Fuerteventura Leaders Demand Public Interest Status for Maritime Connection
Lola García, the president of the Fuerteventura Cabildo, has joined forces with local mayors to call for the reinstatement of maritime links between Fuerteventura and the mainland, demanding that this service be classified as a public interest obligation. This unanimous declaration was made during a gathering at the Cabildo headquarters, which also included representatives from the Fuerteventura Chamber of Commerce.
The event featured prominent figures such as Juan Jesús Rodríguez Marichal, the Chamber’s president, and Blas Acosta, the Cabildo’s vice president, alongside various political group spokespeople.
The initiative follows the recent suspension of this vital connection after the General Directorate of Merchant Marine stated that the Puerto del Rosario stop is not a contractual obligation, as it only applies to capital islands. Previously, this stop had been included as an added service by the awarded company.
This suspension has led to a staggering increase in maritime transport costs, which have surged by 70-78%. García highlighted the impact of these rising costs on local consumers and SMEs, placing Fuerteventura at a disadvantage.
As part of today’s agreement, officials are urging the Ministry of Transport and Mobility to mandate that the Puerto del Rosario stop is permanently included as a public service obligation, rather than a mere optional improvement. García stressed the importance of guaranteeing this connectivity and collaborating with social and economic agents in their fight for this cause.
Additionally, the local leaders are asking the Ministry to find immediate solutions to maintain regular services in Puerto del Rosario while the final public tender is completed, to avoid further economic strain on the island.
A Permanent Island Table will be established, comprising representatives from the Cabildo, local municipalities, the Chamber of Commerce, and economic sectors to oversee the progress of the new route tender.
Blas Acosta emphasised the need for a swift new tender process to ensure Fuerteventura is included as a priority service.
David de Vera, the mayor of Puerto del Rosario, voiced concerns over the loss of the maritime connection, which he believes hinders Fuerteventura’s social and economic growth. Support from all municipalities for this claim strengthens their position in advocating for the essential route.
Other local representatives echoed this urgency, affirming the need for a united front to preserve the island’s competitiveness.
Rodríguez Marichal underscored the importance of restoring connectivity through official public service obligations, pointing out already rising costs due to delays in the new tender process.
The collaborative statement, signed by the Cabildo, mayors, and Chamber of Commerce, will be forwarded to Spain’s government, the Ministry of Transport, and other relevant authorities to seek support. This agreement will also be presented to local councils, FECAI, and FECAM.
