A WORLD-CLASS MARINA IN A WORLD-CLASS CITY
Barcelona, one of the world’s most vibrant cities, has long been an important port on the Mediterranean coast. The first evidence of maritime activity dates back as far as the 4th century, although the first artificial harbour, with a dock, only came into being after the Middle Ages. Over the years the oldest part of the port, Port Vell, became slowly obsolete as the port gradually expanded to the south. A sweeping urban renewal project in preparation for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics saw the area transformed from industrial wasteland into two marinas and Barcelona’s largest leisure and recreation area, opening up the city to the sea.
Designed and built by SF Marina and local partner Marina System Ibérica S.L., Marina Port Vell was completed in time for the Barcelona Olympics in July 1992. In 2010, the Salamanca Group acquired the marina and over the course of six years they transformed it into a preeminent superyacht destination, with accommodation for 150 yachts up to 190 metres in length. Part of the marina’s new configuration is made up of three customised floating docks: one 62 metres long and 3,5 metres wide, one 80 metres long and 5 metres wide – both with berths for approximately 35 pleasure boats – and one 95 metres-long and 5 metres wide with berths for 30 larger yachts. The two long ones are T-shaped docks while all three are fitted with fingers. The docks were designed by SF Marina and manufactured locally by Marina System Ibérica S.L. in 2014. With their weight and low centre of gravity, the pontoons not only offer considerable stability and high load capacity, but also a long, trouble-free service life. Marina Port Vell has since been rebranded OneOcean Port Vell.