Baleària to operate service between Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico

Baleària is set to launch a daily ferry service connecting the ports of San Pedro de Macorís in the Dominican Republic and Mayagüez in Puerto Rico, starting in late 2024. In a noteworthy environmental initiative, the company plans to deploy a natural gas-powered, eco-efficient ship for the seven-hour, 133-mile crossing, marking what Baleària anticipates will be the Caribbean's first ferry powered by natural gas. The company envisions providing passengers with a "daily and reliable" route between these two territories.

As part of a substantial $100 million investment, Baleària intends to construct a multifunctional passenger terminal at the Port of San Pedro de Macorís and upgrade the existing terminal in Mayagüez. This strategic move aligns with the company's decade-long experience, having offered ferry services between Fort Lauderdale in Florida and Grand Bahama and Bimini in The Bahamas since 2011.

Adolfo Utor, President of Baleària, expressed confidence in the company's expansion into the Caribbean, emphasizing their business model as a potential catalyst for the socio-economic development of both the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Over the past decade, Baleària has garnered experience and success, serving as a foundation for their strategic approach in the Caribbean. Utor's objective is clear: to foster increased mobility of passengers and goods among the Antilles, ultimately promoting tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.

This venture signifies not only a significant investment in maritime infrastructure but also a commitment to sustainable practices through the use of natural gas. By introducing an eco-efficient vessel, Baleària is pioneering environmentally friendly solutions in the region's maritime transportation sector. The development of a natural gas-powered ferry not only showcases the company's commitment to technological innovation but also underscores its dedication to minimizing the environmental impact of maritime operations.

As the project unfolds, it is poised to contribute to the connectivity and economic vibrancy of the Caribbean, offering a reliable and efficient transportation link between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Beyond the economic aspects, the initiative holds the potential to enhance cultural ties and facilitate the exchange of knowledge between these two Caribbean nations.