Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Concurso para fretamento de navio para abastecimento das Flores ficou deserto, Governo avança de imediato com novo procedimento
Concurso para fretamento de navio para abastecimento das Flores ficou deserto, Governo avança de imediato com novo procedimento
Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Berta Cabral highlights growth of Mutualista Açoriana fleet in bolstering new maritime transport model in the Azores
Berta Cabral highlights growth of Mutualista Açoriana fleet in bolstering new maritime transport model in the Azores
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Activities under Regional Health Plan 2030 already involved more than 1,200 participants
Activities under Regional Health Plan 2030 already involved more than 1,200 participants
Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação
Azorean Government launches €180,000 project to improve agricultural water supply on São Jorge Island
Azorean Government launches €180,000 project to improve agricultural water supply on São Jorge Island
Nota de Imprensa
June 19, 2026 Concurso para fretamento de navio para abastecimento das Flores ficou deserto, Governo avança de imediato com novo procedimento A Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas informa que o concurso público internacional, com um valor base de 5,9 milhões de euros, destinado ao fretamento de um navio para assegurar o abastecimento regular à ilha das Flores, ficou deserto. O prazo para a apresentação de propostas terminou a 18 de junho, sem que tivesse sido submetida qualquer proposta. Perante este cenário, o Governo dos Açores atuará com determinação e sentido de urgência, avançando de imediato com um novo procedimento concursal, introduzindo ajustamentos que reforcem a sua competitividade e atratividade junto dos operadores do mercado. A Secretária Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas, Berta Cabral, afirma que “a garantia do abastecimento regular às Flores constitui uma prioridade do Governo dos Açores, sendo um compromisso direto com as populações, com a economia local e com a coesão territorial da Região”. Este procedimento insere-se numa estratégia mais ampla e consistente do executivo regional para assegurar cadeias logísticas resilientes, especialmente nas ilhas do grupo ocidental, onde os constrangimentos geográficos e infraestruturais exigem respostas permanentes e fiáveis. Importa recordar que os impactos severos do furacão Lorenzo, em 2019, e, posteriormente, da depressão Efrain, comprometeram significativamente a operacionalidade do Porto das Lajes das Flores, afetando a regularidade do abastecimento marítimo e impondo desafios acrescidos à economia local e ao quotidiano das populações. Foi neste contexto exigente que o Governo dos Açores, através do Fundo Regional de Apoio à Coesão e ao Desenvolvimento Económico e na sequência de resolução do Conselho do Governo, lançou o presente concurso, com o objetivo de assegurar uma solução eficaz e contínua para o transporte de mercadorias essenciais. Segundo Berta Cabral, “este serviço deverá continuar a ser assegurado com total prioridade enquanto decorrem as obras de reabilitação e reforço das infraestruturas portuárias das Lajes das Flores, sendo um instrumento essencial para garantir equidade no acesso a bens fundamentais e a plena integração das ilhas do grupo ocidental na dinâmica económica regional”.
June 19, 2026 Concurso para fretamento de navio para abastecimento das Flores ficou deserto, Governo avança de imediato com novo procedimento A Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas informa que o concurso público internacional, com um valor base de 5,9 milhões de euros, destinado ao fretamento de um navio para assegurar o abastecimento regular à ilha das Flores, ficou deserto. O prazo para a apresentação de propostas terminou a 18 de junho, sem que tivesse sido submetida qualquer proposta. Perante este cenário, o Governo dos Açores atuará com determinação e sentido de urgência, avançando de imediato com um novo procedimento concursal, introduzindo ajustamentos que reforcem a sua competitividade e atratividade junto dos operadores do mercado. A Secretária Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas, Berta Cabral, afirma que “a garantia do abastecimento regular às Flores constitui uma prioridade do Governo dos Açores, sendo um compromisso direto com as populações, com a economia local e com a coesão territorial da Região”. Este procedimento insere-se numa estratégia mais ampla e consistente do executivo regional para assegurar cadeias logísticas resilientes, especialmente nas ilhas do grupo ocidental, onde os constrangimentos geográficos e infraestruturais exigem respostas permanentes e fiáveis. Importa recordar que os impactos severos do furacão Lorenzo, em 2019, e, posteriormente, da depressão Efrain, comprometeram significativamente a operacionalidade do Porto das Lajes das Flores, afetando a regularidade do abastecimento marítimo e impondo desafios acrescidos à economia local e ao quotidiano das populações. Foi neste contexto exigente que o Governo dos Açores, através do Fundo Regional de Apoio à Coesão e ao Desenvolvimento Económico e na sequência de resolução do Conselho do Governo, lançou o presente concurso, com o objetivo de assegurar uma solução eficaz e contínua para o transporte de mercadorias essenciais. Segundo Berta Cabral, “este serviço deverá continuar a ser assegurado com total prioridade enquanto decorrem as obras de reabilitação e reforço das infraestruturas portuárias das Lajes das Flores, sendo um instrumento essencial para garantir equidade no acesso a bens fundamentais e a plena integração das ilhas do grupo ocidental na dinâmica económica regional”.
