The ferry Perseverancia has docked at the port of Nueva Gerona on the Isle of Youth after almost three months of crucial repairs. This vessel is set to resume its essential maritime route between Cuba's second-largest island and Batabanó soon.
On Facebook, Transportation Minister Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila shared that the scheduled repair process, initially expected to end earlier, extended from October 7 to December 25, 2025, exceeding the timeline by 10 days.
"The ship has just arrived at the Port of Nueva Gerona, from where it will resume the critical Gerona-Batabanó route, pending the completion of standard technical reviews and adjustments," the minister emphasized.
According to the Maritime Port Transport Business Group (GEMAR) and the Cuban shipbuilding company Prácticos de Cuba, the vessel successfully passed dock and sea trials. During its time at the Caribbean Drydock Company shipyards in Havana Bay, it underwent over 50 technical tasks.
Repairs included replacing propeller blades, components of the steering system, and shaft lines, restoring the diesel-generator cooling system, maintaining electrical and air conditioning systems, installing an emergency power plant, and setting up an infirmary. Accessibility improvements for disabled individuals and a fresh coat of paint were also part of the refurbishment.
The authorities highlighted that the repair involved procurement costs exceeding 550,000 euros, funded by GEMAR’s economic scheme and the nation, along with a project approved by the Public Transport Development Fund amounting to 33 million pesos, included in the 2025 investment plan.
The Perseverancia began operations in August 2023 and remained active until October 3, 2025, completing its final journey before entering repairs. During its service, it conducted 716 crossings, transporting nearly 298,000 passengers and over 82,000 tons of cargo, underscoring its critical role in the special municipality's connectivity.
Its return is set against a backdrop of a fragile maritime transport system to the Isle of Youth. For years, the Perseverancia has been the only consistently operational vessel, while other catamarans have been sidelined due to deterioration and lack of parts, leading to frequent cancellations, delays, and frustration among residents.
Although the Ministry of Transportation has announced the addition of new catamarans like the V2V Empress and, soon, the Río Las Casas, the maritime connectivity of the Isle of Youth continues to rely on temporary fixes and an aging fleet, which remains susceptible to technical failures and financial constraints.
Key Insights on the Perseverancia Ferry and Maritime Challenges
What were the main repairs conducted on the Perseverancia?
The Perseverancia underwent numerous repairs, including replacing propeller blades, components of the steering system, and shaft lines, restoring the diesel-generator cooling system, maintaining electrical and air conditioning systems, installing an emergency power plant, and making accessibility improvements.
How did the repair process impact the Perseverancia's schedule?
The repair process extended beyond the initial timeline, lasting from October 7 to December 25, 2025, which was 10 days longer than planned.
Why is the Perseverancia important for the Isle of Youth?
The Perseverancia is crucial for transporting passengers and cargo between the Isle of Youth and Batabanó, having conducted 716 crossings and transported nearly 298,000 passengers and over 82,000 tons of cargo, highlighting its essential role in regional connectivity.