Compiled with the help of artificial intelligence, based on Spanish-language information. Source below the article.
No bidders for public-interest sea routes
The Ministry of Transport has declared the tender for the public-interest sea routes between the Spanish mainland and the Canary Islands void after no shipping company submitted a bid, ministry sources have confirmed. The contract was due to include stops on five of the islands.
The contract to operate passenger, vehicle and roll-on roll-off freight services between the south of mainland Spain and the Canary Islands had been put out to tender at a value of three million euros a year for a one-year period, extendable to a second year, according to the terms and conditions. Shipping companies were able to choose either Cádiz or Huelva as their mainland port of reference, and the route had to call necessarily at Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and a port on each of three further islands: Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and La Palma.
Ministry weighing up next steps to protect connectivity
Having established that no shipping company is interested in the public-interest route on the conditions offered, sources at the Ministry of Transport say they are considering taking the necessary steps “to guarantee the maintenance of maritime connectivity between the mainland and the Canary Islands, especially on those routes that fulfil a strategic function for territorial cohesion and the mobility of citizens”.
The ministry stresses that, at present, “public-interest maritime connections between the mainland and the Canary Islands continue to be provided as normal under the public service obligations regime established in current legislation”. “Specifically, the routes Huelva-Las Palmas de Gran Canaria-Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Cádiz-Las Palmas de Gran Canaria-Santa Cruz de Tenerife are maintaining their regular operations, guaranteeing maritime connectivity between the mainland territory and the archipelago,” the sources add.
What’s happening in the Canaries – straight to your phone
News, weather alerts and practical updates – direct from the islands, in English. We live here and know what’s going on – before the international media catch up. Everything lands on our WhatsApp channel – no middlemen, no algorithm. Curated for families, expats and travelers.
Bomb threat on Vueling flight triggers Gran Canaria airport security operation
Cruise to Canaries cancelled after collision in port
Tenerife tram delays worsen amid staff shortages
Titsa adjusts night bus times for clock change on Tenerife
Night roadworks to disrupt TF-1 traffic from Sunday
Public service obligation for Canary inter-island flights announced
Iberia accused of ejecting passengers from paid seats
Tenerife announces six months of TF-5 resurfacing works
Canary Islands close to historic airport management deal
