The new port of Lajes das Flores in the Azores is set to commence construction “very soon,” likely as early as next July, according to the project’s technical director, Carlos Silva.
According to Silva, approximately “14 to 15 people are currently setting up the construction site, doing the unseen work.”
Construction will begin shortly after, employing “between 50 and 60 workers” daily, noted Carlos Silva.
For completion within the next five years, favorable weather, sea conditions, and logistics will be crucial. Materials for the construction will come from other islands, including Terceira, and even from Leixões on mainland Portugal.
Over a hundred and fifty ship trips will be necessary, according to Carlos Silva. “Between 150 and 160 boat trips are required. Each ship will carry a maximum of 40 to 50 pieces,” he explained.
“The Most Complex Maritime-Port Construction in the Azores”
Luíz Gonzaga, General Director of Tecnovia Açores, stated that “this is the most complex maritime-port construction undertaken in the Azores.”
Materials removed from underwater areas, remnants of the previous port damaged by Hurricane Lorenzo, could fill 25 football fields.
In contrast, the materials needed for the construction could fill “nearly 60 football fields up to one meter in height.” Just in concrete, the volume measures up to 23 football fields.
Project to Cost 230 Million Euros and to be Completed by 2030
Residents of Flores have anticipated this development for five years. Since Hurricane Lorenzo destroyed the port in October 2019, the island has been significantly at the mercy of weather and sea conditions for receiving supplies.
In May, the regional government, led by José Manuel Bolieiro, announced the future port of Lajes das Flores would cost approximately 230 million euros and is expected to be completed by 2030, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Lorenzo.
Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility, and Infrastructure, Berta Cabral, highlighted the vulnerability exposed by the destroyed commercial port, further affected by Depression Efrain in December 2022.
“The project’s execution is scheduled for 60 months, meaning the new port should be fully operational by 2030. This is an investment financed by Sustentável [2030], and deadlines must be met,” she asserted.
