The ferry "Perseverancia", which has been responsible for transportation between the Isle of Youth, Surgidero de Batabanó, and Cayo Largo del Sur, went for repairs this week.
“The ferry Perseverancia will make its last trip on the 3rd and will arrive on the 5th at the CDC shipyards, and from there it will begin its repairs,” said a Transportation official in a statement shared by Minister Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila.
"The most important thing is that we have 70% of everything needed for the ferry repair, and the remaining 30% is already contracted. The repair will involve cleaning the hulls, painting, rearranging, air conditioning, and communications," he added
The repair is expected to conclude on December 20, and the "Perseverancia" will once again support transportation on this route alongside the new ferry V2V Empress, the purchase and commissioning of which were announced in recent weeks.
"The time draws near for the one who has taken on the responsibility of maritime transportation for passengers and rolling cargo between the Isle of Youth and Batabanó in recent times," Rodríguez Dávila said in the post.
"In the coming days, the ferry Perseverancia will arrive at the bay of Havana to begin much-needed maintenance. This audiovisual explains how that process will unfold, and we will follow up on it from this page," he added.
New catamaran
V2V Empress, a catamaran with a capacity for 240 passengers, took over the maritime connection for this route starting September 29.
Tickets for the V2V Empress can be purchased 15 days in advance at a price of 200 CUP, the head of Transportation specified.
The itinerary will alternate between sailing days to Batabanó and Cayo Largo, with one day a week reserved for the maintenance of the catamaran.
The schedule includes a review of regulations regarding luggage and conduct in terminals and agencies, with the official aim of ensuring a safe and orderly service.
Additionally, it was announced that the Río Las Casas catamaran will soon be operational, although no details concerning its launch were provided.
La Isla de la Juventud often faces challenges in its already fragile maritime transportation system, following repeated announcements of suspension of the ferry Perseverancia, the only overworked 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, which had been in service for over 20 years, were out of operation due to their significant deterioration and the lack of necessary parts and materials for their maintenance.
The situation has caused discontent among the residents of the special municipality, who heavily rely on this means of transportation. In this regard, they have expressed their frustration over what they see as a progressive isolation of their territory.
Maritime transportation is crucial for ensuring the supply of products and services, as well as the mobility of passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions about the repair of the ferry "Perseverancia" and the situation of maritime transport in Cuba
When will the ferry "Perseverancia" be ready after its repairs?
The ferry "Perseverancia" has been under repair since October 5 and is expected to be completed by December 20. The ferry would help reinforce transportation on the route alongside the new ferry V2V Empress.
Which vessel is covering the route of the ferry "Perseverancia" during its repair?
During the repair of the ferry "Perseverancia," the route is being served by the catamaran V2V Empress. This catamaran has a capacity of 240 passengers and has taken over the connection since September 29.
What are the recurring issues in maritime transport to the Isle of Youth?
The Island of Youth is facing difficulties in its maritime transport system due to the deterioration and lack of maintenance of the vessels. This has generated discontent among the residents due to the progressive isolation of their territory.
How does the maintenance of the ferry "Perseverancia" affect the population of Isla de la Juventud?
The suspension of the ferry "Perseverancia" for maintenance has worsened the maritime transport situation, which is crucial for passenger movement and the supply of the island. This has increased the isolation and discontent among residents.
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