Angola Expands Maritime Transport with New Ferry Service

Luanda:A new passenger and cargo ferry service has been launched along Angola's coastal route, connecting Luanda, Soyo, and the northern enclave of Cabinda. This development marks a significant step in modernizing the country's maritime transport network. According to Angola Press News Agency, the ship, named the Tchiowa, is a 92-meter vessel built in Greece in 2025. It has the capacity to carry up to 430 passengers and 640 metric tons of mixed cargo, including 168 light passenger vehicles and 28 commercial trucks. The introduction of the Tchiowa is expected to enhance maritime capacity, reduce passenger backlogs, and improve connectivity between regions of Angola that are physically separated. At the inauguration ceremony, Transport Minister Ricardo D'Abreu emphasized the importance of coastal shipping, or cabotage, as a crucial economic link between Cabinda province and the rest of the country. He highlighted that establishing predictable transit for passengers and freight would provide local families and businesses with more reliable travel and logistics options. This upgrade aims to alleviate supply-chain bottlenecks that have affected trade, investment, and the provision of essential supplies in the northern province. D'Abreu also noted that Angola is investing in infrastructure to decrease its reliance on land routes through the Democratic Republic of Congo, which often face delays and arbitrary enforcement. The Tchiowa will be operated by Secil Marítima, the state-owned shipping line, and includes specialized training for Angolan maritime crews. Secil Marítima's board chairman, Joo Martins, stated that passenger fares on the Soyo-Cabinda route will remain the same, with one-way tickets priced at 22,000 Angolan kwanzas for economy class and 35,000 kwanzas for executive class. With the addition of the Tchiowa, Angola's state maritime fleet now includes three passenger vessels, two multi-use ferries, and one cargo ship.