Baleària Takes Control of Armas Trasmediterránea Operations in the Canary Islands

By 2026 Newsletter week 21

Baleària has taken effective control of Armas Trasmediterránea operations in the Canary Islands, including inter-island services and routes linking the archipelago with mainland Spain.

The combined group will employ around 4,500 people and operate a fleet of more than 50 vessels, transporting over 8 million passengers and 11 million linear metres of freight annually. Consolidated turnover is expected to exceed €1 billion.

The transaction brings together three historic Spanish ferry operators: Trasmediterránea, Armas and Baleària. The company says the move strengthens Baleària’s position as Spain’s leading ferry operator and one of Europe’s largest ferry groups.

Baleària plans to invest €45 million over the next three years to improve and modernise the acquired fleet in the Canary Islands. The company also confirmed that all fleet and shore-based jobs will be retained.

Operations in the archipelago will be carried out under the new Baleària Canarias brand, which will coexist temporarily with the Armas Trasmediterránea identity during the transition period.

The acquisition agreement was first announced in August 2025. Procedures concerning the Strait of Gibraltar and Alboran Sea operations are still pending completion.

Baleària Plans Record Summer Operation with 37 Daily Services Between Spain and North Africa

By 2026 Newsletter week 20

Baleària is preparing its largest-ever Strait Crossing Operation, with up to 37 daily sailings between Spain and Morocco, Algeria, Ceuta and Melilla.

Running from 15 June to 15 September, the operation will deploy 12 vessels across eight routes to meet peak summer demand as thousands of passengers travel to North Africa to reunite with their families.

Stronger Network to Morocco

Morocco remains Baleària’s largest market in the region, after carrying nearly one million passengers during last year’s campaign.

Key enhancements include:

  • Up to 12 daily departures on the Tarifa–Tangier City service.
  • Increased capacity through deployment of a larger fast ferry.
  • Nine daily sailings on the Algeciras–Tangier Med route.
  • An average of three daily departures on Almería–Nador.

Continued Commitment to Algeria

Baleària will again offer five weekly services to Algeria:

  • Three weekly sailings from Valencia to Mostaganem.
  • One weekly service from Barcelona to Algiers.
  • One weekly service from Barcelona to Oran.

The company is marking ten years of operations in the Algerian market.

Reliable Links to Ceuta and Melilla

Baleària will operate:

  • Up to 11 daily connections with Ceuta.
  • One to two daily services to Melilla.

Tailored Onboard Services

To improve the travel experience, Baleària will offer:

  • Arabic- and French-speaking passenger assistance.
  • Halal menus.
  • Dedicated prayer rooms.

General Manager Georges Bassoul said North Africa has become the group’s fastest-growing business area in recent years.

With expanded capacity, tailored services and a record schedule, Baleària is strengthening its role as a key operator connecting Spain with North Africa during the busy summer season.

Baleària Starts Sea Trials Of MERCEDES PINTO

By 2026 Newsletter week 17

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.

Baleària Awarded 27-Year Concession for New Barcelona Ferry Terminal

By 2026 Newsletter week 13

The Port Authority of Barcelona has granted Baleària a concession to build and operate a new passenger and RoRo cargo terminal at the Adosado dock.

  • Concession term: 27 years (renewable)
  • No competing bids were submitted after public consultation
  • Application filed in December 2024

Port President José Alberto Carbonell said the project will strengthen operational capacity and support more efficient and sustainable port operations.

Project Scope

The project includes full development of the terminal area:

  • 5,600 m² terminal building (passengers and offices)
  • Passenger and vehicle handling areas
  • Truck and car waiting zones
  • Semi-trailer storage and internal roads
  • Parking, taxi and bus areas, public spaces

Additional features:

  • Boarding bridges
  • OPS (shore power) readiness
  • Photovoltaic energy system
  • Total investment: €25.3 million

Phased Development

  • Phase 1 (Feb 2027): 38,000 m² operational area
  • Phase 2 (end 2029): full 75,250 m² site
  • Final setup: 4 simultaneous RoRo berths

Baleària Expands High-Speed Fleet with Trimaran

By 2026 Newsletter week 10
  • Baleària has acquired a 102-metre high-speed trimaran to strengthen its fast ferry fleet.
  • The vessel, to be renamed PEPA CASTELLVÍ, was built by Austal and can carry 870 passengers and 250 vehicles, with 190 lane metres for freight and a top speed of 35 knots.
  • Previously operated by Condor Ferries, the former CONDOR LIBERATION will undergo technical works and a refit in Algeciras.
  • Entry into service is expected in summer 2026, increasing Baleària’s high-speed capacity.

Baleària Improves Turnover And EBITDA In 2025 Thanks To International Growth

By 2026 Newsletter week 09

Baleària closed 2025 with strong financial results, surpassing €800 million in turnover and significantly improving profitability, driven largely by the expansion of its international routes.

Key Financial Highlights

  • Turnover: €801 million (+16%)
  • EBITDA: €170 million (+29%)
  • Net profit: €63 million (+152%)

President Adolfo Utor said the results confirm the robustness of the company’s business model and its ability to grow sustainably in a competitive market.

