Summary - TST 11

TRANSPORTES, SERVICIOS Y TELECOMUNICACIONES


TST 11

José Manuel Vázquez Lijó
Libertad versus monopolio. Los servicios de pasaje en el litoral gallego en el siglo XVIII

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Key words: Transport; shipping passenger; sea fishing; registered seamen; 18th century.

[ Abstract ]

The passenger vessels shipped also freights (grain, cattle, post, etc) between coastal towns next to each other. This service acquired major importance in Galicia. The enclaves of its jagged coastline could be faster communicated by sea than by land due to its poor road network. The most modest ships were privately owned – often co-owned –, of reduced tonnage with different functions (passenger transport and fishing) and pursuant to ordinary typologies. Those of state or church ownership were providing this service with no competition for a very long time. In the 18th century the registered seamen objected to this exclusiveness, putting forward their theoretical freedom to develop any activity in the seas. The opposition to some town council's monopolies was also strong, privileges that the Ministry of Maritime Affairs did not ratified until they were verified with proper documentation, and always providing the employment of authorised professionals. The most common system of passenger exploitation was the lease. The fares varied depending on the freight weight, and night services were considered upon special demand. In general, the economic profits from this activity were low, hence the lack of interest in passenger vessels of most skippers and coastal masters.