Spain’s Directorate-General for the Merchant Marine has opened a tender for a ferry service under public-service obligation between the mainland and the Canary Islands, starting on December 1, 2026, with a requirement for direct service to La Palma.
The initial contract runs for 12 months with a €3.042 million ($3.401 million) base budget and an option to extend for another year. The operator awarded the contract may select Cádiz or Huelva as its mainland port.
The route must provide at least one weekly round trip, calling in both directions at Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and one port each on Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and La Palma.
La Palma must form part of the same vessel’s rotation, with no transfer between ships. Fuerteventura becomes a mandatory call; under the previous arrangement, its inclusion depended on the operator’s proposal.
Vessels must be able to carry at least 400 passengers, with all passengers housed in cabins, as well as 170 vehicles.
The Ro-Pax vessels must be under 10 years old, although vessels up to 20 years old are acceptable if already providing comparable services. Additional sailings may be required during Christmas, summer and easter.
Spain’s Official Gazette lists an estimated contract value of €6.084 million. Offers are due by October 26, with economic bids scheduled to be opened on November 3.
Price accounts for 40 per cent of the award assessment, while improvements on maximum fares account for 25 per cent. Other criteria cover emissions, energy efficiency, service quality and transport capacity.