Berta Cabral calls on shipowners to increase number of vessels supplying the Azores - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas

The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, called on shipowners today to increase the number of vessels supplying the Azorean islands as soon as possible.

Berta Cabral noted that the Regional Government of the Azores acknowledges that changes in routes and the substantial increase in cargo transported to and between the islands have been causing various inconveniences to businesses and individuals.

"We are working with shipowners to increase the number of cargo vessels transporting goods to the Azores," she said.

"The fact is that there have been many route changes - a total of seven in August - a situation that has complicated cargo management for businesses," Berta Cabral stated, stressing the idea that "it is increasingly apparent that there is not enough capacity to transport all goods to the Region, especially in the summer months."

In recent years, there has been an average growth of 10% in cargo transported (loading and unloading at regional ports). 

However, the Regional Secretary assured that there have been no cancellations of vessels to any island.