Dominican Republic-Puerto Rico daily ferry nears launch

Santo Domingo.- Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic are reportedly taking the final steps toward the entry into service of the new Mayagüez-San Pedro de Macorís ferry, which will operate a daily trip between the two.

This was revealed by César Cedeño, Dominican Consul in Puerto Rico, and Puerto Rican Governor Jenniffer González.

“We’re ready. Everything is in order on the Dominican side; adjustments have been made to the port of San Pedro de Macorís. We’re just waiting for some regulatory issues in Puerto Rico to be finalized,” Cedeño assured.

He explained that “the measure will especially benefit the Dominican community in Puerto Rico, which is estimated at around 200,000 people. This will allow more Dominicans to visit their families in the Dominican Republic without relying on expensive airfare. It will also make it easier for many Puerto Ricans to travel to the country on vacation. I have no doubt that there will be significant growth in trade.”

Governor González, for her part, confirmed that “active work is underway on the ferry route between San Pedro de Macorís and Mayagüez. We have not been able to complete it due to several issues, but we hope to resolve them soon.”

The ferry, which will travel 133 nautical miles in approximately six hours, will be able to carry up to 1,000 passengers, 350 vehicles, and 300 containers per trip. This is a daily operation that aims to become an essential channel for tourism, trade, and family reunification between the two islands.

It is recalled that President Luis Abinader announced the route through an agreement between the Dominican Port Authority (APORDOM) and the Spanish ferry company Baleària.