Arab-led consortium wins €84m Marbella port deal

THE contract to enlarge Marbella’s La Bajadilla marina has been awarded to Nasir Bin Abdullah & Sons. This temporary consortium (UTE) is headed by Sheikh Abdullah Al-Thani, a member of the Qatari royal family and owner of Malaga FC. With a cost of €84 million this will be the first harbour development in Andalucia that is funded with both public and private money.

The company, specifically formed to bid for the tender, includes Marbella Council as well as Puerto Deportivo Marbella S.A. As well as enlarging the marina over the next four years, the UTE will run the installation for 40 years.

Not only will the revamped marina provide more berths for private boats and yachts, but it makes possible Marbella’s long-cherished ambitions of providing anchorage for cruise ships.

A 200-metre pier in the outer part of the marina, connecting directly with the inner harbour, will allow liners to dock and put passengers ashore to spend time – and money – in Marbella.

The luxury trade has not been overlooked and an exclusive pier inside the marina is to be set aside for 26 boats.

With a further 541 berths for private craft, La Bajadilla’s capacity will increase from the present 262 to 803.

The marina will also provide more moorings for pleasure and excursion craft, with room available for fishing boats and nautical industries.

The project includes underground parking for 450 vehicles in addition to 683 parking spaces above ground.

His ability to finance the project worked in Abdullah Al-Thani’s favour from the outset, and the sheikh entered the race for the La Bajadilla contract backed by capital – more than €25 million – from his parent company.

Al-Thani also provided bank certificates confirming that he had immediate call on a further €20 million in cash.

 

Author badge placeholder
Written by

Euro Weekly News Media

Share your story with us by emailing newsdesk@euroweeklynews.com, by calling +34 951 38 61 61 or by messaging our Facebook page www.facebook.com/EuroWeeklyNews

Comments