Nautica - Asociación de Empresas Náuticas de Baleares

Europa Press / Dia de Baleares / February 26, 2010
Pleasure boat registrations fell by 41% during 2009 in Balearic Islands, a setback to the islands now compared to similar levels of  those recorded in 2002, as reported by the chairman of the Association of Marine de Baleares (AENB), Margarita Dahlberg , during the Annual General Meeting held yesterday  at Real Club Nautico Palma.

The head of the association said the sector had a  "terrible" year in 2009, and an exercise "very hard" for  shipyards and boat sales. That is why, as predicted, if  during 2010 there are no signs of improvement in the sector (which until 2008, stood as one of the most profitable in the tourist sector) then companies will have to incorporate other activities, from the sale of ships to charter rentals,  through to maintenance and wintering.

A situation that, as seen, also affects other industries that also benefit indirectly from this activity,such  as sales of accessories, catering and trade. In relation to specific enrollment figures, as recorded last year they fell to 6,700, a decline that began in the spring of 2008, when it began to progressively fall lower than the annual average of 13,000 registered vessels

This is a setback that affects all the media markets, according to Yachts Market Report.This reveals that in 2009, pleasure boats registration in The Islands had  an 11 percent share of the national total. Mrs Dahlberg referred to the fiscal pressure exerted on the fleets of yachts, which grew excessively after the entry into the enforced Tax Registration of Ships, which is unique throughout Europe and limits activity by causing an increase of 12 percent in the price of boats more than eight meters in length.

The president of the Association of Marine regrets the "pressure" of various regulations on this sector, which "is treated as merchant shipping, in which very complex laws apply." Specifically  seamanship which is also affected by the seasons and develops most of its  activity between March and October.

It is worth noting  that during the day there were a  series of presentations that  addressed the crisis in the marine industry, which enforced re training as a key to employment, adaptation of boat operators to new times , and future projects which are envisaged to boost the National Association of Nautical Employers (ANEN), employer's that are associated with AENB.