Government Announces the Arrival of the Eugénio Tavares This Year and Promises to Expand the Maritime Fleet in 2027
The Government of Cape Verde announced that the Eugénio Tavares is expected to begin operations later this year, while a new vessel is scheduled to be acquired in 2027, with the aim of improving maritime connectivity between the islands. The announcement was made during a visit to the Djabraba, which is designed to provide regular service between Brava and Fogo.
Mindelo, August 5 – The Government of Cape Verde has taken another step toward strengthening the country's maritime fleet with the official introduction of the Eugénio Tavares, a vessel formerly known as Ferry Aguni, which is expected to begin serving the country's inter island routes later this year. The announcement was made during a visit to the vessel Djabraba in São Vicente, where Minister of the Sea João do Carmo confirmed the ship's arrival and announced that a second vessel is expected to join the fleet in 2027.
The vessel has recently been registered under the Cape Verdean flag as Eugénio Tavares, honoring the renowned poet, journalist, and composer from Brava, widely regarded as one of Cape Verde's greatest cultural figures. Built in Japan in 2002, the ship previously operated as Ferry Aguni, providing passenger and vehicle service between Japanese islands before being acquired by Cape Verde.
Measuring approximately 60 meters (197 feet) in length, the Eugénio Tavares is a passenger/Ro Ro cargo ferry designed to transport both passengers and vehicles. This dual purpose capability is considered particularly important for an island nation where the movement of people, goods, and essential supplies depends heavily on reliable maritime transportation.
The arrival of the new ferry is part of the government's broader strategy to improve the frequency and reliability of inter island maritime connections, reduce service disruptions, and expand the country's transportation capacity. During the announcement, Minister João do Carmo said the government intends to continue investing in the sector, with plans to introduce another vessel in 2027 as part of its ongoing effort to modernize the national fleet.
The fleet expansion comes as Cape Verde also moves forward with plans to construct a brand new Ro Ro vessel through ENAPOR. That project calls for a ferry capable of carrying approximately 300 passengers and 60 vehicles, with construction expected to take between 21 and 24 months once work begins.
Until that vessel is completed, the Eugénio Tavares is expected to provide an immediate boost to Cape Verde's inter island maritime network, improving transportation reliability while supporting economic activity and mobility across the archipelago.
