The Administration of the Ports of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (APRAM) will invest close to five million euros in the Port of Funchal, in a set of works aimed at strengthening the infrastructure's capacity, safety and efficiency.
The largest share, around 3.5 million euros, will go to reinforcing the mooring system at quays 2 and 3. The plan includes 29 new mooring bollards, each rated at 200 tonnes, and work is expected to start in the second half of next year.
The investment is intended to prepare the port for changes in the cruise industry, particularly for larger vessels. APRAM's board chair, Paula Cabaço, noted that about a third of the cruise ships arriving in Madeira exceed 320 metres in length.
Other projects include rehabilitating the water and sewage network on the Pontinha breakwater, a works contract worth over 800,000 euros, and reinforcing border control at the Madeira Maritime Station, with 350,000 euros to double its processing capacity.