No Lobo Marinho sailings from 14 to 22 October after an extra repair was ordered
The ferry linking Madeira and Porto Santo is due to enter dry dock after a propulsion-system fault, cancelling scheduled crossings for nine days in October.
Archived after its publication day. Search retains this original briefing for background and accountability.
Archived 12 September 2026Passengers with bookings in the affected period need to change or cancel them, while Porto Santo residents may have access to a limited replacement allocation on Binter flights.
- Lobo Marinho sailings are not expected to operate from 14 to 22 October 2026, inclusive.
- Affected passengers can change their travel date without an additional charge or request a full refund.
- The operator plans to make 100 Binter seats a day available to Porto Santo residents, subject to availability.
- A separate cargo vessel and refrigerated containers are planned to protect the island's supply chain during the interruption.
Why the ferry needs an extra stop
A technical assessment following a propulsion-system fault on 10 September found that the ferry needs work in dry dock. The operator plans to take Lobo Marinho to the ASTICAN yard in Las Palmas, with the repair period affecting the regular Madeira–Porto Santo service from 14 to 22 October.
Until the repair begins, the operator says crossings will continue at an approximate duration of three hours and 15 minutes under the authorisation of the classification society and the Funchal harbour authority. Travellers should still check the live sailing status before leaving.
What an affected passenger can do
A passenger booked during the interruption can move the trip to another date without an additional charge or ask for a full refund. The practical choice depends on accommodation, flights and any vehicle reservation connected to the ferry journey.
Keep the booking reference and ask for written confirmation of the change or refund. A replacement flight seat is not a like-for-like substitute for every passenger: the announced daily Binter allocation is intended for Porto Santo residents and remains subject to availability.
Supplies will use a different arrangement
The operator plans to charter a container ship for Porto Santo's weekly supply and provide refrigerated containers for fresh produce. Those measures are aimed at continuity of goods, not carrying ordinary ferry passengers or their cars.
Businesses and residents with time-sensitive freight should confirm the cargo arrangement directly rather than assuming their normal sailing schedule still applies. Further operational detail may change as the repair date approaches.
What you can do now.
- 01
Check whether any part of your booking falls between 14 and 22 October.
- 02
Choose a free date change or request the published full-refund option.
- 03
Reconfirm accommodation, vehicle hire and flights linked to the journey.
- 04
Check the operator's latest notice shortly before travel.
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