[dropcap]F[/dropcap]ollowing a 100 million euro transformation, OneOcean Port Vell has successfully completed a second fully operational year and continues to build its reputation as a preeminent superyacht destination.
Recognised as a preferred destination for superyachts with capacity for 150 yachts up to 190 metres, OneOcean Port Vell saw an increasing number of yachts visit this year compared with 2015; a 31% growth in yachts over 30 metres; 85% in those over 80 metres; and 742% in the 100 metre plus category. The Marina also welcomed the world´s largest yachts, notably the largest yacht in the world by volume, motor yacht DILBAR, having chosen the Marina as its maiden port, the second largest yacht in the world, motor yacht ECLIPSE, and eight others measuring over 95 metres in length, a sight to behold in the centre of Barcelona.
The Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix in May marked the start of the summer and Charter season for OneOcean Port Vell as it welcomed superyachts and their guests to enjoy the race weekend. The Marina completed an impressive summer with occupation vastly increased since 2015; a 45% increase in yacht arrivals over 30 metres; a 227% increase in those over 60 metres; and a growth of 300% in yachts over 100 metres. Charter yachts were up 45% compared with 2015.
OneOcean Port Vell was chosen as the host venue for the 2017 MYBA Charter Show beating off Nice and Genoa to host the biggest Superyacht charter event in the Mediterranean. Taking place from the 24th – 27th April 2017, the MYBA Charter Show will run for three years in Barcelona and will bring more than 600 industry professionals and over 70 of the most exclusive charter yachts into the Marina. The event will further strengthen Barcelona´s position in the yachting world; the City and OneOcean Port Vell proving the ideal turnaround or stopover destination for yacht charters.
In September, OneOcean Port Vell celebrated the end of the last phase of construction with the completion of Fisherman’s Quay, adding eight new sheltered, secure berths between 30 and 80 metres to the facility. Since its opening, 10 Superyachts have moored on this new Quay, choosing OneOcean Port Vell as their home for this winter.
Motor yacht VOLPINI was the first vessel in the Marina to take advantage of OneOcean Port Vell’s rare TPA permit – a permit usually granted to shipyards. The yacht, temporarily imported into the EU, benefitted from the exemption of tax on berth fees and works undertaken in the facility.
The Marina has won numerous awards in the past 12 months, winning in December 2015 the ´Best Marina & Port´ in the Architizer A + Awards and the ‘Global Project’ award at the prestigious FX International Interior Design Awards, and in 2016, the ASCER Ceramics Award for OneOcean Bar; and ‘Best Bar in Europe’ and ‘Best Overall Bar’ in the Restaurant and Bar Design Awards for OneOcean Bar. OneOcean Port Vell was also shortlisted in the 2016 “Mitsubishi 3 diamantes” efficiency savings awards.
Paul Cook, General Manager at OneOcean Port Vell explains,
“The success of 2016 proves that Barcelona is a popular cruising destination and perfect winter home port, with many yachts choosing to stay in Barcelona for repair and overhaul activities as well as returning in the spring and summer months. With the request for charter yachts in Spain outstripping supply and the growing popularity of berthing at OneOcean Port Vell, Spain is the new destination for superyachts.”
