balearia canarias new fast ferry mercedes pinto

Baleària adds eco-friendly fast ferry Mercedes Pinto to fleet

New eco-efficient fast ferry joins Baleària’s Canary Islands fleet

Baleària Canarias has announced that it has added the new eco-efficient fast ferry Mercedes Pinto to its Canary Islands fleet. The vessel, which arrived in the archipelago this Wednesday, will operate on routes between Las Palmas, Morro Jable and Tenerife, strengthening maritime connectivity across the islands with a service built on eco-efficiency, operational reliability and an enhanced passenger experience.

A step forward in fleet modernisation

According to the company, the arrival of the Mercedes Pinto forms part of Baleària Canarias’ fleet expansion and modernisation plan, which aims to introduce more innovative, technologically advanced vessels tailored to the mobility needs of residents, tourists and logistics companies. The company adds that this new addition reinforces its commitment to high-quality maritime connectivity in the Canary Islands, where sea transport plays an essential role in territorial cohesion, inter-island mobility and economic activity.

Testing and investment details

The ferry, which arrived in the Canary Islands this Wednesday, is scheduled to carry out docking tests at various ports across the archipelago over the coming days. Baleària notes that with an investment of €128 million, the Mercedes Pinto is positioned as a benchmark for eco-efficiency in high-speed maritime transport. The vessel is equipped with dual-fuel engines capable of running on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and biogas, a CO₂-neutral fuel. Having pioneered the use of clean energy since 2019, Baleària aims to reaffirm its commitment to decarbonising maritime transport in the Canary Islands with this latest addition. The company is currently working to promote the development and supply of these sustainable fuels in the archipelago over the medium term, with the goal of continuing to advance towards more efficient and environmentally responsible maritime mobility.

Onboard features and passenger comfort

Measuring 123 metres in length, the vessel reaches a speed of 35 knots and has capacity for 1,200 passengers and 425 vehicles. As a smart ship, the Mercedes Pinto stands out for its digitalised services and accommodation designed for maximum passenger comfort. The catamaran features two decks with seating lounges and Premium VIP rooms, as well as a spacious outdoor terrace, catering areas, a children’s zone and dedicated pet-friendly spaces for travelling with animals. With its cutting-edge design, the interior spaces prioritise spaciousness and natural light. In addition, the ferry is equipped with a stabilisation system that optimises comfort, while real-time fuel consumption and emissions monitoring help improve its efficiency.

Tribute to a pioneering Canarian figure

The ship’s name pays tribute to Mercedes Pinto, a prominent writer, poet and educator born in San Cristóbal de La Laguna. A key figure of the 20th century and a pioneer in the defence of civil rights, her name reflects Baleària’s intention to link its fleet with female role models from culture and science. With this gesture, the shipping company seeks to strengthen its ties with the Canary Islands’ socio-cultural heritage and reinforce its commitment to the regions in which it operates, integrating references linked to local identity, history and talent into its vessels.

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