Baleària begins sea trials of the fast ferry ‘Mercedes Pinto’ in Gijón
Baleària has started today the sea trials of the Mercedes Pinto fast ferry in Gijón. This is the company’s third dual-engine natural gas-powered catamaran, currently being finalised at the Armon shipyard, and the company expects to receive it in May. The shipping company plans to deploy this new catamaran on routes to the Canary Islands once the acquisition of Armas Trasmediterránea’s assets in the islands has been finalised.
The sea trials, which began today, will continue over the coming days and include tests of the manoeuvrability, speed, stability and engine performance, as well as the functioning of the power and navigation systems. These trials, which will be conducted using both natural gas and diesel, also serve to verify the correct functioning of the auxiliary, safety and propulsion systems prior to the vessel’s entry into service.
The new fast ferry, with the capacity to carry 1,200 passengers and 425 vehicles, will have the same level of innovation and comfort as its sister catamarans in the Baleària fleet: the Eleanor Roosevelt and the Margarita Salas. The Mercedes Pinto will feature two lounge decks with seating, various cafes, both indoors and on the terrace, a children’s play area and pet-friendly accommodation, as well as other amenities.
The fast ferry is named in honour of the legacy of Mercedes Pinto, a 20th-century writer and poet from Tenerife. Pinto enjoyed an acclaimed career as a writer, poet, playwright, lecturer and cultural figure within the Spanish-American world. Pinto is also internationally recognised as a pioneering woman in the defence of ideals of progress, social justice and the advancement of civil rights, with her involvement in the campaign for the modernisation of divorce law being particularly noteworthy.
For years, Baleària has maintained a firm commitment to more sustainable shipping, with the aim of achieving zero emissions by 2050. To this end, it is implementing a decarbonisation strategy based on the use of cleaner fuels, the electrification of its fleet, improved energy efficiency and the operational optimisation of its vessels. The company, a pioneer in the use of dual-fuel natural gas engines, has incorporated biogas—a fuel with net-zero emissions—on several of its routes, and is making progress on electric propulsion projects such as the development of green corridors. Thanks to these initiatives, Baleària has managed to reduce its carbon footprint.
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