Fuerteventura Leaders Unite to Restore Maritime Link to Mainland
Lola García, President of the Cabildo, alongside the mayors of various municipalities, has called for the urgent restoration of the maritime connection between Fuerteventura and the Spanish mainland. They gathered at the Cabildo headquarters, supported by the Fuerteventura Chamber of Commerce, to collectively demand that the route be designated as a public service obligation.
This move follows the recent suspension of the maritime link and a notification from the Directorate General of Merchant Navy, which indicated that the Puerto del Rosario stop is not a contractual requirement and applies only to capital islands. This connection had previously been maintained due to an enhancement offered by the contracted shipping company.
The removal of the service has led to a significant increase in maritime transport costs, by approximately 70-78%. García pointed out that in an insular economy like Fuerteventura’s, such added costs are typically borne by consumers and small businesses, placing the island at a clear disadvantage.
In a formal agreement signed today, Fuerteventura is demanding that the Ministry of Transport and Mobility make the Puerto del Rosario stop a mandatory public service. García emphasised that the island’s connectivity is a right that needs safeguarding, highlighting the importance of collaboration between local governments and economic stakeholders.
The agreement also urges the Ministry to find immediate solutions to maintain regular services to Puerto del Rosario while the public tender is finalised, in order to alleviate ongoing economic pressures during the process.
Additionally, a Permanent Insular Committee will be established, comprising representatives from the Cabildo, local councils, the Chamber of Commerce, and economic sectors, to oversee the progress of the new tender.
Vice President Blas Acosta stressed the importance of swift action to ensure that Fuerteventura is no longer seen as an option but included in the new service.
David de Vera, Mayor of Puerto del Rosario, expressed concerns about the disappearance of the maritime link, which he believes threatens the island’s economic and social development. He welcomed the collaboration from other municipalities in advocating for the route’s public interest.
Mayors from La Oliva, Antigua, Pájara, and Tuineje echoed the need for local administrations to unite in this cause, emphasizing the urgency to safeguard Fuerteventura’s competitiveness.
Juan Jesús Rodríguez Marichal, President of the Chamber of Commerce, underscored the critical need for the Puerto del Rosario link to be included in the public service obligations, noting that delays in the new tender have already resulted in the current ferry service no longer operating, leading to additional costs.
The agreement will be forwarded to the Spanish Government, the Ministry of Transport, the Directorate General of Merchant Navy, the Canary Islands Government, and local parliament representatives for their support.
