The Regional Secretary for Transport and Public Works stated today that the ambition of the Government to enhance and develop the maritime transport model. This strategy requires the increase in frequency, the strengthening of links and the reduction of direct and indirect costs.
 
Speaking at the blessing ceremony of the vessel "Cristiano S," Vítor Fraga stressed that we will continue the "peaceful reform" that has been implemented in maritime transport and is "far" from being concluded. 
 
In his speech, he stressed that this evolution "will be only possible with the involvement of all agents," starting by local traffic vessel owners in order to enhance the integration of maritime transport of passengers, vehicles and cargo on a roll on/ roll off system.
 
The Regional Secretary will award priority status to the "reduction of the system's overall costs and the consolidation of the cargo transport model" in order to boost the economy and, thus, contribute to the generation of wealth and the preservation of jobs.
 
In this context, Vítor Fraga highlighted some of the measures to be implemented by the Government of the Azores, including the adequacy of supply to demand in the transport of cargo, the launch of a tender for the operation of cargo transport between Flores Corvo, and the definition of the legal framework for the creation of the "Regional Traffic" concept. As for the letter, the government official defended that companies should operate freely throughout the archipelago.
 
In terms of infrastructures, Vítor Fraga mentioned several interventions designed to "permanently increase their safety and operational efficiency, such as the Casa, Poças, Velas and Ponta Delgada ports, the second phase of the redevelopment of Horta Maritime Front, the installation of the RO-RO ramp at Calheta Port of Calheta and the launch of new procedures for the projects under development.
 
"We have great challenges ahead us that will overcome together with economic agents, namely local traffic operators," the Secretary for Transport said, stressing the fundamental importance of these agents and of maritime transport to the economic and social development of the archipelago, which is reality on the 'Triangle' islands (Pico, Faial and S. Jorge).
 
Vítor Fraga recalled that "when the ferries 'Mestre Simão' and 'Gilberto Mariano' entered into operation in March 2014, there were many prophets of doom, who pointing them as potential causes for the destruction of local traffic."
 
"Unlike those, we have always stated that we were not before purely competitive activities, but rather complementary," said the Regional Secretary. He highlighted the development that the new ferries brought to the local economy, highlighting the dynamics, creativity and resilience demonstrated by local traffic operators.
 
"What we are seeing here today evidences the stimulus that this new reality brought to maritime transport, such as the case of Barcos do Pico. This company has increased its fleet and is prepared to respond to the challenges of the present," stressed Vítor Fraga.
 
"I know there is still much work ahead of us, but it is precisely the notion that there is still much to be done that motivate us and encourage us to roll up your sleeves and get down to work without hesitation," said the Regional Secretary.