"With the significant increase in cargo transported to the Azores, we advocate for the need for maritime operators to expand their fleets, which is now happening with the new Transinsular vessel, as part of the restructuring of the regular maritime transport service for the Autonomous Region of the Azores," stated Berta Cabral, Secretary of Tourism, Mobility, and Infrastructure, quoted in a press release from the Azores government (PSD/CDS-PP/PPM).

Berta Cabral emphasises that the new Transinsular Expresso + service, which introduces another motor ship (ETE Portugal) dedicated exclusively to the region, is a result of the "coordination and cooperation efforts that the Government of the Azores has been developing with shipowners."

"This reinforcement demonstrates that shipowners are aware of the specific issues facing maritime freight transport in the Azores, especially due to the substantial increase in cargo to our islands," she adds.

According to the regional secretariat, the ship "will increase the frequency of maritime transport, guarantee punctuality and distribution to all islands in the archipelago," which "meets the needs of the population and local economic agents."

The new vessel ETE Portugal, measuring 100 meters in length and with a capacity of 220 TEUs [standard container size], will operate on the Transinsular Expresso + service, alongside the vessels Ilha da Madeira, Insular, Monte da Guia, and Margarethe, connecting mainland Portugal with the Autonomous Region of the Azores, with weekly departures from Lisbon and Leixões.

The ETE group was founded in 1936 and has an international presence, with operations in nine countries (Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Cape Verde, Mozambique, Colombia, Uruguay, and Dubai).