The Perseverance ferry, a crucial link between Isla de la Juventud and mainland Cuba, has been taken out of service after experiencing a severe engine malfunction.
This disruption significantly reduces passenger transport capacity and complicates maritime connections between Nueva Gerona and Batabanó, located in Mayabeque.
Carlos Lázaro Arroyo Salas, head of the Viamar Business Unit, informed the media that the issue originated in the main port-side engine, which allowed freshwater to seep into the oil sump, where lubrication oil is stored.
Given the severity, authorities have halted the ferry entirely, which normally accommodates around 430 passengers.
The official ruled out the option of towing the ferry, as this would extend the typical six-hour journey to nearly 12 hours, making it an impractical choice for transporting travelers.
During the Perseverance's downtime, the V2V Empress catamaran will handle passenger transportation. However, it can only accommodate about 240 people, significantly fewer than the disabled ferry.
Moreover, travelers will face a luggage limit of 20 kilograms per person, a substantial restriction for those needing to move belongings between the island and the mainland.
With fewer seats available, Empresa Viajero is giving priority to passengers with ongoing journeys to other provinces or abroad, as well as patients with urgent oncological appointments.
The catamaran is also tasked with transporting baseball teams participating in the National Series, according to the director.
There is no announced date for when the Perseverance will resume operations.
Arroyo indicated that foreign specialists were expected to arrive in Nueva Gerona on Tuesday to assess the damaged engine. Initially planned for early 2027, the visit was expedited due to the malfunction.
These technicians are authorized to open the engine, evaluate the extent of the damage, and determine the necessary repairs. Only after this assessment will a repair timeline be developed. As of now, there is no public confirmation of the specialists' arrival or how long the ferry will remain out of service.
Arroyo also noted that spare parts containers are stuck in Central America, attributing the delay to the U.S. embargo, though he did not provide verifiable details on this claim.
This latest interruption adds to the series of technical issues the Perseverance has faced since it began service in August 2023. In May, the Isla de la Juventud Government sought help from private companies and residents to obtain an electric motor or necessary wiring for repairs, acknowledging the lack of spare parts.
That issue affected an electrical component related to the ship's navigation system, differing from the current main port-side engine problem.
Key Details About Perseverance Ferry Disruption
What caused the ferry Perseverance to go out of service?
The Perseverance ferry was taken out of service due to a malfunction in its main port-side engine, which allowed freshwater to enter the oil sump, affecting the lubrication system.
How is passenger transport being handled during the ferry's downtime?
The V2V Empress catamaran is temporarily handling passenger transport, though it has a lower capacity of around 240 passengers compared to the ferry's 430.
What restrictions are in place for passengers during this period?
Passengers are restricted to carrying a maximum of 20 kilograms of luggage, which is a significant limitation for those needing to transport belongings.
When will the Perseverance ferry be back in service?
There is currently no confirmed date for when the Perseverance ferry will resume its operations, as the situation depends on the assessment by foreign specialists.