The marina located in the urban center of Arenal of JaveaThe Nou Fontana-managed facility is already undergoing a major renovation following the renewal of its administrative concession. The project, with a public-private investment of 2.161.602 Euros, aims to improve the urban integration of the port complex, reinforce its Energy Efficiency and raise the standards of environmental sustainability in its facilities.
The goal, according to the planned schedule, is for the port to be fully renovated and operational by the peak summer season.
The third vice president and Minister of the Environment, Infrastructure, Territory and Recovery, Vicente Martínez Mus, visited the works this Monday along with the mayor of Xàbia, Rosa Cardonaand those responsible for the project – the regional secretary for Infrastructure and Transport, Francisco Javier Sendra, and the director general of Coasts, Ports and Airports, Marc García Manzana. The project is being promoted by the Valencian Regional Government and carried out by the concessionaire.
During the visit, the regional government framed the action within the public-private partnership strategy implemented during the legislature to update the ports under the Generalitat's jurisdiction. "In the last two years, work has been done to update expired or pending concessions and allow investments that modernize these infrastructures," the regional minister stated.
Improvements: solar energy, accessibility and a pioneering desalination plant
Among the main improvements of the project is the installation of photovoltaic panels, the comprehensive renovation of infrastructure -electricity and water networks-, the improvement of LED lighting and signage and the access improvements to improve accessibility. The project also includes strengthening fire protection, upgrading digital and connectivity services, and installing desalination systems for boat washing.
The works also include urbanization and environmental improvement works, such as paving, Jardinería with efficient irrigation, incorporation of street furniture, new pedestrian access, renewal of signage and improved accessibility, favoring the connection of the port area with the city and its enjoyment by the citizens.
Similarly, the project includes the complete renovation of the pontoons, the reorganization of the moorings to adapt them to larger vessels and the adaptation of docks and technical areas, along with protection interventions through the replacement of breakwaters and the dredging of the harbor entrance, which will allow for improved operating and safety conditions.
One of the most innovative elements is the implementation of a desalination plant powered entirely by solar energy, designed to supply water to boats without using the drinking water network.
The site manager, César FosHe emphasized that the measure aims to reduce resource consumption and minimize environmental impact: "Water consumption is practically zero, since we use seawater which will not generate any environmental impact and the facility will be powered by renewable energy."
The maritime works also include the bed cleaning, the reconfiguration of the water surface to improve maneuverability and the breakwater renovation of the harbor entrance, which has been badly affected by storms. Some of the work, especially on the outer breakwater in front of the Parador hotel, will be completed after the summer with the aim of minimizing inconvenience to residents and visitors during the busiest months.
Fewer moorings
The renovation will also involve a reorganization of the moorings, which will be reduced in number—from the current 151 to 94—to accommodate larger vessels and comply with current regulations. The regional government maintains that the result will be a better port. more functional, sustainable world y better integrated in the urban fabric of Xàbia.
For her part, the mayor, Rosa Cardona, positively assessed the performance and highlighted the commitment to innovative materials and of great durability, in addition to compliance with environmental requirements in the development of the project: "a totally innovative action, which will use new materials that guarantee a durability of up to 500 years. This demonstrates that works are being carried out that further improve the construction quality that is already being carried out."
Deadlines
The port renovation project has a 15-month execution period and a 15-year concession. Work began at the end of last year and will be carried out in two phases. The first phase, focused on work within the port facilities, will continue until May. The second phase, beginning after the summer, will focus on the breakwater to avoid major disruptions during the summer season.
So, is Arenal beach going to get its Blue Flag back? Or will we continue swimming in filth after a storm?
The truth is, they're not hiding it. They've been in power for three years and they're going to improve the port and the fountain. They'll say it's the regional government's doing, as if they weren't the same people.
Meanwhile, the priorities of the people of Jávea remain at the bottom of the list of priorities.
They're going to turn us into a tourist attraction.
Lately, everything is done under the guise of "sustainability." Sustainability, my foot!