Santa Cruz de Tenerife Port Authority Honors Excellence at Third Annual Francisco Malpica Awards
The Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife honored mooring personnel and Port Police officers at the third annual Francisco Malpica Awards, celebrating the teamwork and commitment essential to maintaining safety across the province's maritime infrastructure.
The Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife recently held the third annual Francisco Malpica Awards, an event highlighting the importance of teamwork in managing critical port infrastructure. Beyond honoring individual achievements, the awards aim to foster a culture of shared security among all those working in the maritime sector.
The top honor went to Amasur SL, a team of mooring personnel whose work is essential to daily port operations, even if it often goes unnoticed by the public. During the ceremony, Port Authority President Pedro Suárez López de Vergara noted that the successful handling of emergencies—such as the incident involving the cruise ship MV Hondius in Granadilla—is a direct result of the strong partnership between mooring staff and Port Police. Company director Vicente Jiménez emphasized that this collaboration goes beyond technical tasks, forming a professional bond that keeps port traffic moving smoothly.
The event also recognized several Port Police officers for their individual contributions across the province. In Los Cristianos, Juan José Sosa was honored for his work in managing environmental and material risks, while Jonathan Jerez Suárez was recognized for his steady performance in high-pressure situations. José María González Torres received an award for his diligence at the port of Granadilla. Additionally, Cristian Pérez Torres, Jesús Beltrán Martínez, and Aitor López were celebrated for their long-standing commitment and experience at the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Named after Francisco Malpica, the first royal port guard appointed in 1506, the award reflects the long history of port surveillance. What started in the 16th century as a role focused on trade and disease control has evolved into a modern force of over 100 professionals. Today, this team manages security across six ports in the province, adapting to the challenges of the modern era.
The initiative, led by the Port Authority president and commanders Agustín Ávila and José Antonio Peña Arnay, is part of the Fiestas del Carmen celebrations. Since its return in 2022 following a pandemic-related break, the award has served to connect the port with the wider community, honoring the people and teams who ensure the safety and stability of a sector vital to the island’s economy.