MPs from the Socialist Party call for Portimão cruise port expansion
Socialist Party (PS) MPs representing the Algarve have questioned the government over the state of the long-promised expansion of Portimão’s cruise port, as well as the return of the Portimão-Funchal ferry link.
In a letter to the Minister of Infrastructure, the MPs urge the government to honour plans left by the previous (PS) administration to carry out dredging works at the Arade River, widen the navigation channel and bring in bigger, more luxurious cruise ships.
As the MPs argue, the port’s expansion would be a historic step in the region’s economic growth and its integration into the global cruise tourism market.
Given that the project has a favourable Environmental Impact Statement, the socialists believe that the government must clarify when the expansion works will begin.
But their letter is not all about the growth of cruise tourism in the Algarve – the MPs also want action on energy efficiency. Portimão’s municipal council is already pushing for the port to reduce its carbon footprint by introducing green energy solutions for ships docking at the port, the MPs say. With cleaner electricity powering vessels, the environmental impact of cruise tourism could take a major dive. The MPs thus want the government to support these green upgrades and make sure Portimão’s port isn’t left in the past.
Meanwhile, the MPs also have their sights set on the return of the former ferry route connecting Portimão to Funchal in Madeira. During the 2025 State Budget debate, the Portuguese Parliament approved two proposals aimed at reinstating this maritime link, one of which was put forward by the PS parliamentary group.
Luis Graça, the PS Algarve president, says the revival of the ferry link makes perfect sense and warns the government not to “fall into centralist temptation to take everything to the capital,” calling on the minister to “reinforce the Algarve’s maritime, port, and tourism potential” instead.
