Electric ships to start sailing between Seixal and Lisbon in September

The Transtejo Soflusa (TTSL) electric vessels, which were due to start operating in July on the Seixal-Cais do Sodré connection, will begin operations in the second half of September, according to the company.

This is the third date proposed by the company for the commencement of shipping operations.

In January, the company said Cegonha Branca was due to start operations between Seixal in Setubal and Cais do Sodre in Lisbon at the end of April, but that did not happen.

In June, the company announced that ships would begin carrying passengers on the route from July.

Now, in a response sent to the Lusa agency, Transtejo Soflusa has given a new date: the second half of September.

“As for the start of Electroflot’s operations, and also according to some information that we have already been able to provide, we are currently continuing the testing phase, but the new electric vessels should enter public service on the Seixal – Cais do Sodré river service in the second half of September,” the company reports.

Transtejo Soflusa states that the electric fleet renewal project “represents a significant contribution to the promotion of sustainable mobility, fully consistent with the policy of decarbonising the economy and reducing the environmental impact of public transport activities and services, allowing for greater energy efficiency and a lower carbon footprint (operation is completely emission-free).”

The Segoña Branca, which made its maiden voyage in November, was the first ship to arrive in Portugal from a group of 10 ships expected to operate in the Tagus.

Transtejo Soflusa is responsible for the river service between Seixal, Montijo, Casillas, Barreiro and Trafaria/Porto Brandao in the Setúbal region and Lisbon.