Economist João Guilherme Ribeiro presented a financial and economic analysis on the viability of a ferry link between Madeira and the mainland. He advocated for an alternative model prioritizing cargo transport and a triangular route with the Canary Islands, alongside reduced port costs.
Ribeiro compared the potential link to European routes, noting that the figures for vehicle and heavy cargo transport in the Madeira study are lower than those practiced elsewhere. He criticized the absence of a triangular operation scenario with the Canary Islands, which could spread costs, and called for direct negotiation or a public tender for this purpose.
The economist also highlighted the need to shift the revenue logic, giving greater importance to cargo, which he believes can cover fixed costs, rather than passengers, whose activity is seasonal. He deemed the projected market share for cargo insufficient and questioned the analysis's timeframe.
