Nautica - Asociación de Empresas Náuticas de Baleares

EUROPA PRESS / March 7, 2010
The Balearic marine industry is in a 'hard' situation which has led to the disappearance of about five percent of companies that were devoted to this activity. Furthermore, employers are concerned that if the situation does not Improved in the coming months, in late 2010 there "will be over ten percent" in losses of specialized companies, mainly shipyards.

 

As stated by the president of the Association of Marine de Baleares (AENB), Margarita  Dahlberg, in a statement made to Europa Press. The sale of yachts and other pleasure craft fell by 60 percent in the Balearics from the start of the current economic crisis, though the figure may vary depending on time. Currently,registrations  are at 2002 levels.
 

Iin 2007 - the last year of economic boom - about 13.000 boats were launched.Last year the volume dropped to 6,700, a decline that began in the spring of 2008 and affects equally both yachts manufactured in and imported to Spanish shipyards.This also affects other important inputs for the sector, such as repair and maintenance of boats.

Mrs Dahlberg said that "there is no prospect of change" in the situation of the Balearics nautical sector for 2010. In fact, she believes that 2010 "is one of the hardest years" Speaking on issues such as participation in sector fairs, such as The Palma International Boat Show, which opens its doors in late April, if the meters decrease experienced in 2009 is not reversed "possibly this year is one of the worst," said the expert.

In this regard, the AENB president highlighted situations experienced at the boat shows of both Barcelona and Madrid, with only 30% occupancy in Barcelona and saw the Madrid show cancelled for lack of participants. On the other hand  the most recent show in Monaco "was cushioned" by the decrease in activity to attract foreign vessels to winterings the Balearics.

Among the main problems identified by Margaret Dahlberg in the marine industry, besides the fact that there has been a general decline in consumption, is located legislation "that strangles us," a central government "which does not understand us," Increased price of raw materials, lack of industrial land and public protection in this activity, although it generates many jobs.