EFE
San Juan – Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi announced Monday the start of construction work at the ports of Mayagüez and San Pedro de Macorís, in the Dominican Republic, so that this year the ferry company Balearia can begin the maritime route between the two docks.
These works consist of the construction of a new multifunctional passenger terminal in the port of San Pedro de Macorís and the adaptation of more than 100,000 square meters of these facilities in the port of Mayagüez, Pierluisi explained in a statement.
“This Balearia project will promote the mobility of passengers and goods between the Antilles, access to European markets and boost tourism and trade between our jurisdictions,” the governor highlighted regarding this announcement, as he had expressed last January at Fitur in Spain.
The development and construction of this new maritime connection has an investment of $100 million, from both government and private funds in both jurisdictions, Pierluisi added.
“Tourism is a pillar of our economy and we will always bet on this sector that highlights and showcases everything that Puerto Rico offers to our visitors,” he emphasized.
“The dynamic growth of our tourism serves as a good example to Balearia that we are a successful partner and that investing in Puerto Rico makes sense,” the CEO added.
For his part, the executive director of the Ports Authority, Joel Pizá, stated that the new route, in addition to being a new opportunity to strengthen the maritime industry, tourism and economic activity of the west, also represents a new transportation alternative for locals and visitors.
The journey from the port of Mayagüez to the port of San Pedro de Macorís is 214 kilometers, which will take about seven hours to complete.
