Spanish ferry operator Baleària has submitted a bid to build and operate a new passenger terminal at Valencia in conjunction with cruise terminal operator, Global Ports Holding (GPH).
Under a long-term contract, GPH would manage the new terminal’s operations and Baleària would provide its expertise in ferry and ro-ro operations to develop and operate the facility.
The so called Smart Terminal project will be built by preserving the historic buildings of the former shipyard, Levante Naval Union and the facility will include two terminals each with separate areas, which would guarantee the separate passenger operations on scheduled ferry services and cruise passengers, the companies said.
It will be built to be 100% self-sufficient by using electricity generated by renewable energies (photovoltaic, wind, renewable hydrogen and biofuel), plus all of the recycled waste generated will also be used.
It will be of about 100,000 sq m in area, located between the Poniente Pier and the Espigón del Turia Pier.
“The synergies between two leading companies in their sector will allow the city of Valencia to have a modern terminal, with the best technological and operational solutions to service the port, the city and society,“ said Adolfo Utor, President of Baleària,: “This new terminal includes three fundamental axes of our social responsibility: sustainable economic growth, but also the preservation of the planet, thanks to its eco-efficiency, and equal opportunities, to which, for example, the training school planned in the project will contribute very focused on the maritime district and specifically on the Nazareth neighbourhood.”
One of the objectives is for the terminal, located in old shipyard buildings of architectural and historical value, to become the maritime gateway to the city.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Baleària. Two leading companies in their sector have partnered and we are sure that this will result in the good of the port and the city. Valencia is an essential destination for the development of cruises in this area of the Mediterranean and will help us consolidate our position in the Western Mediterranean,” added Emre Sayin, GPH CEO.