Nota de Imprensa
June 19, 2026 Berta Cabral highlights growth of Mutualista Açoriana fleet in bolstering new maritime transport model in the Azores The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, welcomed today the expansion of Mutualista Açoreana’s fleet, noting that this investment “adds strength and credibility to the structural reform initiated by the Government of the Azores in 2025 for the maritime freight transport sector.” She highlighted that this reform has already produced tangible results on the ground, notably with the introduction of weekly services to the islands of Graciosa and Santa Maria, bringing an end to the previous model under which supplies were delivered fortnightly. In this regard, Berta Cabral also praised the launch of a new “Weekly Express” service by Mutualista Açoreana, as provided for in the new transport model, emphasising that the entry into service of the vessel “Açor B” represents “a decisive step towards enhancing the frequency, predictability and quality of supplies to the islands.” “It is particularly significant that Mutualista Açoreana, through this fleet expansion, is moving forward with the new phase set out in the study on the new model for maritime freight transport in the Region. It is actively contributing to improving the response to the needs of businesses and the local population,” she said. Recalling the work carried out by the Government with shipowners to increase the installed capacity for freight transport, Berta Cabral reiterated that the new vessel is an essential component in ensuring a more efficient and resilient system, capable of meeting growing demand. It should be noted that the new maritime transport model adopted is a mixed model, comprising weekly supplies to the islands of Santa Maria and Graciosa (which previously received fortnightly supplies), express service vessels between Lisbon and Leixões to Praia da Vitória and Ponta Delgada, as well as direct call vessels and smaller inter-island vessels. The Regional Secretary also emphasised that the next step in this reform concerns the transformation of port operations to fully integrate them into the new regional logistics framework. “We are bringing about a true paradigm shift in the Azores’ maritime and port sector, based on an integrated vision that links ships, ports and logistics chains, with clear benefits for the regional economy,” he said. Berta Cabral pointed out that the reform of port operations goes far beyond one-off adjustments, representing a far-reaching reorganisation of how regional ports operate, with specific and measurable goals: improving the frequency and predictability of operations; increasing logistical efficiency and reducing response times; and reducing indirect costs arising from the system’s instability. “Essentially, we want ports to cease once and for all from being a passive factor and to establish themselves as a genuine driving force for competitiveness, economic development and territorial cohesion,” she concluded.
