The Regional Secretary for Transport and Public Works stated in Angra do Heroísmo that the presentation of the preliminary project for the construction of a ramp for ro-ro and ferry ships and the complementary works to improve the operating and shelter conditions of Pipas Port demonstrates the Regional Government's commitment to redevelop this infrastructure.
 
For Ana Cunha, the presentation of this preliminary project is "an undeniable demonstration of the Regional Government's determination and commitment to move forward with this work. It will contribute to the development of the city and municipality of Angra do Heroísmo, as well as to increase maritime links with other Central Group islands."
 
The Regional Secretary pointed out that the preliminary project "arises from a sustained process of technical analysis," which has been "guided to find the best solution for the redevelopment and improvement of this port infrastructure, thus providing better operating and safety conditions."
 
The Secretary for Public Works stressed that this work falls within "the strategy prepared for the maritime transport policy in the Region that includes the redevelopment and modernisation of port infrastructures, namely the construction of ro-ro ramps for ferry ships."
 
"With the implementation of a ro-ro ramp at Pipas Port, we will conclude the construction of this type of port infrastructures in the Region."
 
"Overall, we will have 14 ro-ro ramps in 11 ports on eight of the nine islands of the archipelago," added the government official.
 
Ana Cunha emphasised, however, that this work "is not limited to the construction of a ro-ro ramp as the mooring berth will also be expended in order to increase the mooring capacity. The latter intervention will provide the conditions for theme cruises to berth at this port, contributing to the promotion of this important premium tourism market in this UNESCO World Heritage city."
 
The Regional Secretary added that "the curtain wall will be rebuilt at the head of the jetty, reinforcing the safety conditions of this port infrastructure. Additionally, an intervention will be carried out in the marina pier with the aim of expanding the platform southwards so that it may be used by vessels with draught up to 3.00 metres throughout the year."
 
"The spatial arrangement of the marina's pontoons will also be optimised so as to increase the berthing capacity for recreational vessels," added the government officials.
 
"With this project, we will improve the operation of ro-ro passenger ships, ensure better conditions for theme cruise and expedition vessel calls, whose fleet is expected to increase to 40 units within a decade, and provide a quality service to recreational vessels seeking this port in Angra do Heroísmo," said Ana Cunha.
 
The Regional Secretary also pointed out that the Regional Government's commitment to the various aspects of the so-called "blue economy" is "another clear sign of this concern by providing the Pipas Port with better conditions to respond to the evolution in the transport of passengers and goods. It will also have the capacity to attract and consolidate new market niches as well as to boost recreational boating for the benefit of the economic development of Angra do Heroísmo and the island of Terceira."
 
Now, "the project will move to the development phase." It is expected to be completed during February, "after which the necessary steps will be taken to launch the tender for the contract work."
 
Ana Cunha also stated that "the final budgeting of the work and its construction period depend on the completion of the implementation project," although "there is an overall investment estimated at nearly 12 million euros and a completion period of 18 months."