With its deep-rooted nautical tradition and ideal location in the Mediterranean, Mallorca has firmly established itself as a premier hub for the maintenance and refit of large yachts. At the heart of this transformation stands STP Shipyard Palma, a facility that has evolved over the last two decades into a cutting-edge destination for superyacht services. With nearly 20 years of expertise, STP has positioned itself at the forefront of the yacht repair and refit industry, continuing to innovate and adapt to the needs of its growing clientele.
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A dynamic and specialised shipyard
One of the standout features of STP Shipyard Palma is its “open shipyard” model. STP offers a flexible and highly specialised environment where each vessel can choose the best contractors for its specific project. This open model ensures that yachts receive a personalised and tailored service, drawing on the expertise of a vast network of nautical professionals and companies.
Each year, STP welcomes over 1,200 yachts for repair and maintenance work. The yard’s capacity is immense, supported by a 1,000-tonne travelift, one of the largest in the Mediterranean, and more than 2,000 travelift operations carried out annually, ensuring the smooth handling of yachts throughout the year. However, managing such a high volume of vessels comes with its own set of challenges. The need to adhere to project timelines is paramount. According to Carlos Albons, STP's production manager, this presents a major logistical challenge as rescheduling or relocating yachts can sometimes seem impossible.
Since STP is an open shipyard, all projects are managed directly by each yacht. STP oversees the hoisting, docking and launching of vessels, as well as providing essential services such as water and electricity supply and hull cleaning. Additionally, STP coordinates crane and machinery services, container rentals, yacht covers, scaffolding, and other general services required to facilitate each project. However, the planning and execution of all work on the yacht are handled directly by the yacht in collaboration with contractors operating within STP.
STP’s expansion and continued growth
To continue meeting the demands of an ever-growing fleet of superyachts, STP has embarked on a major expansion project that will increase the shipyard’s capacity and improve its operational efficiency. With an investment close to eight million euros, the project is set to enhance the yard’s infrastructure significantly. The total area of the shipyard will grow from 130,000m² to 162,000m², expanding both the land and water areas to accommodate more and larger yachts. This expansion includes the addition of five new berths capable of hosting vessels up to 110 meters in length, a necessary upgrade to meet the increasing size of yachts.
Joan Rosselló, the general manager of STP, is optimistic about the success of the expansion, noting that there has been a long-standing demand for larger moorings that the yard has been unable to fulfill until now. The yard’s expansion will not only support the maintenance and repair of larger yachts but will also increase the shipyard's ability to manage more high-end projects, contributing to the local economy with an estimated annual turnover boost of €50-60 million.
On land, the expanded area will help reorganise various zones within the shipyard to streamline operations. A new space will be dedicated to the removal and repair of yacht masts, complete with a specialised area for mast painting, allowing this work to be carried out without interfering with other operations. New parking facilities closer to the entrance will reduce vehicle congestion, further enhancing the yard's efficiency.
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Rama corta: a dedicated space for mast work
One of the unique features of STP Shipyard Palma is the specialised area known as Rama Corta. This dedicated zone is exclusively reserved for mast removal, repairs and related work, allowing for a seamless workflow within the shipyard. The Rama Corta, which operates independently of the general yard, is crucial for both the yachts and the shipyard’s overall efficiency. Each year, around 300 mast operations are handled in this area, a figure that continues to grow as demand increases. Currently, the shipyard manages up to 40 masts simultaneously in the Rama Corta, although this figure is often exceeded due to last-minute requests.
The ability to manage such high demand without disrupting the rest of the shipyard’s operations is a key factor in STP’s success. By offering a dedicated space for mast work, the shipyard ensures that travelift operations and other services continue without interference. Manu García Guillén, STP's harbour master and production assistant manager, emphasises that this specialised space has allowed the yard to maintain its reputation for quality and efficiency, particularly in the highly specialised field of mast repairs and rigging.
The strategic location of Palma
Palma de Mallorca’s position as a yachting hub is bolstered not just by its world-class shipyards but also by its accessibility and quality of life. Located just a two-hour flight away from major European cities, Palma is a convenient destination for yacht owners, their guests and crews. The international airport ensures that travel to and from the island is easy and efficient, making it an attractive base for yacht operations.
The city itself is a luxurious haven for yacht owners, offering a wide range of upscale dining, shopping and entertainment options. Palma’s Mediterranean climate, with year-round sunshine and mild temperatures, further enhances its appeal, providing ideal conditions for yachting throughout all seasons. Moreover, the concentration of yachting service providers, including specialised suppliers and technical experts, solidifies the city as the go-to destination for yacht maintenance and repairs.
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Synergies within the IPM Group
The success of STP Shipyard Palma is not just a result of its own expertise but also the synergies created within the IPM Group. Through collaboration with other companies within the group, such as Marina Port de Mallorca, Marina Port Andratx, Marina Ibiza, Marina Port Ibiza and Marina Port Mahón, STP can offer an expanded range of services, adding value to its already comprehensive portfolio.
One of the group’s most ambitious projects is the development of a new marina in Valencia, Marina Port Valencia, which includes three marinas together for yachts up to 130 metres and will feature a shipyard and technical facilities designed to replicate the success of STP's open shipyard model. This new venture will not only expand the group’s reach but will also contribute to the continued growth of the yacht repair and maintenance industry in Spain.