June 19, 2026 Berta Cabral highlights growth of Mutualista Açoriana fleet in bolstering new maritime transport model in the Azores The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, welcomed today the expansion of Mutualista Açoreana’s fleet, noting that this investment “adds strength and credibility to the structural reform initiated by the Government of the Azores in 2025 for the maritime freight transport sector.” She highlighted that this reform has already produced tangible results on the ground, notably with the introduction of weekly services to the islands of Graciosa and Santa Maria, bringing an end to the previous model under which supplies were delivered fortnightly. In this regard, Berta Cabral also praised the launch of a new “Weekly Express” service by Mutualista Açoreana, as provided for in the new transport model, emphasising that the entry into service of the vessel “Açor B” represents “a decisive step towards enhancing the frequency, predictability and quality of supplies to the islands.” “It is particularly significant that Mutualista Açoreana, through this fleet expansion, is moving forward with the new phase set out in the study on the new model for maritime freight transport in the Region. It is actively contributing to improving the response to the needs of businesses and the local population,” she said. Recalling the work carried out by the Government with shipowners to increase the installed capacity for freight transport, Berta Cabral reiterated that the new vessel is an essential component in ensuring a more efficient and resilient system, capable of meeting growing demand. It should be noted that the new maritime transport model adopted is a mixed model, comprising weekly supplies to the islands of Santa Maria and Graciosa (which previously received fortnightly supplies), express service vessels between Lisbon and Leixões to Praia da Vitória and Ponta Delgada, as well as direct call vessels and smaller inter-island vessels. The Regional Secretary also emphasised that the next step in this reform concerns the transformation of port operations to fully integrate them into the new regional logistics framework. “We are bringing about a true paradigm shift in the Azores’ maritime and port sector, based on an integrated vision that links ships, ports and logistics chains, with clear benefits for the regional economy,” he said. Berta Cabral pointed out that the reform of port operations goes far beyond one-off adjustments, representing a far-reaching reorganisation of how regional ports operate, with specific and measurable goals: improving the frequency and predictability of operations; increasing logistical efficiency and reducing response times; and reducing indirect costs arising from the system’s instability. “Essentially, we want ports to cease once and for all from being a passive factor and to establish themselves as a genuine driving force for competitiveness, economic development and territorial cohesion,” she concluded.
Nota de Imprensa
June 19, 2026 Activities under Regional Health Plan 2030 already involved more than 1,200 participants The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, praised today the scope of the initiatives carried out under the Regional Health Plan 2030 (PRS 2030), which have already involved more than 1,200 participants across the Region. They reflect the Regional Government’s commitment to promoting health, preventing disease and improving the quality of life of Azoreans. Overall, 36 health actions and events have been planned between 2024 and 2026, as part of a series of initiatives aimed at supporting the implementation and assessment of various ongoing regional programmes. Of the total planned actions, 23 will take place in person, 9 online and 4 in a hybrid format. The topics covered are diverse, focusing on areas such as infection control, active ageing, nutrition and self-care. Participants include healthcare professionals, informal carers, seniors and various institutional partners, demonstrating a strong commitment to improving health indicators in the Region. “The commitment and dedication of the healthcare teams, instructors, managers and all the professionals involved have been crucial to the success of these initiatives,” stated Mónica Seidi. She also stressed that the results of these measures “do not produce immediate effects.” Nevertheless, she believes that “ongoing investment in professional development, health literacy and prevention will have very significant impacts, in the medium and long term, on the lives of the Azorean population." Two events are taking place today: the webinar “Longevity at Risk and the Cost of Dependencies,” which has registered 300 participants, and Module 1 of the Obstetrics course “From Mother to Foetus: Understanding to Prevent,” which is part of the Regional Programme for Monitoring and Reducing Infant Mortality. In the field of active ageing, the Regional Government aims to establish the Region as a national benchmark in promoting longevity alongside quality of life, independence and seniors' active participation in the community. In the area of maternal and child health, the focus will be on the continuous training of professionals to consolidate the regional positive indicators as well as promote prevention and the early detection of high-risk situations. The Government of the Azores, thus, reiterates its commitment to a health policy based on prevention, community-based care and the professional development of healthcare staff. It firmly believes that this investment will help to improve health outcomes and the quality of life of the Azorean population.
