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The V2V Empress catamaran officially began its operations this Monday, sailing with its first passengers on the maritime route that connects Nueva Gerona with Batabanó, with an estimated travel time of approximately three hours.
According to the information published on Facebook by the Minister of Transport, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, the vessel arrived in Cuba last Saturday with the aim of strengthening maritime transport between the Isle of Youth, Batabanó, and Cayo Largo del Sur, a connection considered vital for the transportation of passengers and goods in the western region of the country.
According to the head of the department, the V2V Empress is expected to operate regularly six days a week on its two main routes, providing continuous service for residents, workers, and tourists traveling between these points.
The addition of the catamaran will ensure mobility while scheduled maintenance work is carried out on the ferry Perseverancia and progress is made on the recovery of the catamaran Río Las Casas, both vessels that are expected to return to service before the end of the year.
The launch of this new maritime service aims to alleviate the transportation issues that have historically affected the Isle of Youth, especially during maintenance periods or breakdowns of the main vessels.
The Ministry of Transport is hopeful that the V2V Empress will help stabilize operations while the fleet modernization process is completed.
The commissioning of the catamaran also represents a necessary step to strengthen internal connectivity and improve the quality of maritime transport, in a context where the deterioration of infrastructure and lack of resources have complicated regular transportation between islands.
Rodríguez had recently reported that the V2V Empress has a capacity of 240 passengers and had announced that it would start operating this Monday.
On social media, it was previously announced that the new boat will temporarily replace the ferry Perseverancia, which will undergo extended maintenance after decades of service.
Her last two trips will take place on October 1 and 3, before entering the repair process, Rodríguez noted.
The head of the department emphasized that tickets for the V2V Empress can be purchased 15 days in advance for the price of 200 CUP.
The Isle of Youth often faces challenges with its already fragile maritime transportation system, following repeated announcements of the suspension of the ferry Perseverancia, the only overburdened vessel in operation, which connects this special municipality with Surgidero de Batabanó in Mayabeque.
In August 2024, officials from the Maritime-Port Business Group (Gemar) explained that the catamarans Río Júcaro and Río Las Casas, in service for over 20 years, were out of operation due to their advanced deterioration and the lack of necessary parts and materials for maintenance.
The situation has generated discontent among the residents of the special municipality, who largely depend on this means of transportation. In this regard, they have expressed their displeasure at what they consider a progressive isolation of their territory.
Frequently Asked Questions about the V2V Empress Catamaran and Maritime Transport in Cuba
What is the capacity of the V2V Empress catamaran?
The V2V Empress catamaran has a capacity for 240 passengers. This new boat was introduced to enhance maritime connectivity between Nueva Gerona, Batabanó, and Cayo Largo del Sur, in an effort to alleviate transportation challenges in the western region of Cuba.
How can one acquire a ticket for the V2V Empress?
Tickets for the V2V Empress can be purchased 15 days in advance at the price of 200 CUP. This advance sale system aims to ensure better planning and avoid the overcrowding of maritime transport services in the area.
What routes will the V2V Empress catamaran cover?
The V2V Empress will operate on routes between Nueva Gerona, Batabanó, and Cayo Largo del Sur. The vessel will provide services six days a week, alternating trips to Batabanó and Cayo Largo, with one day set aside for maintenance.
What is the estimated travel time for the V2V Empress between Nueva Gerona and Batabanó?
The estimated travel time between Nueva Gerona and Batabanó is approximately three hours. This travel time aims to provide a quick and efficient connection between these strategic points for residents and tourists.
What other ships are involved in the maritime transport operation in the Isle of Youth?
In addition to the V2V Empress, the return of the ferry Perseverancia and the catamaran Río Las Casas is anticipated. The ferry Perseverancia will undergo extended maintenance, while the catamaran Río Las Casas is currently being rehabilitated to enhance the maritime fleet of the region.
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