The region’s general development over recent decades has resulted in a corresponding growth in shipping, goods and passengers which, given the port’s physical limitations, has resulted in congested port operations, conflicts between various types of traffic, and a fall in the quality and competitiveness of services in general.

The main port infrastructure on Madeira, the port at Funchal, has traditionally fulfilled this function acceptably, be it for the movement of goods or passenger traffic. However, the region’s general development over recent decades has resulted in a corresponding growth in shipping, goods and passengers which, given the port’s physical limitations, has resulted in congested port operations, conflicts between various types of traffic, and a fall in the quality and competitiveness of services in general.

The regional authorities have thus decided to define a solution, as part of an integrated development plan for the port infrastructures in Madeira. On the one hand, this is designed to provide an immediate response to current constraints and, on the other, to prepare the region to face longer term challenges.

The chosen solution involves making the most of existing investments in the port infrastructure at Caniçal which were originally intended to serve the industrial free zone. The idea is to transform the port at Caniçal into a commercial port for Madeira, by means of a programme to purchase equipment, construct jetties and infill sites, making it large enough to absorb current and future traffic. At the same time, the port at Funchal is to be freed up so that it can concentrate on yachting and other related tourist activities.

Currently, the national authorities are still examining three other projects which form an integral part of the Development Plan described above. The work envisaged in these three projects includes the creation of a “Logistical Support Area at Porto Novo”, the transformation of the port at Funchal into a port for yachts, cruise ships and other nautical activities connected with tourism (in accordance with the recommendations in the ARM’s Tourism Development Plan), and, finally, the development of the port on the island of Porto Santo, to create suitable conditions to attract passenger traffic and leisure and tourism sailing.

The accomplishment of these projects will enable Madeira to optimise and further integrate its transport logistics chain and thus achieve one of the EU’s fundamental objectives: to strengthen its economic, social and territorial cohesion for the benefit of its citizens.

Administração dos Portos da Região Autónoma da Madeira
Phone: +351 291 208 600
joaoreis@apram.pt

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Urban Policy > Transport and infrastructure

Water transport