Calero Marinas has successfully renewed its Puerto Calero concession for an additional period of 35 years, thus guaranteeing the continued existence of this key infrastructure for the economic, social and tourism development of Lanzarote.
The final agreement was unanimously reached at a session of the Board of Directors of Puertos Canarios that was held this morning in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, at which approval was granted to officially issue an extraordinary extension of the Puerto Calero marina concession, including the project, scheduled investments and update to the concession fee. This official step by the authorities represents formal and legal backing for one of the most iconic infrastructures in the regional port system.
The renewal comes after a demanding and complex administrative process conducted in coordination with the Asociación de Puertos Deportivos de Canarias [Marinas Association of the Canary Islands] and has reached a successful conclusion before the current period expired. That means this is the first concession in the Canary Islands to be renewed during the term of its original period, setting a precedent for future concessions in the region.
This milestone is much more than merely an administrative extension; it is recognition for over four decades of hard work, vision and commitment. A journey that began in 1982 when, at the young age of 35, José Calero Rodríguez decided to realise an idea that seemed impossible at the time: to build the first marina in Lanzarote and to develop a new tourism sector on the island, sailing.
Today, a few days shy of his 80th birthday, the founder is celebrating not only the renewal of this concession but also a continuation of this shared dream.
In an emotional statement, José Calero Rodríguez, Chairman of Calero Marinas, said “I set up this company with a desire to transform an idea into reality, but Puerto Calero is much more than that nowadays. It is a result of all the hard work done by an extraordinary team, of the commitment demonstrated by the companies that operate here, and of the affection shown by our users. They are the ones who have made this port what it is today and they are the ones who will define what it will be over the next 35 years”.
A new era is beginning that will lead to investments of more than 12 million euros focused on modernising infrastructures, streamlining services and implementing a management model based on energy efficiency, sustainability and technological innovation. The projects that have been scheduled include the incorporation of smart information systems and next-gen services that will position Puerto Calero on the cutting edge of the European sailing sector.
Puerto Calero was a pioneer of its time and is much more than just a marina today: it is a symbol of progress for Lanzarote, a meeting place for sailors from around the world and a vital infrastructure for access to the sea for a large part of the local population.
This infrastructure, which began operating with 190 berths, is now a marina that offered the first service in the Canary Islands specifically designed for super yachts and one that boasts over 450 berths for vessels up to 80 metres in length.
Calero Marinas has reaffirmed its commitment to structured and sustainable continuity for all the companies, operators and users of the marina, guaranteeing an environment of legal stability, institutional respect and long-term reliability.
“Puerto Calero was the birthplace and still is a major pillar of our marinas. Today, we operate four marinas in the Canary Islands but Puerto Calero has always been our inspiration and the model to follow. This renewal is great news for our company and for the entire international sailing community. Thousands of users visit us every year and we have earned their trust through quality of service, a care for details and a way of doing things that reflects the values that underpin this port”, said José Juan Calero, Managing Director of Calero Marinas, who also expressed his gratitude to the whole Calero Marinas team for their outstanding efforts and hard work, many of whom have been with the company for almost 40 years.
The concessionaire would like to express its sincere thanks to all those institutions that have accompanied this process, especially Puertos Canarios (a branch of the Public Works Department of the Regional Government of the Canary Islands), the Asociación de Puertos Deportivos de Canarias [Marinas Association of the Canary Islands], Marinas de España [Marinas of Spain],the Cabildo de Lanzarote [Island Council of Lanzarote], the Ayuntamiento de Yaiza [Local Council of Yaiza] and the Cámara de Comercio de Lanzarote y La Graciosa [Chamber of Commerce of Lanzarote and La Graciosa].
Looking ahead to the horizon, Puerto Calero is now embarking on a new and exciting period in its history. A period that honours its past, celebrates its present and is firmly committed to its future.
More information can be found at:
www.caleromarinas.com/renovacion-puerto-calero