In a statement, Aveiro City Council says that the new ‘Ferryboat’, which was inaugurated on February 2, 2024, representing an investment of nine million euros, co-financed by 2.25 million euros by community funds, is “a winning bet”.

“With the entry into operation of the Salicornia Electric Ferryboat, the old Cale de Aveiro Ferryboat, which is over 60 years old, consumes a lot of fuel, is very polluting and has high maintenance and operating costs, has been replaced, making transport safer and more comfortable for passengers”, states the same note.

According to the city hall, the new vessel came to “improve, reinforce and dignify public transport between Forte da Barra and São Jacinto, a fact that is evidenced by the growing number of users in the period from 2012 to 2024, and with the achievement of record values.

“In 2024, 202,869 passengers were transported, the highest annual number since 2012 (beating the 2016 record with 199,117 passengers),” says the chamber, adding that the month of August was the one that recorded the highest number of passengers (36,216).

In January 2025, according to the city hall, the Salicornia transported 12,200 passengers, 2,211 (+22%) more than in January 2024, the last month of operation of the old 'Ferry' Cale de Aveiro.