New mainland–Canary Islands service put out to tender with direct link to La Palma

FerryThe Spanish government has put a new public service ferry route between the mainland and the Canary Islands out to tender, following the expiry of the previous contract covering the Cádiz connection.

The initial contract will run for one year from 1 December 2026, with a base tender budget of EUR 3 million and an option for a further one-year extension.

The successful operator may choose Cádiz or Huelva as its mainland port. At least one weekly round trip must include calls at Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and La Palma in both directions.

The contract will guarantee a connection to La Palma without changing ships. Baleària currently requires passengers on its Cádiz–La Palma service to change ferries in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, for transfer to Los Cristianos.

Calls at Fuerteventura will also become mandatory, having previously depended on the operator’s proposal.

The service must operate continuously throughout the contract using vessels with capacity for at least 400 passengers, all accommodated in cabins, and 170 vehicles.

okt 08 2026