Marbella port expansion moves forward as concession agreement is signed
The Andalusian regional government has confirmed the signing of a 40-year concession agreement for the expansion and redevelopment of La Bajadilla Port in Marbella, Spain, advancing a major maritime infrastructure project following a lengthy administrative and legal process.
The concession was formally signed on November 3, 2026, with Marina Internacional de Marbella, a consortium selected to undertake the expansion and subsequent operation of the port. The new operator is scheduled to assume management of the facilities on January 1, 2027, with the redevelopment involving private investment exceeding €200 million.
According to the Junta de Andalucía, the project will increase the marina’s capacity from 268 to approximately 750 berths, allowing it to accommodate a wider range of recreational vessels, large yachts and vessels measuring up to 70 metres in length.
The investment will be financed entirely by the concessionaire, without direct expenditure by the regional government. Under the concession arrangement, the operator will also pay an annual concession fee of €1 million.
Major infrastructure expansion planned
The redevelopment includes the construction of new breakwaters, quays and berthing facilities, alongside technical areas, buildings, parking facilities and spaces for commercial and recreational activities.
A principal breakwater extending approximately 1.13 kilometres will provide protection along the eastern and southern sides of the port, while a second breakwater measuring 450 metres will protect the western entrance.
The project also includes infrastructure to manage the Primero stream and improvements to the nearby Venus and La Bajadilla beaches. Existing fishing activities are expected to continue during the expansion works and be incorporated into the redesigned port facilities.
The development is being promoted through the Andalusian Public Ports Agency (APPA), which oversees regional port infrastructure. The expansion is intended to modernise La Bajadilla’s maritime facilities and increase its capacity to accommodate demand for recreational and large-vessel berthing along the Costa del Sol.
Concession follows prolonged approval process
The agreement marks a significant development for a project whose original tender was launched in November 2010. The concession procedure was subsequently affected by a 2017 ruling from the High Court of Justice of Andalusia, contributing to a prolonged period of administrative and legal uncertainty.
The project later secured renewed environmental authorisation and a favourable assessment from Spain’s Directorate-General for the Coast and the Sea concerning the use of coastal public land.
Following the resumption of the procurement process, the contracting committee proposed awarding the concession to Marina Internacional de Marbella on July 2, 2026, after the consortium emerged as the only admitted bidder.
The contract was formally executed on November 3 and covers both the construction of the planned port expansion and the subsequent operation of the facilities over the concession period.
Although the agreement has now been signed, the expansion itself remains to be carried out. The January 2027 date refers to the commencement of the new concession, rather than completion of the redevelopment.
The project is expected to substantially increase La Bajadilla’s berthing capacity while maintaining its fishing activities and expanding its role as a recreational maritime destination on Spain’s southern coast.
