ANEN, Spain’s Marinas and CEACNA propose a more stable concession model for the nautical sector
ANEN, Spain’s Marinas and CEACNA have put forward a joint position to move, together with public administrations, toward a more stable concession model focused on value creation. The organizations are convinced of the need for collaborative work, which will result in a document containing proposals for the evolution of the concession regime governing recreational nautical facilities in Spain, as well as highlighting other sector challenges.
The aim is to contribute, through public-private collaboration, to a more balanced and competitive framework aligned with the sector’s economic reality.
The organizations emphasize the importance of recognizing the uniqueness of recreational boating within the port system, distinguishing it from the industrial port model. Marinas and yacht clubs are infrastructures that generate employment, tourism, sports activity and territorial development, playing a key role in the growth of the blue economy.
The sector’s proposal is structured around three main lines of improvement:
1. A specific and stable regulatory framework
Promoting a concession regime tailored to the specific characteristics of recreational nautical facilities, strengthening legal certainty, linking concession terms to the real amortization of investments and establishing clear criteria for extensions.
2. Tender frameworks focused on value creation
Moving toward tender models that balance the economic fee with criteria such as technical quality, environmental sustainability, promotion of sports and tourism, employment impact, and the economic viability of projects. The focus should be on who generates the greatest economic and social value for the territory.
3. Greater coordination and regulatory harmonization
Strengthening cooperation among administrations, Puertos del Estado, regional governments and other competent bodies, to simplify procedures, reduce territorial disparities and ensure a more homogeneous competitive framework across Spain’s coastline.
The sector particularly values the importance of working in a coordinated manner with Puertos del Estado and regional administrations to move toward common guidelines that provide long-term stability, transparency and predictability.
A modern and balanced concession model would help consolidate employment, attract investment, improve infrastructure, reinforce environmental standards and maintain Spain’s position as one of the most competitive nautical destinations in the Mediterranean and Atlantic.
According to ANEN, “the goal is to build, together with the Administration, a framework that strengthens the sector, guarantees the public interest and enhances the economic and social contribution of boating in Spain.” The organizations will continue working jointly on the technical development of these proposals and their institutional presentation in the coming months.