June 19, 2026 Activities under Regional Health Plan 2030 already involved more than 1,200 participants The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, praised today the scope of the initiatives carried out under the Regional Health Plan 2030 (PRS 2030), which have already involved more than 1,200 participants across the Region. They reflect the Regional Government’s commitment to promoting health, preventing disease and improving the quality of life of Azoreans. Overall, 36 health actions and events have been planned between 2024 and 2026, as part of a series of initiatives aimed at supporting the implementation and assessment of various ongoing regional programmes. Of the total planned actions, 23 will take place in person, 9 online and 4 in a hybrid format. The topics covered are diverse, focusing on areas such as infection control, active ageing, nutrition and self-care. Participants include healthcare professionals, informal carers, seniors and various institutional partners, demonstrating a strong commitment to improving health indicators in the Region. “The commitment and dedication of the healthcare teams, instructors, managers and all the professionals involved have been crucial to the success of these initiatives,” stated Mónica Seidi. She also stressed that the results of these measures “do not produce immediate effects.” Nevertheless, she believes that “ongoing investment in professional development, health literacy and prevention will have very significant impacts, in the medium and long term, on the lives of the Azorean population." Two events are taking place today: the webinar “Longevity at Risk and the Cost of Dependencies,” which has registered 300 participants, and Module 1 of the Obstetrics course “From Mother to Foetus: Understanding to Prevent,” which is part of the Regional Programme for Monitoring and Reducing Infant Mortality. In the field of active ageing, the Regional Government aims to establish the Region as a national benchmark in promoting longevity alongside quality of life, independence and seniors' active participation in the community. In the area of maternal and child health, the focus will be on the continuous training of professionals to consolidate the regional positive indicators as well as promote prevention and the early detection of high-risk situations. The Government of the Azores, thus, reiterates its commitment to a health policy based on prevention, community-based care and the professional development of healthcare staff. It firmly believes that this investment will help to improve health outcomes and the quality of life of the Azorean population.
Nota de Imprensa
June 19, 2026 Azorean Government launches €180,000 project to improve agricultural water supply on São Jorge Island The Azorean Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food and IROA, S.A., has put out to tender the works contract for the construction of the Water Supply System in Santo António/Urzelina, São Jorge Island. The project, carried out in close collaboration with the municipality of Velas, represents an investment with a base price of €180,000 and a stipulated completion period of 180 days. The new infrastructure will significantly improve water supply conditions for about 134 farms in the municipality, covering approximately 97 hectares. For the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, this project reflects “another firm step in the Regional Government’s strategy to improve the water resilience of farms, ensuring better working conditions for farmers and increasingly promoting the efficient management of available natural resources.” The government official emphasised the long-term strategic importance of the measure: “Investing in water storage and distribution infrastructure is essential to boost the competitiveness of the regional agricultural sector and ensure it can adapt to the challenges posed by climate change, whilst contributing to the environmental sustainability of rural areas,” he stated. The works contract involves the construction of a metal reservoir with a capacity of 250 cubic metres, as well as a supply station and its associated support platform. With a view to water efficiency and sustainability, the new reservoir will be supplied using surplus water from the existing Velas Municipal Council reservoir, thereby promoting the smart use of resources. The strategic location of the project will also bring indirect logistical and environmental benefits by significantly reducing the distance farmers currently have to travel to transport water. This proximity will lead to reduced fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This intervention, carried out on the island of São Jorge, falls within Investment no. 10 under Protocol no. 27/2025. It was signed between the Regional Government of the Azores and the Environmental Fund with a view to implementing projects for the collection, storage and supply of water in the archipelago. With the launch of this tender, the Regional Government marks the tenth and final project provided for in this protocol; the remaining nine are already underway and are progressing within the scheduled timeframes. Of the €1 million funded under the Environmental Fund, the Regional Government has already awarded contracts totalling €951,623.65 (plus VAT at the legal rate in force), which corresponds to an implementation rate of about 95% of the allocated budget.
June 19, 2026 Azorean Government launches €180,000 project to improve agricultural water supply on São Jorge Island The Azorean Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food and IROA, S.A., has put out to tender the works contract for the construction of the Water Supply System in Santo António/Urzelina, São Jorge Island. The project, carried out in close collaboration with the municipality of Velas, represents an investment with a base price of €180,000 and a stipulated completion period of 180 days. The new infrastructure will significantly improve water supply conditions for about 134 farms in the municipality, covering approximately 97 hectares. For the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, this project reflects “another firm step in the Regional Government’s strategy to improve the water resilience of farms, ensuring better working conditions for farmers and increasingly promoting the efficient management of available natural resources.” The government official emphasised the long-term strategic importance of the measure: “Investing in water storage and distribution infrastructure is essential to boost the competitiveness of the regional agricultural sector and ensure it can adapt to the challenges posed by climate change, whilst contributing to the environmental sustainability of rural areas,” he stated. The works contract involves the construction of a metal reservoir with a capacity of 250 cubic metres, as well as a supply station and its associated support platform. With a view to water efficiency and sustainability, the new reservoir will be supplied using surplus water from the existing Velas Municipal Council reservoir, thereby promoting the smart use of resources. The strategic location of the project will also bring indirect logistical and environmental benefits by significantly reducing the distance farmers currently have to travel to transport water. This proximity will lead to reduced fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This intervention, carried out on the island of São Jorge, falls within Investment no. 10 under Protocol no. 27/2025. It was signed between the Regional Government of the Azores and the Environmental Fund with a view to implementing projects for the collection, storage and supply of water in the archipelago. With the launch of this tender, the Regional Government marks the tenth and final project provided for in this protocol; the remaining nine are already underway and are progressing within the scheduled timeframes. Of the €1 million funded under the Environmental Fund, the Regional Government has already awarded contracts totalling €951,623.65 (plus VAT at the legal rate in force), which corresponds to an implementation rate of about 95% of the allocated budget.
