The IPTM, the Ports and Maritime Transport Institute, plans to increase the size of the fishing harbour in Olhão in an investment worth over two million euros. The work expanding the size of the harbour includes the construction of a sheltered area to the east of the harbour entrance for small fishing boats, equipped with breakwaters and with room for 314 small boats. 

In addition, the work will also include the building of a slipway and new on-shore support facilities such as storerooms, changing rooms, a building for washing, an area for hanging out nets, and area for laying up boats on land and water, and drainage, electricity and telecommunications networks.

The creation of 57 parking spaces for vehicles, as well as the improvement of the surrounding area with the installation of street furniture, the planting of trees and landscaping are also part of the project for enlarging the fishing harbour.

Francisco Leal, president of the municipality of Olhão, hopes that the upgrading work will begin soon and that it will be completed during the coming year, the newspaper Correio da Manhã said.