30 Sep 2026
Once this declaration is ratified, the Port Authority of Santander (APS) will send the file to the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility for its decommissioning.
The highest governing body of the APS has also approved a four-year extension of the concession period for Medelcomar for the occupation of a 5,175 m2 water surface in the Molnedo dock.
Santander, September 30, 2026. The Board of Directors of the Port Authority has ratified, in its meeting today, the declaration of the El Caballo lighthouse, located in the municipality of Santoña, as unnecessary, with the aim of sending the file to the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility for its decommissioning.
The president of the APS, César Díaz, explained that the El Caballo lighthouse has not provided maritime signaling services since 1992 "which means it has lost its function as a Public Port Domain asset and, therefore, is unnecessary for the purposes of the port administration."
The process for the decommissioning of the lighthouse began four years ago with the declaration of the asset as unnecessary by the APS Board of Directors. However, the signing of an agreement between the APS, CANTUR, and the Santoña city council for the use of the El Caballo lighthouse, halted the processing of the file. "Now, once the agreement has ended and the city council has announced its desire not to renew it, we have resumed the process to request its decommissioning from the Ministry," Díaz assured.
On the other hand, the highest governing body of the APS has approved a four-year extension of the concession period for Medelcomar for the occupation of a 5,175 m2 water surface in the Molnedo dock.
For this, the company commits to making improvements in productivity, energy efficiency, environmental quality, and the introduction of new technologies, which translate into investments, for an amount of 155,086 euros, in electrical renovation and smart turrets, reconversion of piles and moorings with more durable materials, and an automated system of cameras and sensors.
For the highest representative of the port administration, "these actions undoubtedly contribute to the modernization of the concession and increase its competitiveness and sustainability."
Traffic results and double cruise call
The president of the APS also informed the board members about the evolution of the institution's traffic data during this year 2026, highlighting that, with 4,787,894 tons, the accumulated growth until August is 3.7% higher than that of the same period last year. These results indicate "positive" prospects, but above all, after three years of ascent, "reflect a clear trend."
Díaz emphasized the case of cruises which, with 23 calls recorded until August 31, increased by 35% compared to the previous year, while passengers increased by 54%, from 24,349 in 2025 to 37,528 so far this year.
In this regard, he recalled that "Santander Cruise Deluxe – the brand created by the Government of Cantabria, the Santander City Council, and the Port itself for the organization of calls and the promotion of this type of tourism – foresees a historic season" with 39 vessels and nearly 60,000 tourists.
Precisely, the port of Santander is hosting today the fourth of the five double cruise calls announced for this year. Thus, this morning the Ventura, from Carnival P&O, and the Marina, from Oceania Cruises, coincided in the Cantabrian dock.
The first of the vessels, docked at the Estación Marítima, brings 3,500 passengers —mostly British— and a crew of 1,200 people. This vessel, which is scheduled to make a total of eight calls in the city during this season, will remain at the pier until 5:00 p.m., at which time it will depart for La Rochelle.
For its part, the Marina will remain at the Margen Norte pier with 1,193 passengers, until 6:00 p.m., when it will continue its route to Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
In total, nearly 4,700 tourists will be able to enjoy the tourist attractions offered by the region and the gastronomic and cultural experiences that can be enjoyed in the capital.
Marina del Cantábrico
Likewise, the board was informed about the progress of the tender for the three concessions of Marina del Cantábrico. "Once the deadline for submitting offers has ended, one has been received for the western dock, two for the eastern, and two for Varadero," he announced.
The process now continues with the opening of the different envelopes to check and evaluate the administrative, technical, and economic documentation, in accordance with what is reflected in the tender documents.
Díaz pointed out that the reorganization of Marina del Cantábrico represents "the revitalization of the port domain as a strategic space for nautical sports activity in the Bay of Santander, promoting the blue economy and the development of industry in Cantabria," as stated in our Strategic Plan 2030.
