With the 2nd largest coastline in Europe, a superb outdoor climate and yet one of the lowest boat ratios both per inhabitant and per mile of coastline, Spain has a huge potential to boost boating around the country.
ANEN (the Spanish Association for Marine Businesses) has an ambitious agenda of improvements for Spain’s nautical industry, aiming to streamline administrative processes involved in buying, selling, and registering boats; bring about fiscal reform to enable better boat affordability; raise public awareness of the benefits of boating; promote training opportunities and improve boating infrastructure and access to the sea.
This summer, the Spanish Government, in conjunction with the Dirección General de la Marina Mercante in Spain (DGMM), released the new Spanish Maritime Strategy 2024-2050. This comprehensive approach is fruit of the work carried out by ANEN and the DGMM.
The Strategy carefully identifies various of the obstacles restricting the growth of recreational boating, which range from both a lack of berths and a complicated and expensive registration processes, to the need for a more digitalised, sustainable and socially responsive nautical sector.
Specific matters addressed in the Strategy concerning marinas include increasing capacity, modernising facilities, optimising berthing space and better integrating marinas within cities. There is also a strong call for the construction of more yards and drystacks, together with consideration for concession renewals with the aim of making them more flexible and accessible. Current difficulties with contracting diving is mentioned, as is the need to simplify procedures necessary for dredging permission.
Waiting in the wings is the publication of the revised Laws of both State Ports and Maritime Navigation. ANEN’S achievements to secure a stronger legal framework for the nautical sector are set to comprise significant benefits for recreational boating, including enhanced rights, clearer regulations, and practical solutions to drive industry growth.
The current Law of State Ports (commonly known as the “Ley de Puertos”) dates back to 1992 and has long been due a revision. This new version will, for the first time, include a chapter dedicated exclusively to the nautical sector.
Innovative amendments include a regulated notarial procedure for abandoned boats, allowing marina operators, in the event of non-payment by the debtor, to proceed directly to a notarial auction or scrapping, depending on the value of the vessel. There will also be a national registry to insured boats to optimise a response in the event of damage caused; a civil rather than a merchant marine classification for recreational craft (reducing inspection criteria); a new one-stop-shop for charter vessels and a far more simplified documentation regime, reducing the need to apply to multiple agencies for vessel registration and licencing.
Many thanks to Jordi Carrasco and ANEN for their guidance in preparing this report. For more information on ANEN visit their website: www.anen.es
