After two decades without major interventions, the modernization of Elantxobe's marina is set to become a reality. To facilitate the work, and due to the lack of available berths in other nearby docks managed by Euskadiko Kirol Portuak (EKP), a significant portion of the affected vessels have been moved to Getxo's sports harbor.
“"Last February, an agreement was reached with the Getxo port authorities stating that EKP will assume the additional costs for the duration of the works."
Furthermore, for units that do not wish or are unable to move to Getxo, lifting and launching services will be provided, with expenses also covered by EKP, allowing owners to take their boats wherever they deem fit. The port in this small Busturialdea enclave measures 60 meters wide and 155 meters long, with a capacity for 157 vessels.
The project to completely renew the anchoring system's structure will soon begin. This includes replacing deteriorated elements, installing new anchoring lines, and reorganizing buoys and moorings to optimize the capacity of the dock, which accommodates nearly 100 boats.
The intervention will start with the removal of "all obsolete chains, shackles, and mooring elements, including disused or abandoned pieces at the bottom," which will be extracted by a specialized diving team. Additionally, the refloating, inspection, and repositioning of the main chains, which are still in serviceable condition, are planned after undergoing a stretching and corrosion verification process before being returned to their place.
The plan also includes the buoyage and redistribution of outer buoys, to ensure that the dock's capacity "adapts to real demand and provides greater stability during summer peaks." To minimize disruptions, the material storage area and construction shed will be located in the dry dock area, next to the port crane. This will allow Elantxobe residents to continue using an area that has become a meeting point.
The intervention has a budget of approximately 395,000 euros and a two-month execution period, aiming for completion by early July. Since Elantxobe's incorporation into EKP, the Basque Government has also invested an additional 43,700 euros in renovating the pontoon pavement, repairing the crane, and acquiring life jackets and safety elements for the dock.
