The President of the Government visited today the expansion works of expansion of Velas Port, where he highlighted the importance of this 18-million Euro investment to serve the people and strengthen the competitiveness of São Jorge economy.
 
"This work will improve its operating conditions, making them easier, faster and more convenient for São Jorge islanders and all those visiting the island. By allowing the berthing of two ships simultaneously, which is not currently the case, the whole operation in this port becomes much easier," said Vasco Cordeiro.
 
At the beginning of the statutory visit to São Jorge, the President of the Government stressed that this investment in Velas Port,   which includes a passenger terminal and a warehouse-workshop, is one of the works that are ongoing or to start soon in various regional ports.
 
In this context, he pointed out the example of the work in progress at Casa Port on Corvo and Poças Port on Flores and the launch of the public call for tender for the works at Ponta Delgada Port; the latter represents a significant investment.
 
"There had been an intention to invest in this port, but, with the storms in late 2015, it was necessary to widen the scope of the works to be undertaken. Currently, the process is in the final phase and we intend to launch the public tender for the beginning of these works very soon," said the President of the Government.
 
As for the works to be launched, Vasco Cordeiro also stressed the investments planned for Pipas Port on Terceira and Horta Port as well as the construction of a Ro-Ro ramp at Calheta Port on São Jorge, which will seize of the potentialities of the link between this port and the island of Terceira.
 
"We are also moving forward with an alternative solution for São Roque do Pico," recalled the President of the Government. He noted that the ongoing works on Corvo and Flores and those that will be carried out in Ponta Delgada, Terceira, Pico and Faial "are improvement factors of competitiveness on these islands and of cohesion in the regional whole."
 
The works in Velas Port should be completed in the second half of next year. They are intended to expand the commercial wharf by 150 meters, maintaining the same depth that already exists on the current wharf, that is, less than eight metres.