Africa-Press – Cape verde. The Praia d’Aguada ship is about to reinforce maritime connections in the south of Cape Verde and improve mobility between the islands of Fogo, Brava and Santiago.
The information was released on Saturday, 19, by the Minister of the Sea, Jorge Santos, when visiting the port of Vale dos Cavaleiros, which coincided with the arrival of the ship Kriola, which has guaranteed three weekly connections between Fogo/Brava/Santiago.
Currently undergoing sea trials, Praia d’Aguada, according to Jorge Santos, has been fully restored by Cabnave and is in seaworthy condition. As soon as it receives licenses and inspections from the Maritime and Port Institute (IMP), it will be ready to enter into operation.
The minister assures that the ship “is seaworthy” and that, as soon as the procedures are completed, it will become part of the national carrier’s regular operations, without indicating a specific date.
The reinforcement comes at a crucial time, after a period of instability in maritime links, marked by successive damages to the ships Kriola and Liberdade, in addition to the sinking of the Padre Benjamim.
“June was a difficult month, but we’re regaining stability,” said Jorge Santos, who believes that Praia d’Aguada will reinforce frequencies in the south and provide greater regularity and security to connections.
According to the minister, the ship will be part of the CV Inter Ilhas group of vessels, operating alongside the ships Kriola and Liberdade and with Dona Tututa, the latter with a fortnightly frequency, the connection between the islands in the southern region of Cape Verde will be minimized.
Although there are still challenges, such as the need to dock a Polar ship, the Government guarantees three weekly flights to Fogo and Brava. With the arrival of Praia d’Aguada and the restoration of Liberdade, these connections will be strengthened, significantly improving maritime access.
Furthermore, Jorge Santos announced that the Government has already launched a tender for the acquisition of a new vessel, and is preparing to launch another later this year. Starting in 2027, with new vessels, connections will be strengthened with all the islands, to unify the market.
Regarding the number of passengers transported, Jorge Santos said that there has been a significant increase in the last eight years, going from 700,000 passengers per year to 1.6 million in 2024, which, according to the minister, “demonstrates the importance of the maritime transport sector, the country’s development and the continued need for investment.”
For More News And Analysis About Cape verde Follow Africa-Press
