The Andalusian regional government has confirmed the formalisation of the concession contract for the expansion of La Bajadilla port in Marbella, Spain, following years of delays. Agreed on 3 November 2026, the contract grants joint venture Marina Internacional de Marbella a 40-year concession to expand and manage the port, with an investment of more than €200 million ($230 million USD).
.avif)
From 1 January 2027, the joint venture will assume responsibility for the port’s operations, finance the entire redevelopment without funding from the regional government and pay an annual concession fee of €1 million ($1.15 million). The concession was first put out to tender in 2010, but a court ruling seven years later affected the procurement process.
The project then received environmental approval and a favourable report from Spain’s coastal authority before the tender process resumed. On 2 July 2026, the contracting board recommended awarding the concession to Marina Internacional de Marbella, the sole bidder accepted for consideration.
La Bajadilla’s capacity will nearly triple from 268 to approximately 750 berths, allowing the port to accommodate vessels of up to 70 metres. Construction will feature a 1.13-kilometre main breakwater to protect the eastern and southern sides of the port, plus a 450-metre secondary breakwater on the western side. On land, the redevelopment will add buildings, parking areas, technical facilities and spaces for port services, shops and leisure activities.
Another part of the project will redirect the Arroyo Primero stream away from Cable beach to preserve its sand, and work is also planned at Venus and La Bajadilla beaches, alongside the construction of new quays and mooring facilities.
