THE FERRY PROJECT IN PUERTO RICO

How is the Ferry project structured in Puerto Rico?
The Puerto Rico Ferry project is a 23-year Public-Private Partnership (3P) between the Maritime Transportation Authority (MTA) and Hornblower Maritime Services (HMS) Ferries - Puerto Rico, and managed by the 3P Authority in two distinct phases.
Maritime Services (HMS) Ferries - Puerto Rico, and managed by the 3P Authority with two distinct phases.

PHASE I: TRANSITION

UP TO 3 YEARS | 2021-2023
  • Initially, the MTA continues to operate and maintain the Metro and ferry service on the Island.

  • Comprehensive evaluation of the Puerto Rico ferry system and transfer of ATM operations to HMS Ferries Puerto Rico.

  • HMS gradually assumes operational control on a route-by-route basis - for more information, see details below.

PHASE II: HMS FERRIES OPERATES AND MAINTAINS THE SYSTEM

20 YEARS : START PLANNED FOR JANUARY. 2023
  • HMS Ferries has assumed full operational ownership of Puerto Rico Ferry, providing the service and maintenance standards set to ensure reliable and safe transportation for the residents of Puerto Rico.

What happens in Phase I?
Phase I is a 3-year transition process leading to the transfer of ATM operations to HMS Ferries Puerto Rico.
OPERATIONS

JOINT ASSET VALUATION ATM/HMS

"ATM AND HMS APPROVE PLAN(S) FOR ASSET REHABILITATION".

ASSET REHABILITATION PLAN IS IMPLEMENTED

"HMS ASSUMES
ROUTE-TO-ROUTE OPERATIONS
AND MAINTENANCE".
Started Completed Started Completed Started Completed Started Completed
Vessels Metro Service
Vessels Service on the Island
Facilities
TRAVELLER EXPERIENCE

WEBSITE

MOBILE APP

NEWSLETTER

SIGNAGE
Started
Completed
How is the Ferry project in Puerto Rico financed?
The MTA finances an operating account according to the budget.
HMS Ferries is responsible for providing services and updates to the system.
ATM/HMS determine the value of the service that HMS will provide each month.
The ATM gets a credit for unused funds.
Will HMS be able to change timetables and fares?
The agreement states that the ATM must approve any changes in timetables or fares.
What are the advantages of a public-private partnership between the MTA and an established ferry operator?
Improved time performance and confidence
Improved operational safety and service quality
Increased resources for maintenance and improvement of services
Improving the traveller experience
Public sector subsidy on MTA operations is reduced.
Launch of HMS Ferries' global operating experience

HORNBLOWER MARITIME SERVICES (HMS) AT A GLANCE

EN

.   

We are present in 22 locations in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
We operate a fleet of 200+ vessels
17 million tickets sold per year
Operator of