Nota de Imprensa
June 19, 2026 Works contract for refurbishment of external surroundings/roofing of São Jorge Island aerodrome already awarded The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, has just signed the order awarding the works contract for the refurbishment of the external surroundings/metal roofing of the terminal building at São Jorge Island aerodrome to the company TREPA - CONSTRUÇÃO CIVIL, LDA., for the sum of €924,373.26. The contract was awarded following a public tender without international advertising. The works primarily focus on the refurbishment of the external surroundings and the metal roofing, with special emphasis on the replacement and/or refurbishment of the metal sheet roofing, the repair of structural defects, the elimination of leaks and structural problems, and the increased durability against the maritime environment (corrosion). They also include improvements to thermal and acoustic insulation. Work is also planned on the façades, involving the installation of external insulation systems and the application of waterproofing solutions. This project was deemed urgent due to severe corrosion of the metal roofing sheets, water leaks, deterioration of the building and the thermal discomfort caused by the building’s construction methods. It is also intended to address energy inefficiency, which has led to increased energy consumption, and mitigate eventual risks to users and equipment. The project is considered important, as it will contribute to improving airport infrastructure in the Azores, support territorial cohesion between the islands and meet the growing demand for air travel. As such, it will improve passenger comfort, airport operations and energy efficiency. The refurbishment of the air terminal of São Jorge Island is not an isolated project. It is part of a wider range of interventions, including potential improvements to toilet facilities, retail areas, and passenger facilities and services. It should be noted that previous investments in this airport infrastructure targeted air conditioning (HVAC) to improve comfort and air quality. This is an essential structural and functional refurbishment project, focusing primarily on the metal roofing and the building’s exterior, with a direct impact on the air terminal’s safety, comfort and efficiency.
June 19, 2026 Works contract for refurbishment of external surroundings/roofing of São Jorge Island aerodrome already awarded The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, has just signed the order awarding the works contract for the refurbishment of the external surroundings/metal roofing of the terminal building at São Jorge Island aerodrome to the company TREPA - CONSTRUÇÃO CIVIL, LDA., for the sum of €924,373.26. The contract was awarded following a public tender without international advertising. The works primarily focus on the refurbishment of the external surroundings and the metal roofing, with special emphasis on the replacement and/or refurbishment of the metal sheet roofing, the repair of structural defects, the elimination of leaks and structural problems, and the increased durability against the maritime environment (corrosion). They also include improvements to thermal and acoustic insulation. Work is also planned on the façades, involving the installation of external insulation systems and the application of waterproofing solutions. This project was deemed urgent due to severe corrosion of the metal roofing sheets, water leaks, deterioration of the building and the thermal discomfort caused by the building’s construction methods. It is also intended to address energy inefficiency, which has led to increased energy consumption, and mitigate eventual risks to users and equipment. The project is considered important, as it will contribute to improving airport infrastructure in the Azores, support territorial cohesion between the islands and meet the growing demand for air travel. As such, it will improve passenger comfort, airport operations and energy efficiency. The refurbishment of the air terminal of São Jorge Island is not an isolated project. It is part of a wider range of interventions, including potential improvements to toilet facilities, retail areas, and passenger facilities and services. It should be noted that previous investments in this airport infrastructure targeted air conditioning (HVAC) to improve comfort and air quality. This is an essential structural and functional refurbishment project, focusing primarily on the metal roofing and the building’s exterior, with a direct impact on the air terminal’s safety, comfort and efficiency.
