The Junta de Andalucia has put out to tender the occupation, management and operation of Estepona Port, offering a public concession for an initial 30-year period with a minimum investment of €10 million.
The contract, published in the Official Gazette of the Junta de Andalucía (BOJA) and on the website of the Public Agency of Ports of Andalucia (APPA), gives interested companies until 1pm on September 15, 2026 to submit electronic bids.
The concession will start at 30 years but could be extended to a maximum of 35 years if the successful bidder invests more than the €10 million minimum.
For every additional €1 million invested, the operator can gain one extra year of management rights. The full investment must be completed within six years.
The project forms part of Andalucia’s 2021–2030 Transport and Mobility Infrastructure Plan and the 2026-2030 strategic roadmap for the region’s port system, aiming to encourage greater private-sector participation.
What the concession includes
The contract covers the current nautical and leisure zone of the port, including:
- 21,358m2 of land
- 35,978m2 of water surface
- 447 existing berths for vessels between 6 and 35 metres
- 425 metres of quay
- Eight pontoons
- Commercial units, a control tower and facilities
- 272 surface parking spaces
The winning bidder must provide a provisional guarantee of €200,000 and will be responsible for annual occupancy and usage fees, as well as local property tax (IBI).
New requirements and upgrades
Any proposal must include a basic works project (maximum 300 pages) detailing planned improvements, such as:
- Upgrading quays, pontoons and moorings
- Urbanisation works
- Waste collection and management systems
- Renewable energy generation
- Water treatment systems
- Digitalisation
- Improved integration with the surrounding area
The physical footprint, building height and terrace areas cannot exceed current limits.
The redevelopment must also include at least 140 berths for boats up to 10 metres in length, unless a dry marina is proposed.
Fuel supply services and improved accessibility will be mandatory, and floating pontoons will be viewed favourably.
Commercial and environmental plans
Bidders must also submit an operational plan outlining commercial strategy, berth occupancy targets and initiatives to promote nautical and sporting activities.
A sustainable mobility plan is required to reduce vehicle traffic within the port and improve pedestrian routes, alongside an environmental plan to ensure long-term sustainability and climate resilience.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
