activities. Additionally, plans include creating access roads and a small roundabout within the port area to enhance traffic flow.
A notable feature of this project is its focus on community engagement; once completed, an elevated walkway will provide residents with scenic views over both the operational aspects of the port and the surrounding marine environment.
This initiative reflects broader trends seen across coastal regions globally where ports are increasingly being redesigned not just as functional spaces but as integrated parts of urban life that prioritize sustainability alongside economic activity.
The next steps involve finalizing construction timelines and engaging local stakeholders further as work progresses on these vital upgrades at Arenys de Mar port. Residents can expect updates on accessibility options as developments unfold over coming months.
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