Funding for the construction of the new Port of Lajes das Flores, in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, has been officially approved by the Climate Action and Sustainability Program – Sustainable 2030, under the Ministry of Environment and Energy, marking the start of the reconstruction of the infrastructure, the Government of the Republic said yesterday in a joint note from the Ministries of Finance, Environment and Energy and Infrastructure and Housing.
The total investment in the work is 197,059,825 euros, with support of 167,500,851 euros from the Cohesion Fund.
The project aims to rebuild and modernize the Port of Lajes das Flores, which was “severely” damaged after the passage of Hurricane Lorenzo in 2019 and Depression Efrain in 2022.
The work should be completed by December 31, 2029, and “will not only restore the port’s functionality, but also adapt it so that it can withstand and mitigate the impacts of future natural disasters.”
In November 2024, the Minister for the Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho, visited the Port of Lajes das Flores and announced funding for the reconstruction of this “essential” infrastructure for the region, stressing that this “is a form of solidarity” from the Government of the Republic towards the Autonomous Region of the Azores, which “will not harm the other projects planned for the Azores.”
In all, Sustainable 2030 provides an investment of 321 million for ports and airports in the region.
The Port of Lajes das Flores project reflects “the Portuguese government’s commitment to territorial cohesion, solidarity, and sustainable development, to guarantee a safer future and the quality of life and well-being of the population,” says Maria da Graça Carvalho, adding that it is now essential to “speed up the implementation to meet the deadlines.”
The Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, Miguel Pinto Luz, said that “this maritime-port work, of ‘high technical complexity,’ represents “a milestone in strengthening the resilience and functionality of the Port of Lajes on Flores Island.”

Innovative engineering responds to the challenges of climate change

“With innovative engineering solutions, we are responding not only to the challenges posed by climate change but also ensuring that this vital infrastructure is prepared for the needs of the next generations,” said the Minister for Infrastructure and Housing.
The Minister emphasized that “restoring the port’s operability and safety is fundamental to ensuring the socio-economic development of the island of Flores and strengthening its connection to the rest of the region and the country.
This is a firm commitment to the future of territorial connectivity and optimizing mobility and logistics in our territory,” said Miguel Pinto Luz.

In Correio dos Açores, Natalino Viveiros-director

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.