Conferry to reactivate Puerto La Cruz-Margarita route after nearly three years of suspension

Consolidada de Ferrys (Conferry), Venezuela's state-owned ferry company, is set to officially restart its commercial operations on the maritime route connecting Puerto La Cruz with the island of Margarita on June 26. This marks the end of an almost three-year period of inactivity for the state service.

The resumption of services follows the successful completion of technical navigation tests for the ferry Paraguaná I, according to Minister of Transportation Jacqueline Faria. She announced on X that Conferry's operations would recommence, emphasizing the goal of connecting destinations and contributing to a "Venezuela in movement."

Ticket sales for passengers are scheduled to begin on June 11. The nearly three-year suspension of Conferry's services left the maritime transport of passengers and heavy vehicles to Margarita under the exclusive control of private shipping companies. The company's regular service had been completely halted since July 2023 when its last operational vessel, the Virgen del Valle II, was taken out of service due to mechanical failures and a lack of institutional maintenance.

The company's operational decline also led to a severe labor crisis, affecting an estimated 800 employees who faced job insecurity and uncertainty. Conferry was nationalized by decree in 2011 under the government of the late President Hugo Chávez.