Activity at the port of Gran Canaria is exceptionally high these days, with a total of eleven 'offshore' units operating simultaneously. These vessels are performing maintenance, repair, and technical preparation before deploying to international projects. Among them are the drilling ships Noble Voyager, Noble Valiant, and Santorini, whose stays can extend up to two months and accommodate crews of over 500 people.
The 'Castorone', popularly known as 'Castrone', is owned by the Italian company Saipem and represents a state-of-the-art floating infrastructure. Designed to execute complex energy engineering projects in both shallow and ultra-deep waters, this maritime colossal measures 330 meters in length and 39 meters in width, with a displacement of nearly 100,000 tons and capacity for 702 people.
Equipped with eight high-power engines, the 'Castorone' can navigate at approximately 14 knots and utilizes 'S'-lay technology, an advanced system for installing submarine pipelines with high precision. The vessel called at the Port of Las Palmas in April 2026 for technical and maintenance work, contributing to the full occupancy of the naval repair area. It has participated in energy operations in locations such as Tierra del Fuego, the Black Sea, and Equatorial Guinea.
“"This concentration of activity confirms the confidence of major international companies and reinforces the port's role as a strategic hub in the Atlantic for complex energy sector operations."
The president of the Port Authority of Las Palmas, Beatriz Calzada, highlighted that the presence of these large vessels generates significant economic activity for local workshops, suppliers, logistics, and technical services. 'Offshore' activity is thus consolidating as a key driver for the port's economic diversification, positioning Las Palmas as an international reference base for industrial and energy projects.
