The Regional Director for Fisheries stated on Faial that the Government of the Azores "is working to improve the safety and operating conditions" of regional fishing ports.

Luis Costa spoke at the Varadouro Fishing Port during the ceremony that marked the entry into operation of the new crane, with capacity for beaching vessels up to five tonnes.

"The 55-thousand Euro investment made by the Regional Government will provide fishers working at the port with better working conditions," the Regional Director said, adding that this investment "is of utmost importance since the Varadouro port is closer to the majority of Faial fishing banks."

Luis Costa also stressed that the Government of the Azores will install three new cranes in the fishing ports of Praia da Vitória, Terceira Island, and Madalena, Pico Island, as well as in Poças Port on the island of Flores. These interventions are intended to "improve the safety and operating conditions for Azorean fishers."

In addition to the installation of a new crane, the improvement work of Varadouro port also includes an intervention in the rocky wall of the wharf in the berthing area and the expansion of the car park, with the removal of some rocks, in order to facilitate the manoeuvres with boat trailers.

The Regional Director for Fisheries delivered the crane keys to fishers operating in the port, stressing that this investment "fulfils an old aspiration of the local fishing community."