"New jetty at Lajes das Flores Port demonstrates Regional's responsibility and commitment," says Berta Cabral - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas

The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, expressed her "great satisfaction and sense of responsibility" for the first berthing of the vessel "Monte da Guia," owned by the company Transinsular, at the new jetty of the Lajes das Flores Port.

"October 21, 2022, marks a key moment in the resumption of operational activities of the Lajes das Flores Port of Lajes das Flores. It is a day of particular significance for Flores islanders as well ad for the Government of the Azores, after the unfortunate events caused by the passage of Hurricane Lorenzo in 2019," said Berta Cabral.

The Regional Secretary highlighted that "the new jetty, more than an essential infrastructure to the island, is a symbol of resilience and resourcefulness of Flores inhabitants." As she added, "ensuring its serviceability was a firm commitment and absolute priority of the Regional Government and this has been guaranteed, as promised, with the commitment, dedication and diligent performance of various stakeholders."

"As of today, the island of Flores has the assurance of secure supply according to the previous port operating standards. The intervention, with its subsequent phases, is moving towards an operational capacity as never existed before," she added.

The new jetty has been operational since October 14, as announced in the schedule presented to the population of Flores in July. It safeguards the safety conditions of operations as before, even in adverse weather conditions.

This 140-metre structure allows, at full operation, the berthing of two vessels - one on each side of the jetty - of up to 130 metres in length and with a draught of up to 6.5 metres.

The process for the redevelopment of the port and the construction of the new breakwater, which represents the largest investment made by the Regional Government, continues as planned, with the launch of the tender procedure expected during the first quarter of 2023.

"We will continue to work with the utmost diligence and promptness on the development of the work planned for the next phases, including the RO-RO ramp, the jetty and other planned infrastructures," added Berta Cabral.

"The population of Flores knows they can trust this Government. We keep what we promised and we only promise what we know we can deliver," assured the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures.