The Regional Government published today in the Official Journal the resolution authorising the restricted tender by previous qualification to be launched at international level for design and construction of a RO-RO passenger ship with capacity for 650 passengers and 150 vehicles.
 
This resolution also authorises the expenditure for the contract work to be carried out. The amount may reach up to 48 million Euros, plus VAT at the legal rate in force.
 
The jury of the previously launched tender had decided to exclude the proposals submitted and, consequently, not to award the respective contract work. The decision taken by the jury was accepted by the Regional Secretary for Transport and Public Works by order issued on October 17.
 
Accordingly, the Council of the Government has decided to authorise the launch of a new restricted tender by previous international qualification for the same price.
 
This resolution also assigns powers to the Regional Secretary for Transport and Public Works to approve the parts of the tender procedure, appoint the jury, award the contract, approve the contract draft and authorised it on behalf of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Furthermore, the powers delegated to the government official include the performance of all other acts that, according to the law and the procedure adopted, fall within the responsibilities assigned to competent body for the decision to procure and to public contracting party.
 
The purpose of this decision is to consolidate the model for the maritime transport of passengers, vehicles and cargo in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, giving shape to the strategy prepared in the last decades for the regional transport policy. It involves the redevelopment and modernisation of port infrastructures, namely the construction of roll-on/roll-off ramps and maritime passenger terminals, and the acquisition of two new ferry boats to operate between the "Triangle" islands (Faial, Pico and São Jorge).
 
In order to achieve this goal, it is necessary to have ships ensuring the provision of regular, continuous (year-round) quality service between the three island groups that make up the archipelago, thus meeting people's mobility needs and stimulating the domestic market.
 
The construction period of the ship shall be 580 calendar days from the date of implementation of the contract work, i.e., from the date when the Region notifies the Court of Auditors.