Barcelona Marina (also known as Marina Port Vell) has been purchased in a deal worth more than €30m by London-based private equity company Salamanca Capital Investments.

The marina currently has berths for yachts up to 185m (607ft) and has been bought from Global Via whose parent company FCC (one of Spain's largest construction companies) is disposing of its non-core assets.

Salamanca says it will now work with Barcelona's port authority to turn the marina into Europe's pre-eminent superyacht base. The facility will eventually have 45 berths for craft over 50m (164ft). Redevelopment will begin in the autumn and be completed by mid-2011.

Martin Bellamy, CEO of Salamanca says: "Barcelona is one of the world's most exciting cities and Port Vell is at its heart. This is a unique opportunity to turn the marina into Europe's most exciting mega yacht destination.

"We intend to rival the best marinas in the world. Barcelona has the infrastructure to attract boat owners and their crews — and we are convinced luxury yachting is a growth business."

Salamanca is also planning to launch a maritime services business which will work with Marina Port Vell and other marinas on security and others marine operations.


Superyacht Business / David Robinson , 4 August 2010