The port of Funchal will once again be full for New Year's Eve. Twelve cruise ships and one sailing ship are expected, RTP Madeira reported.
That is the same number as last year. The ships come from almost the same companies, the port's traditional visitors. In recent years, the number of ships in Funchal on New Year's Eve has varied between 9 and 12.
A Record Year for Cruise Calls
November and December are excellent months for cruise calls. By the end of the year, 110 ships are expected to pass through the port of Funchal. According to RTP, this makes 2026 a record year.
The port expects to exceed last year's passengers, which were around 750,000. The goal is to reach 800,000 passengers and come close to 350 calls. That would be unprecedented.
5 Million Euros for Larger Ships
To receive larger ships, the regional government will invest 5 million euros through the Madeira ports authority, APRAM. The money goes to operations, safety and efficiency in the port.
Paula Cabaço, who chairs the APRAM board, said the aim is to improve the port's capacity to respond.
"We are going to replace most of the current bollards, which have a capacity of 150 tonnes, with bollards for 200 tonnes and, on the other hand, we are also going to increase the number of bollards that we will install in the port."
Paula Cabaço, Chair of the Board of APRAM
More bollards mean the forces from mooring lines can be spread over more points. The works also include strengthening the quay structure, replacing the water network and renovating the sewage network.
At the cruise terminal, the number of border control booths will double. Times of Madeira reported earlier on the port's investment for larger cruise ships.
Source: madeira.rtp.pt
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