Boqueirão Whaling Factory and respective slipway, Boqueirão.

Category: Civil Architecture > Technological Installation

District: Açores > Santa Cruz das Flores > Santa Cruz das Flores > Zona Industrial do Boqueirão

Location

Situated on the island of Flores, in the municipality of Santa Cruz das Flores, this remarkable structure is located in the Boqueirão Industrial Zone. Its position is privileged, overlooking the coastline, offering a direct perspective of the Atlantic. The surroundings are marked by the ruggedness and natural beauty of the Azorean coast, with the sea framing this relic of a period of intense activity.

An Industrial and Maritime Legacy

The Boqueirão Whale Factory is an eloquent testament to a crucial phase in the economic and social history of the Azores: the whaling industry. Functioning as a processing complex, this site was the epicenter where cetaceans, once captured, were dismembered and transformed into various products, such as oils and fats, of great commercial value at the time. Its existence underscores the deep connection of Azorean communities to the sea and its resources, adapting to the demands of a strenuous and dangerous activity.

This complex of buildings and industrial infrastructure represents an important chapter in the collective memory of Flores Island, recalling the times when whaling supported many families and shaped local daily life. It is a symbol of the resilience and work ethic of the Florenses people.

Architecture and Functionality

The architecture of the Boqueirão Whale Factory is eminently functional, characteristic of industrial facilities of its era. The main buildings, constructed to withstand heavy and continuous operations, reveal solidity and pragmatism in their design. However, it is the flensing slipway that stands out as a fundamental element of this complex. This slipway, extending from land to sea, was used to drag the enormous whale carcasses ashore, allowing for their safe processing.

Observing its structure allows one to understand the ingenious logistical and technological system required for this industry, demonstrating human engineering and adaptability in the face of the demands of a large-scale and complex activity.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt