This Monday, the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife witnessed the official presentation of the Certificate of Compliance to Correíllo La Palma in line with the ‘Regulations of Historical Ships and Vessels and their Unique Reproductions’, a document that sets forth the rules governing the operation, safety and preservation of the vessel, establishing it as a significant cultural and heritage resource of the Canary Islands.
Present at the event were Pedro Suárez, president of the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, along with the president of the Correíllo La Palma Canarian Foundation, Juan Pedro Morales, who emphasised the significance of this achievement for the maritime and cultural heritage of the archipelago.
Also in attendance were Benito Núñez, Secretary General of Air and Maritime Transport at the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility; Gustavo Santana, the general director of the Merchant Navy, who was responsible for handing over the Certificate of Compliance to the historic vessel; José Carlos Acha, the Minister of Culture of the Cabildo de Tenerife; Purificación Dávila, the Councilor for the Presidency of Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council; and José Antonio Conde, the Maritime Captain of Tenerife.
The Certificate of Compliance not only outlines the operational, safety and environmental standards necessary for the preservation of Correíllo La Palma but also paves the way for a new chapter for the vessel, which will be able to host a greater number of cultural events and gatherings on board, thus becoming a vital resource for the promotion of Canarian maritime heritage, as noted by the Port Authority.
The La Palma run. / ED
This certificate also mandates future inspections and a maintenance schedule under which the vessel will operate, ensuring its proper conservation.
This milestone also marks significant progress in the ambitious initiative for the Correíllo de La Palma to set sail again once it meets all essential requirements, a procedure that aims to restore the ship to its historical role as an iconic symbol of maritime tradition in the Canary Islands.
Pedro Suárez remarked that the Correíllo La Palma “is set to be an integral element in our port-city initiative, as it serves as a living testament to the city’s history, allowing citizens to access the port without “any form of restriction”.
A “Lengthy Journey”
In this context, Juan Pedro Morales underscored that “to celebrate this event today, a lengthy journey has had to be made where numerous individuals have invested time and effort into the conservation, restoration, and promotion of Correíllo La Palma, deeply embedded in the maritime history of the Canary Islands and possessing significant heritage value. After its 113 years in existence, it can now be appreciated and enjoyed, commencing a new voyage that will aid its comprehensive restoration.”
During the gathering, the officials highlighted the importance of this achievement for the history of navigation in the Canary Islands and the significance of Correíllo La Palma as a living heritage, bridging past generations with the rich maritime tradition of the archipelago.
In particular, Benito Núñez pointed out that “today marks the beginning of a project that will ultimately enable this vessel to sail again.”
According to Gustavo Santana, “the port accommodates the berths of two passenger and cargo traffic firms that have contributed to the current establishment of one of the finest maritime connection systems found in any archipelago, but the pioneer was the Correíllo La Palma, which once facilitated these connections between various islands, highlighting the contrast between its beginnings and our current position in the Canary Islands.”
