Goedkopere veerdiensten tussen Statia, Saba en Sint Maarten: nieuwe tarieven per 15 april
Inwoners van Statia en Saba kunnen vanaf 15 april goedkoper reizen tussen de eilanden en Sint Maarten. De nieuwe overeenkomst met Makana Ferry verlaagt de retourtarieven en moet de bereikbaarheid en economie van de eilanden verbeteren.
| Onderwerp | Details |
|---|---|
| Partijen | Openbare lichamen Statia en Saba, Makana Ferry Service |
| Datum ondertekening | 30 maart 2026 |
| Ingangsdatum nieuwe tarieven | 15 april 2026 |
| Nieuwe retourtarieven | Saba – Sint Maarten: $134 (was $155), Statia – Sint Maarten: $140 (was $158) |
| Aanwezigen ondertekening | Shamara Nicholson, Bram Streppel, Bruce Zagers, Rechelline Leerdam, Alvaro en Samuel Connor |
| Doel | Betrouwbaarder en betaalbaarder vervoer, economische groei en betere toegang tot voorzieningen |
De openbare lichamen van Statia en Saba zijn verantwoordelijk voor het lokale bestuur en de uitvoering van beleid op de eilanden. Zij werken samen met het Rijk en andere partijen om de bereikbaarheid en leefbaarheid van de Caribische gemeenten te verbeteren. Deze overeenkomst past binnen hun streven naar structurele oplossingen voor vervoersvraagstukken.
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Statia and Saba Partner with Makana Ferry to Improve Connectivity
The public entities of Statia and Saba signed a Public Service Obligation (PSO) agreement with Makana Ferry Service on Monday 30 March 2026, taking a step towards more reliable and affordable ferry connections between the islands.
The agreement shows continued cooperation to address shared transport challenges. A consistent ferry service supports the economy, improves access to essential services, and strengthens regional connections.
Fares will be reduced under the agreement, making travel more accessible for residents and visitors. The new rates take effect on Wednesday 15 April 2026:
- Return ticket Saba – St. Maarten: from $155 to $134
- Return ticket Statia – St. Maarten: from $158 to $140
Fuel prices, global supply conditions, and ongoing conflicts will continue to be monitored, as these may affect the fuel surcharge.
Present at the signing were Acting Island Governor Shamara Nicholson, Island Secretary Bram Streppel, Commissioner Bruce Zagers, Commissioner Rechelline Leerdam, and Alvaro Connor and Samuel Connor of Makana Ferry Service.
The agreement marks an important step towards more stable and affordable sea transportation.
Commissioner Bruce Zagers said:“Affordable and reliable connectivity is not a luxury, but a necessity for our islands. The signing of this PSO is a meaningful first step towards more stable and affordable sea transportation. However, a short-term agreement alone is not enough. We must continue working towards structural funding for both sea and air connectivity to ensure equal opportunities, strengthen our economies, and support the wellbeing of our communities. I would like to thank the Ministry of BZK and everyone involved in making this agreement possible.”
Improving accessibility remains a key focus, especially for residents who rely on regular travel between the islands.
Commissioner Rechelline Leerdam said:“I’m proud we’ve reached this milestone towards signing the PSO. We are working together as islands to find a more sustainable approach that we can maintain over the long term, so that sea connectivity remains a right for residents and not a luxury. We have listened to concerns raised by users and addressed key issues through this PSO. I would like to thank the Ministry, the Commissioner of Saba, our civil servants, and Blues and Blues for their cooperation in bringing this effort to this stage.”
Makana Ferry Service will continue working with both islands to strengthen connectivity in the region.
Samuel Connor of Makana Ferry Service said:“We look forward to continuing this partnership and strengthening connections across the islands.”