Tenders
Spain tenders mainland–Canary Islands ferry service with direct La Palma link
Spain's Directorate-General for the Merchant Marine has tendered a public-service ferry route from Cádiz or Huelva to the Canary Islands from 1 December 2026, with weekly round trips calling at five islands, including La Palma on the same vessel. Offers are due by 26 October.
Source: Baird Maritime (opens in a new tab)
Spain's Directorate-General for the Merchant Marine has opened a tender for a public-service ferry route between the mainland and the Canary Islands, starting on 1 December 2026.
The contract runs for 12 months with a base budget of €3.042 million and an option for a further year; the Official Gazette lists an estimated value of €6.084 million. The operator can choose Cádiz or Huelva as its mainland port.
At least one weekly round trip must call 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 be served by the same vessel without a transfer, and Fuerteventura becomes a mandatory call.
The Ro-Pax vessel must carry at least 400 passengers, all in cabins, and 170 vehicles, and be under 10 years old, or up to 20 years old if already running comparable services. Offers are due by 26 October, with economic bids opened on 3 November. Price counts for 40% of the assessment and improvements on maximum fares for 25%.