Construction has begun on a €12.5 million (approximately $14.8 million USD) expansion at Marina de Lagos in Portugal. The project officially commenced with the laying of the first pile on the left bank of the Bensafrim River in Lagos.
The development will extend the marina’s capacity, introduce a yacht club and renew a public waterfront area beside the fishing harbour. More than three decades after the marina first opened, the surrounding area required improvement due to safety and operational concerns.
The project moved forward after Marlagos proposed increasing mooring capacity and upgrading the water basin and surrounding area, including commitments to maintain and improve operating conditions for professional fishing and other maritime activities in the area.
The expansion will add 102 new mooring places and redevelop approximately 1.8 hectares of space. Plans include 55 berths and 30 storage units for professional fishing, 40 berths for the Lagos Sailing Club and 170 berths for local recreational boating with floating pontoons. The plan also provides 135 additional parking spaces.
Architect Mário Martins presented the design for the yacht club and the adjacent Praça Náutica, a new public square within the redeveloped waterfront area. The space is intended for residents, visitors and maritime users.
Marina de Lagos currently offers 474 berths equipped with water and electricity, along with controlled access to pontoons, waste disposal services, showers, fuel supply and security patrols.
Martinho Fortunato, chief executive officer of Marlagos, stated that 106 companies operate around the marina, supporting 1,350 jobs. Annual turnover generated by these activities stands between €27 million and €30 million (around $32 million and $35.5 million). He also recalled Joaquim Fortunato as a driving force behind the creation of the marina.
The marina’s economic impact is expected to increase by 21 percent once the additional berths are operational.