International Routes Gain Strategic Weight

In revenue terms, North African connections—both domestic and international—now contribute a share comparable to that of the Balearic Islands, traditionally Baleària’s core market.

Traffic figures underline the shift:

  • 6.5 million passengers transported (+15%)
  • 1.6 million vehicles (+11%)
  • International passengers: +68%, nearly 2 million in total

Morocco has consolidated its position as Baleària’s main international market. The 15-year concession for the Tarifa–Tangier City route has strengthened passenger flows, while new services to Algeria have further expanded the company’s North African footprint.

Over the past decade, Baleària has doubled its passenger volumes.

Cargo: A Structural Pillar

Cargo remains central to the business model:

  • 8.4 million linear metres transported (+10%)
  • Equivalent to approximately 622,000 lorries
  • Represents 36% of total turnover

Morocco accounts for 29% of total cargo volume, emerging as a strategic logistics hub. The Balearic Islands remain the largest single market, with 59% of cargo volumes.

Operational Efficiency Offsets Regulatory Costs

Fleet expansion and new route launches improved productivity and operational efficiency, allowing Baleària to absorb rising environmental compliance costs without compromising profitability.

The company sailed 1.9 million miles in 2025 (+1.5%), while maintaining tight cost control.

Sustainability And Emissions Reduction

Baleària continues to position sustainability as a competitive lever:

  • Emissions per passenger: -15%
  • Total carbon footprint: -1.4%
  • Emissions per mile sailed: -2.85%
  • Emissions per linear metre of cargo: -12%
  • Greenhouse gas intensity: -5.25%

The use of natural gas and biogas, alongside eco-efficiency investments, has enabled measurable progress despite higher activity levels.

Strategic Outlook

With EBITDA growth outpacing turnover and international routes gaining importance, Baleària has reinforced its standing in the European ferry market.

The company combines geographic diversification, cargo resilience, and decarbonisation efforts, positioning itself for further expansion while maintaining financial discipline.

Menorca: Baleària, GNV and Trasmed Meet Island Council on Sustainable Connectivity

By 2026 Newsketter week 05

The top executives of Baleària, GNV and Trasmed met with the President of the Menorca Island Council to reinforce institutional cooperation and support coordinated public policies on sustainable island connectivity.

The three operators reiterated their willingness to contribute constructively to discussions on transport and tourism models, balancing connectivity needs with the protection of the island and the daily life of residents.

They also offered to provide operational data and sector expertise to help shape effective mobility solutions.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to maintain ongoing dialogue, underlining that all affected stakeholders must be involved in structural debates on the future of sustainable connectivity for Menorca.

Source: Baleària

Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària add BUENAVISTA EXPRESS to Huelva–Canaries route

By 2026 Newsletter week 03

Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària will deploy BUENAVISTA EXPRESS on the Huelva–Canary Islands service, replacing SICILIA from 24 January 2026.

From that date, the route will be operated by MARIE CURIE and BUENAVISTA EXPRESS, ensuring a reliable and efficient service for both passengers and rolling cargo.

BUENAVISTA EXPRESS is the former FORTUNY. The RoPax will make its inaugural sailing on 24 January.

Baleària Tests Methanol-to-Hydrogen Power Unit on CAP DE BARBARIA

By 2025 Newsletter week 48
  • Baleària will install Europe’s first stand-alone e-methanol electricity generation container on the electric ferry CAP DE BARBARIA.
  • The eNomad system, developed by Methanol Reformer, reforms renewable methanol to produce hydrogen on board for auxiliary power.
  • The project turns the Ibiza–Formentera ferry into a hydrogen research platform, testing fuel cells, batteries and methanol as an energy vector.
  • The hydrogen will power a fuel cell, reducing generator use, cutting fuel consumption and lowering emissions.
  • Baleària wants to assess scalability for other ships and routes as part of its broader decarbonisation strategy.
  • CAP DE BARBARIA already operates with zero emissions in port, cutting CO₂ by 33% since 2023.
  • The initiative forms part of the BUCEMTO project, supported by EU Next Generation funds.
  • Baleària continues a multi-energy approach, combining natural gas, biofuels, electricity, hydrogen and methanol.

Baleària Highlights Refrigerated Cargo at Fruit Attraction

By 2025 Newsletter week 40
  • Refrigerated products, mainly fruits and vegetables, account for 35% of Baleària’s cargo in the Balearic Islands and 25% in Morocco.
  • The company is showcasing its expertise in refrigerated cargo at Fruit Attraction, the leading international fair for the fruit and vegetable sector.
  • Cargo Director Maximiliano Bermejo stressed Baleària’s commitment to the agri-food sector, underlining speed and reliability as key values.
  • Total freight traffic rose 11% between January and August 2025 compared to last year.
  • Growth was seen in the Balearics, Morocco, and Algeria, supported by new Barcelona–Algiers and Barcelona–Oran services.
  • Baleària will also present innovation and sustainability projects to reduce the carbon footprint of fresh produce shipping.

Source: Baleària