The Santander Port Authority (APS) approved a public tender on 10 April 2026 for the redevelopment of Marina del Cantábrico in Santander, Spain. The €40 million project (around $47 million USD) will be awarded through three concessions, with plans to expand mooring capacity, update existing facilities and respond to current demand in recreational boating.

The proposal was presented on 8 April and is based on a market study commissioned by the APS, which identified a shortage of available berths, low turnover and an increase in larger vessels and visiting traffic.

César Díaz, president of the port authority, said the aim is “to turn this area into a strategic hub for recreational boating in Santander Bay that acts as a driving force for the blue economy”.

The redevelopment will cover 17.78 hectares of water and 5.37 hectares of land, and will be divided into three concessions, each focused on a different area of marina activity. Each concession will run for 30 years.

One of the three concessions covers the existing eastern marina, with the aim of maintaining current recreational boating activity and upgrading facilities. It requires a minimum capacity of 850 moorings.

At least 60 percent of these must be allocated to vessels up to eight metres in length, at least 30 percent to vessels between eight and 12 metres, and no more than ten percent to vessels between 12 and 18 metres.

The harbour master’s office building will remain open to the public and may be used for offices, sanitary facilities and leisure activities. In addition to the basic construction project, bidders must also submit an operational plan, including management and sporting and social use.

A second concession introduces a new marina in the western part of the basin to meet growing demand and accommodate larger vessels. The proposed capacity ranges from 600-700 moorings depending on each bid.

At least five percent of berths must be allocated to vessels over 18 metres in length, and at least ten percent to visiting vessels. The concession also covers a land plot designated for water sports and recreational boating services, as well as a fuel station for vessels and, where proposed, road vehicles.

The third concession focuses on the development of a boatyard for maintenance, repair, construction and dry docking, as well as the relocation of shipyard activities from the Maliaño basin. The facility will include a 3,600sqm water area for manoeuvring and lifting vessels, along with 3.02 hectares of land.

Images courtesy of Santander Port Authority.