Baleària Confirms Maritime Connection Between Morro Jable and Las Palmas
Adolfo Utor, the President of Baleària, confirmed on Monday the reinstatement of the maritime connection between Morro Jable and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. This development is among the key changes following the integration of Armas Trasmediterránea into the company.
Enhanced Connectivity
The route will feature three daily services, thereby strengthening the connectivity between Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria. Additionally, Baleària will introduce a service connecting Morro Jable and Tenerife, also with two daily departures. This service will involve a stopover; however, passengers will not need to disembark during the journey. The ‘Mercedes Pinto’ vessel will operate this route.
New Offer Announced
The announcement was made during the V Economic Forum of Lanzarote, organised by the Biosfera Media Group under the theme ‘Economic Perspectives from the Eastern Axis of the Canaries’. Key figures at the meeting included Javier Puga, CEO of Dinosol Supermarkets; Beatriz Martínez, Santander Bank’s Territorial Director for the Canaries; and the presidents of the Lanzarote and Fuerteventura Cabildos, Oswaldo Betancort and Lola García.
During his speech, Utor also detailed changes to other routes within the archipelago. Notably, he mentioned the addition of the ‘Sicilia’ vessel to the service between Arrecife and Las Palmas, which, he indicated, will significantly enhance the service quality.
Further Changes
Additionally, the mixed passenger and cargo ferry ‘Tamadaba’ will bolster the connection between Las Palmas and Puerto del Rosario as part of the company’s planned service reorganisation. Regarding the maritime link between Cádiz and Arrecife, Utor noted that the public service contract securing this route will conclude on 30 June. Nonetheless, he assured that the service will continue operating, albeit without calling at Puerto del Rosario.
Intermodal Connections
The President of Baleària explained that travellers will be able to utilise an intermodal transportation option via Corralejo and Playa Blanca, combining maritime and land transport. He stated that it will be feasible to undertake the journey using the “boat plus bus plus boat” system. Utor also highlighted that passengers can embark in Morro Jable bound for Tenerife, from where they can further travel to Cádiz, broadening connection possibilities between the Canaries and the mainland.
Adaptation Period
Utor acknowledged that the rollout of the new service offerings is ambitious and urged users to be patient during the initial months of operation. He explained that the company is currently adapting its equipment and operations to Baleària’s standards. In this regard, he emphasised the motivation of the staff and stressed that punctuality will remain a key priority for the company, a philosophy he described as “determined and non-negotiable”.
Infrastructure Improvements Needed
On the subject of the ports where the company will operate, Utor commended the Playa Blanca facilities, which he described as modern, safe, and well-equipped. However, he indicated that the Corralejo port has significant deficiencies and advocated for necessary improvements to its infrastructure, stating, “The time will come to demand actions.”
Looking to the Future
Regarding the potential reopening of the maritime line between Fuerteventura and Tarfaya, Utor confirmed there is interest from the Moroccan side, with local authorities having made a formal request. He clarified that Baleària’s current priority is to consolidate the integration of Armas Trasmediterránea and ensure the efficient operation of existing services. Nonetheless, he left the possibility open for future projects, including a potential connection between Tenerife and Playa Blanca, as long as opportunities for the company’s development arise.
