Government Declares Gran Tarajal Port Renovation and Expansion of Exceptional Public Interest

The Canary Islands Government Council approved on Friday, at the proposal of the Ministry of Public Works, Housing and Mobility headed by Pablo Rodríguez, a decree that declares exceptional public interest for the execution of the remodeling and expansion works at Gran Tarajal port, located in the municipality of Tuineje, Fuerteventura.

The measure aims to accelerate a series of actions that will address the safety problems currently affecting the port’s infrastructure, especially during storms and adverse weather phenomena that have caused serious damage in the past.

Gran Tarajal, which began operations in the 19th century, is a strategic hub for maritime connectivity and the economic development of Tuineje. It serves both commercial and recreational activities. Its main function is to support the fishing sector in the southeast of Fuerteventura and to improve communications with other coastal points on the island and with Gran Canaria, according to an official note from the Executive.

The declaration of exceptional public interest is also justified by the growing demand for maritime transport in the Canary Islands, which has recorded an increase of more than two million passengers in recent years.

Main Works Planned

• Extension of the existing breakwater by approximately 278 m to create an outer basin and equip three berths for commercial vessels, including ferries and cruise ships.
• Remodeling of the inner basin, adding about 33 m of new quay to optimise its use, improve shelter against external waves, and increase docking capacity for recreational vessels.
• Expansion and re‑organisation of the land area to include superstructures and services for recreational boating (nautical club, changing rooms, shops) and to separate vehicular traffic for smoother circulation.
• Improvement of basin protection, creation of new berths for transshipment and medium‑high‑capacity cruise ships, allocation of spaces for recreational vessels, and concentration of services dedicated to fishing.

These actions will not only enhance the safety of users and vessels but also stimulate the economic and tourism activity of the municipality and the island as a whole.

“The Canary Islands Government, through the Vice‑Ministry of Infrastructures led by Francisco González, has developed the project through a dialogue process that gathered concerns from local administrations, associations and community groups,” the executive highlighted. “This methodology has allowed us to reach a more consensual project, ensuring respect for the environment and reinforcing our commitment to the local community.”

The comprehensive upgrade of Gran Tarajal port is expected to secure the port’s operations against future storms, boost its capacity for both commercial and leisure traffic, and reinforce Fuerteventura’s role as a key maritime gateway in the archipelago.