Ponta Delgada, Portugal, Aug. 14, 2025 (Lusa) - The Azores regional secretary for tourism, mobility and infrastructures said on Thursday that the regional government is "making efforts" with shipowners to increase the number of ships transporting cargo to the islands of the archipelago.

According to a press release, Berta Cabral said that the Azorean government "recognises that the changes in itineraries and the substantial increase in cargo transported to the islands and inter-islands have caused various inconveniences for companies and individuals".

"We are endeavouring to persuade shipowners to increase the number of ships transporting cargo to the Azorean islands," he said.

On Wednesday, the Angra do Heroísmo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIAH) considered that there were "serious dysfunctions" in the maritime freight connections to Terceira island, which affects the supply of goods.

In a statement, the CCIAH said that the island "is currently facing a serious crisis in the supply of essential goods" due to "serious dysfunctions in the maritime connections that ensure the regular transport of goods".

In today's press release, the head of the Mobility portfolio said that "there have been many changes of route - a total of seven this August", a situation that "has been complicating cargo management for entrepreneurs".

Berta Cabral said, "It's becoming increasingly clear that there isn't enough capacity to transport all the goods to the region, especially in the summer months."

According to the minister, in recent years, there has been an average growth of 10% in cargo transported (loading and unloading at regional ports). Still, she assured that there have been no cancellations of ships to any island.

JME/ADB // ADB.

Lusa