Baleària has started sea trials in Gijón for the fast ferry MERCEDES PINTO, the company’s third dual-fuel natural gas catamaran being completed at the Armon shipyard.
Delivery is expected in May. Baleària plans to deploy the vessel on Canary Islands routes once the acquisition of Armas Trasmediterránea’s island assets is completed.
The trials will assess manoeuvrability, speed, stability, engine performance, and the operation of power, navigation, safety and propulsion systems. Tests will be carried out using both natural gas and diesel.
MERCEDES PINTO will carry up to 1,200 passengers and 425 vehicles. The vessel follows the design and comfort standards of sister ships ELEANOR ROOSEVELT and MARGARITA SALAS.
Facilities include two passenger decks, indoor and outdoor cafés, a children’s play area and pet-friendly spaces.
The vessel is named after Mercedes Pinto, the Tenerife-born writer, poet and social reform advocate.
