Baleària Canarias has added the new eco-efficient fast ferry Mercedes Pinto to its fleet, which will operate on routes between Las Palmas, Morro Jable, and Tenerife. The vessel, which arrived today at the Canary archipelago, is expected to conduct mooring trials in the coming days at different ports of the islands before entering commercial service.
The arrival of the Mercedes Pinto is part of the expansion and modernization plan of Baleària Canarias' fleet, aimed at incorporating more innovative, technologically advanced ships tailored to the mobility needs of residents, tourists, and logistics companies. With this addition, the shipping company seeks to strengthen inter-island maritime connectivity, an area where sea transportation plays an essential role in territorial cohesion and the economic activity of the archipelago.
With an investment of 128 million euros, the Mercedes Pinto positions itself as a reference ship in eco-efficiency within high-speed maritime transport. The catamaran is equipped with dual engines that allow the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and biogas, a fuel neutral in CO₂ emissions. Baleària, which has been using clean energy in its fleet since 2019, is currently working to facilitate the development and supply of these sustainable fuels in the Canary Islands in the medium term, with the goal of continuing to advance towards more efficient and environmentally responsible maritime mobility.
The vessel is 123 meters long, reaches a speed of 35 knots, and has the capacity for 1,200 passengers and 425 vehicles. As a smart ship, the Mercedes Pinto is characterized by the digitization of its services and accommodations aimed at passenger comfort. The catamaran has two decks with lounge chairs and Premium VIP rooms, a large outdoor terrace, dining areas, a children's area, and specific pet-friendly spaces for traveling with pets. The interior spaces prioritize openness and brightness with a cutting-edge design, and the vessel incorporates a stabilization system that optimizes comfort during the crossing, as well as real-time fuel consumption and emissions measurements that improve operational efficiency.
The name of the ship pays tribute to Mercedes Pinto, a writer, poet, and educator born in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a key figure of the 20th century and pioneer in the defense of civil rights. With this choice, the shipping company maintains its intent to link its fleet to female role models in culture and science, strengthening ties with the socio-cultural heritage of the territories where it operates.