Baleària’s newest LNG dual-fuel-powered ropax put through its paces

Spain’s Baleària has begun sea trials of its new €120M (US$141M) LNG dual-fuel-powered ropax fast ferry Mercedes Pinto in Gijón.

When delivered by Spain’s Astillero Armon in May, the 123-m aluminium-hulled catamaran ferry will be deployed on routes to the Canary Islands when the acquisition of Armas Trasmediterránea’s assets in the islands is finalised. The agreement includes operating services in the Canary Islands, the Alboran Sea, and part of the Strait of Gibraltar, managing 15 ferries and adding 1,500 new employees to the group.

Designed by Incat Crowther and built to Bureau Veritas class, the ropax ferry is powered by four Wärtsilä 16V 31DF LNG dual-fuel engines, with a service speed of 35 knots at 85% MCR. The four-stroke medium engines each produce 9,600 kW at 780 rpm. Its propulsion system includes four waterjets and two azimuth bow thrusters, ensuring excellent manoeuvrability when berthing in port. When operating on gas, estimates suggest the vessel’s LNG dual-fuel engines will provide a range of approximately 756 km. The four-stroke, medium-speed engines can also consume 100% biomethane and mixtures of up to 25% green hydrogen, underpinning Baleària’s plans to meet FuelEU emissions regulations and operate a net-zero fleet by 2050.

The sea trials will test the vessel’s 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, will serve to verify the performance of the auxiliary, safety, and propulsion systems before the vessel enters service.

With a capacity of 1,200 passengers and 425 vehicles, Mercedes Pinto shares many of the same features as sister vessels, Margarita Salas and Eleanor Roosevelt. Bearing the name of the 20th-century writer and poet from Tenerife.

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