Club Nàutic Estartit was the setting for a key event for the development of cross-border relations in the port sector, hosting an important meeting on 2 October between representatives of the Union des Villes Portuaires de Occitanie (UVPO) and those of the Catalan Association of Marinas and Tourist Ports (ACPET). This meeting, which is part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen the links between the two entities, is part of the collaboration agreement signed last June between the two organisations, the main objective of which is to establish synergies between marinas and tourist ports in the south of France and Catalonia.
First phase: A meeting to plan further actions
The first part of the day was devoted to the meeting between the heads of the UVPO and ACPET, in which the actions to be implemented in the framework of the signed agreement were discussed. This agreement, whose main objective is to promote the exchange of knowledge and good practices between the marinas of the Catalan and Occitan regions, also seeks to promote a model of sustainable and responsible development.
During the meeting, proposals were discussed to optimise port services, improve the user experience and reinforce the environmental sustainability of the nautical facilities in both regions. The leaders also talked about the importance of creating joint strategies for tourism promotion, with special emphasis on attracting quality nautical tourism that respects the natural environment.
In this sense, it was agreed to work on projects that integrate the latest technological innovations to ensure a better use of natural resources and the reduction of the ecological footprint. The synergy between the two organisations is a clear example of how cross-border collaboration can benefit both the ports and their respective communities.
Second phase: Presentation of the CNE’s new desalination plant
The second part of the meeting was led by the director of the Club Nàutic Estartit, Eugeni Figa, who presented, together with Caroline Arnall, director of Equiport, one of the most innovative and relevant projects of our entity: the new desalination plant. This installation, which forms part of the club’s initiatives to improve the environmental management of its facilities, has been designed to reduce the environmental impact and ensure an efficient use of water resources.
During the presentation, Eugeni Figa explained that the main objective of the desalination plant is to convert seawater into water suitable for consumption and use at the port’s facilities, especially in the months of highest demand. She also emphasised that the plant will not only reduce dependence on external resources, but will also serve as an example of sustainable technology that other ports in the region can implement. This project, which has been developed following the strictest regulations in terms of energy efficiency and environmental protection, underlines Club Nàutic Estartit’s commitment to the preservation of its natural environment.
Sharing knowledge for the future of marinas
The event concluded with an enriching discussion between the UVPO and ACPET members, who showed great interest in the technology used in the desalination plant and its potential application to other ports. The representatives of the ports of the Occitania region positively valued the exchange of knowledge and experiences that took place during the day, pointing out that this type of meeting is key to face the challenges shared by the marinas and tourist ports on both sides of the border.
In short, this meeting at Club Nàutic Estartit has not only served to strengthen the links between the ports of Catalonia and Occitania, but also to advance in the search for joint solutions to the challenges facing the sector, especially in terms of sustainability and resource management. The implementation of innovative projects such as the desalination plant demonstrates that international collaboration is essential for the future of marinas and tourist ports, and opens the door to new opportunities for growth and development in the region.
