Canary Islands Government Allocates €5 Million to Fuerteventura Ports – Largest Investment in a Decade

Councillor Pablo Rodríguez says €2 million of works are underway, with an additional €3 million in projects to start soon

The Councillor for Public Works, Housing and Mobility of the Canary Islands Government, Pablo Rodríguez, appeared before a parliamentary commission to detail the actions already carried out and those planned for port infrastructure on the island of Fuerteventura. The total investment—nearly €5 million—represents the biggest spending on ports in the island in the past decade.

“Canary Ports has regained its momentum in Fuerteventura after too long a period without significant actions or public investment, helping to address the historic debt the island has in this sector.”

Rodríguez highlighted that the ports of Corralejo, Gran Tarajal and Morro Jable are currently undergoing modernization, energy‑efficiency upgrades, or are in the planning stage, all under the supervision and drive of the island’s public‑port authority over the last two years.

“For a long time the focus was on large‑scale port projects on Fuerteventura, perhaps overlooking smaller but equally necessary and urgent works. At this stage we are concentrating our efforts on a plan that improves the operability of these three facilities while aligning with longer‑term strategies.”

Corralejo Port

In Corralejo, one of the archipelago’s busiest maritime hubs, a comprehensive renewal aims to boost safety and user experience. Key actions include:

• Renewal of the security fence
• Complete refurbishment of passenger‑terminal restrooms
• Replacement of promenade lighting with low‑consumption luminaires
• Installation of LED projectors on the berth, cutting energy use by 75 %

The most significant work is the general conditioning of the port, currently under construction with a budget of €726,621. It covers paving, sanitation upgrades, new security fencing, a new water tank, and structural element renewal.

Additional technical assistance has been commissioned to plan the port’s future, such as:

• A new shelter‑dock project
• New ticket‑booth kiosks
• Reordering the promenade with restrooms and showers for users

The department is coordinating with the Directorate General of Biodiversity, Forests and Desertification of the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge to ensure environmental compatibility. Once a favorable report is obtained, an Environmental Impact Declaration will be requested to guarantee that the project does not harm the natural environment.

Gran Tarajal Port (Tuineje)

Gran Tarajal has experienced an unprecedented reactivation, with works that combine maintenance, safety, and modernization. Main interventions include:

• Repair of the damaged railing on the quay
• Rehabilitation of the passenger terminal
• Upgrading urban furniture and the promenade

The most significant undertaking is the low‑voltage electrical system upgrade, awarded at €793,263, which will bring the installation up to current standards, improve power supply to the berths, and modernize the water and energy networks in the commercial dock. New uses are also being promoted, such as:

• Renovation of a multipurpose hall
• Concession of a terrace‑café at the terminal, with works slated to begin soon

In September, the Canary Islands Government approved a declaration of exceptional public interest for the remodeling and expansion of Gran Tarajal, deeming it of general interest for the autonomous community.

The forthcoming project—currently undergoing environmental review—envisions:

• Reconfiguring the shelter dock
• Creating new berths for medium‑size ferries and cruise ships
• Separating fishing, commercial, and recreational zones
• Modernizing port services

The goal is to transform Gran Tarajal into a safer, more functional, and competitive port.

Morro Jable Port (Pájara)

In Morro Jable, actions have focused on energy efficiency, accessibility, and safety. Recent works include:

• Replacement of tower lighting projectors
• Remodeling of administrative‑building restrooms
• Awarding the upgrade of public lighting

Preparations are underway for the demolition of the old service station and the drafting of a port reordering plan that will guide medium‑ and long‑term actions.

Key milestones:

• Launch of a new multienergy station, inaugurated on 1 May 2024
• Continuation of the Marina Jandía project: the first phase concluded with the commissioning of berths, while the second phase is slated to finish late 2025

Additionally, Canary Ports has contracted the removal of abandoned vessels from the berths of Corralejo, Gran Tarajal, and Morro Jable to improve safety and the ports’ image.

“Fuerteventura now has three ports that are under construction, modernization, and planning. We have moved from inactivity to real execution, with a management framework that guarantees €2 million in ongoing projects and €3 million in actions that will commence shortly.”