The Balearic Islands Port Authority has approved the tender terms for a service operating from 8am to 11pm, with departures at least every hour, low-emission boats and extra capacity when cruise ships arrive.
A daily service running throughout the year, from 8am to 11pm, with departures at least once an hour. These are some of the requirements for the new Ibiza port water bus following approval of the tender specifications by the Board of Directors of the Balearic Islands Port Authority (APB).
The future concession will run for up to 15 years, providing continuity for a service that has operated since 2023 under temporary one-year authorisations. According to the APB, the positive response from residents and visitors has encouraged it to move towards a long-term operating arrangement for this maritime transport service in Ibiza.
The aim is to “offer an alternative to road transport” and “reduce traffic along Avenida de Santa Eulària and Passeig de Joan Carles I, particularly when cruise ships arrive”.
Water bus connections between es Botafoc and Ibiza Town centre
The concession will cover more than 2,000 square metres of land and water. Boarding points and customer service facilities will be spread across the es Botafoc maritime terminal, Marina Botafoc, Marina Ibiza, the es Martell outer quay and the southern entrance to the inner dock.
Alongside the regular service, the tender requires additional capacity when cruise ships are in port, with the ability to transport more than 600 passengers per hour towards the historic centre.
The APB has opted for a single operator, citing technical difficulties and a lack of space to coordinate several companies using the same quays.
The successful bidder will also be responsible for maintaining the facilities, managing waste and ensuring accessibility. Ticketing will combine ticket offices and in-person customer service points with digital purchasing and access options.
Low-emission boats at the heart of the new concession
Environmental requirements will play a central role in the new concession, the APB says. Vessels will have to be low-emission boats, with the aim of reducing pollution in the port’s waters.
The company awarded the concession will have two years from the date of the award to launch the service using the low-emission fleet it has committed to provide.