Cabo Verde is set to strengthen maritime connectivity between the islands of Brava and Fogo with the introduction of the vessel ‘Djabraba’, which is expected to operate five crossings per week while also providing medical evacuations and emergency response capacity, the Minister of the Sea, João do Carmo, announced on Wednesday.
According to the minister, the vessel is currently undergoing certification by the Maritime and Port Institute (IMP) and will proceed to Brava island once technical inspections are completed. He explained that the ship was designed specifically for this route and will remain on Brava every night, enabling a rapid response to medical transfers and other emergency situations.
The operational model for the service will subsequently be determined through a contract with a shipowner.
‘We will analyse how operations will be conducted, probably through a contract with a shipowner — whoever offers the best conditions. The objective is to serve the population of Brava and Fogo, but also national tourism,’ he said.
The minister stressed the importance of regular connectivity between the two islands. ‘No island in Cabo Verde should be left isolated. It is a principle and a public service that the State of Cabo Verde will guarantee,’ he underlined.
The ‘Djabraba’, which arrived in the country on Tuesday, is 26 metres in length and has a capacity of 85 passengers in addition to cargo. The government has positioned the vessel as a reinforcement of the mobility of people and goods in the southern region of the archipelago.
The minister also announced that Cabo Verde expects to receive, still this year, the vessel ‘Eugénio Tavares’, currently in China undergoing technical adaptation to operate under the conditions of the archipelago and transport up to 250 passengers.
‘It has already been purchased and is currently being adapted. It can dock at any port in Cabo Verde and will represent a significant leap in inter-island connectivity,’ he said.
João do Carmo added that the government intends to acquire an additional vessel in 2027 to expand the national fleet. ‘In 2027 we will also invest with a view to having one more boat, and with two more vessels beyond this one, we will significantly improve maritime connectivity between the islands,’ he concluded.
Residents of Fogo and Brava have long complained about the difficulties of maritime transport between the two islands. In July, inhabitants once again expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of sea transport after a breakdown aboard the vessel Liberdadi disrupted regular Sotavento services.
The suspension of sailings affected both islands, causing shortages of essential and fresh goods and leaving passengers stranded, including those with international flight connections departing from the city of Praia.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=527732
