The Port Authority of Las Palmas (APLP) greenlit this week the transfer of a plot at the Reina Sofía quay from Hamilton to Astican. This concession, designated for the repair of drilling rigs and platforms, is a key sector where Astican competes with companies like Zamakona and Hidramar.
The operation, previously postponed last month due to an objection from Hidramar regarding an alleged dominant market position, was finally approved at the board meeting. Following a request for a technical report, the APLP concluded that the transaction does not violate competition regulations nor compromise the balance of the ship repair market within the port.
The agreement entails Astican assuming the concession for 8,076 square meters at the Reina Sofía quay. This space, originally granted in February 2019 for ship repairs and as a multipurpose terminal, will remain valid until December 2047.
“"Within the Reina Sofía area, no single operator holds a dominant position."
The technical report refutes Hidramar's primary argument, certifying the absence of a dominant operator in the Reina Sofía area. Revenue in this strategic zone is primarily shared between Zamakona and Astican, with Hidramar holding a smaller share. None of the shipyards command a majority market share, a crucial factor in ruling out a dominant position.
The resolution also highlights the impossibility of unilaterally influencing prices. The active presence of three top-tier shipyards, along with an extensive network of auxiliary workshops, ensures free competition in the area, compelling companies to compete openly and allowing shipowners to solicit multiple quotes and freely choose the most suitable proposal for their vessels' maintenance.
Furthermore, the Reina Sofía quay features 200 meters of free berthing, not exclusively concessioned, enabling any operator to provide services if they meet the APLP's requirements.
Concurrently, Hidramar has promoted the establishment of a new employers' association in Tenerife and a union backed by its own employees. These initiatives have led to complaints against the Port Authorities, stevedores, and companies like Astican or Boluda, causing discontent within the Federation of Port Companies of the Canary Islands (Fedeport).
Despite these actions, the Port has adhered to a strictly technical criterion to validate the transfer of the Hamilton terminal and greenlight Astican's strategic move.
