Senate committee probes HMS Feries contract for Vieques and Culebra transport services

The Senate's Commission on Strategic Projects and Energy convened on May 27, 2021, to address critical issues surrounding maritime transportation in Puerto Rico, particularly focusing on the contract awarded to HMS Feries for ferry services to Vieques and Culebra. The meeting included key officials such as Aylin M. Vélez, Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Public Works, and Jorge Dros Yapur, Executive Director of the Maritime Transportation Authority (ATM).

The primary agenda item was a thorough investigation into the operational challenges faced by the ATM, which has been under scrutiny for its handling of ferry services. The commission expressed concerns over persistent delays, malfunctioning vessels, and service interruptions that have frustrated residents relying on these routes. The discussion highlighted the legal framework governing the ATM, established under law in 2000, which mandates the authority to manage maritime transportation services within Puerto Rico.

Senator Rafael Bernabé emphasized the urgency of addressing these operational issues, noting the growing public dissatisfaction with the current state of ferry services. The commission aims to gather comprehensive information regarding the contract with HMS Feries, including its implications for service quality and reliability.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the need for accountability and improvement in maritime transportation, as the commission prepares to delve deeper into the contractual and operational aspects of the ATM's ferry services. The outcomes of this investigation could lead to significant changes in how maritime transport is managed in Puerto Rico, aiming to enhance service for the affected communities.