Fuerteventura Faces Trade Challenges After Loss of Maritime Link
The closure of the maritime route between Puerto del Rosario and Cádiz is significantly impacting Fuerteventura’s competitiveness, increasing the island’s reliance on Gran Canaria and Lanzarote for imports.
Asamblea Majorera–Coalición Canaria Fuerteventura has criticized the Spanish government’s lack of response regarding the situation. They also highlighted rising prices for inter-island transport between Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura.
“This situation undermines Fuerteventura’s connectivity with the rest of the Canary Islands and the mainland, worsening the already complex logistics for its residents,” they stated.
With the Cádiz link cut, goods can now only be imported via Lanzarote or Gran Canaria. The ferry to Lanzarote arrives at 6:00 PM, but the last ferry to Fuerteventura departs an hour later, making timely transfers nearly impossible.
Transport costs have soared—rising by 78% for shipments to Puerto del Rosario from Gran Canaria. What once cost €46.28 now stands at €82.40 for a loaded vehicle, while trips to Arrecife remain around €98.
These price increases are particularly challenging for companies that rely on regular shipments. As transport costs rise, so too do prices for consumers. “Businesses that frequently transport goods are the hardest hit, undermining their competitiveness,” the coalition added.
The loss of this maritime route, paired with the price hikes from Gran Canaria, imposes higher transport costs on Fuerteventura’s businesses, further complicating their operations and increasing product prices for residents.
In response, an initiative to reinstate the Cádiz–Puerto del Rosario line was passed in June by the Canarian Parliament. Both the Canary Islands government and the local authorities have contacted the Ministry of Transport, but have yet to receive a response.
Asamblea Majorera–Coalición Canaria Fuerteventura is calling for equitable logistics and maritime connectivity, stressing the importance of maintaining services that position Puerto del Rosario as a strategic hub for Fuerteventura.
In recent years, the capital’s port has managed over 1.5 million tonnes of cargo, reflecting its vital role. Losing this maritime link threatens to hinder the port’s growth and investment, compounding the structural challenges faced by the island due to its geographical isolation.
To seek a resolution, Puerto del Rosario’s mayor David de Vera and the island’s president Lola García have raised concerns about the end of the public service contract with the ferry operator Armas Trasmediterránea, which expired on June 30 without renewal.
On June 18, local authorities expressed their worries to the Port Authority of Las Palmas, highlighting the diminished connectivity with the mainland. During a recent board meeting, the Port Authority president agreed to advocate for the restoration of this crucial maritime link to the mainland as soon as possible.
