Government authorizes purchase of used vessel to bolster inter-island maritime transport
The government has authorized the purchase of a secondhand vessel to strengthen the national fleet and improve the reliability, predictability, and frequency of passenger and cargo ferry services between the islands.
The measure is contained in Resolution No. 87/2026, dated June 8, published in the Official Gazette No. 67, Series I, and aims to increase the country’s capacity to respond to inter-island maritime transport.
According to the resolution, the vessel has already been identified and approved by a specialized technical team, coordinated by the National Port Administration Company (ENAPOR), as part of a process initiated in 2023 to evaluate ships available on the second-hand market.
The Government believes that the acquisition will strengthen territorial cohesion, safety, and the operational efficiency of the maritime transport system, ensuring that operations at national ports are conducted in accordance with high safety standards and in line with the specific characteristics of the Cape Verdean sea.
The resolution grants the Ministries of Finance, the Sea and Tourism, and Transport the necessary powers to carry out all acts inherent to the acquisition process, in accordance with applicable legislation.
The legislation also authorizes the Ministry of Finance to activate financing mechanisms and secure the necessary budgetary allocations to cover the costs of purchasing the vessel and the expenses associated with its integration into the national fleet.
According to the Government, inter-island maritime transport constitutes an essential public service, as it ensures the mobility of citizens, the movement of goods, and the regular supply of essential goods throughout the archipelago.
The Executive also reaffirms as a strategic priority the promotion of territorial cohesion, the efficient mobility of people and goods, and the revitalization of the inter-island economy through a safe, regular, reliable, and accessible maritime transport system.
During the evaluation process, the technical team analyzed vessels capable of withstanding the weather conditions of the national seas and meeting the operational requirements of Cape Verdean ports.
According to the document, in 2025 a vessel was identified with technical and operational characteristics deemed compatible with the needs of the national maritime market and with competitive acquisition terms.
Following a technical audit, during which safety requirements, inter-island navigability, and port operability were assessed, the vessel received a favorable opinion from ENAPOR and the Maritime and Port Institute (IMP).
Inforpress
