By
Laura Hyde |
Spanish shipbuilder Astilleros Armon Gijon has floated out a third new 123-metre dual-fuel ro-pax fast ferry, designed by Incat Crowther for Spanish operator Baleària. The interior outfitting on Mercedes Pinto will now continue ahead of the vessel’s scheduled sea trials in early 2026.
Mercedes Pinto will be able to accommodate 1,200 passengers and 425 vehicles, and is named after the Spanish writer, journalist and human rights activist. The ferry is expected to join sister vessels, Eleanor Roosevelt and Margarita Salas, in service in 2026.
The ferry has been designed for a low and zero-emissions future. It will be powered by dual-fuel natural gas engines and will be capable of operating on 100 per cent biomethane or green hydrogen blends of up to 25 per cent. It will also feature energy efficiency systems, smart sensors and integrated emissions monitoring equipment, and enhanced real-time navigation systems.
“The addition of Mercedes Pinto to our fleet of state-of-the-art ro-pax fast ferries highlights Baleària’s commitment to pioneering innovation, advancing sustainability and setting new standards in customer experience,” said Adolfo Utor, president of Baleària. “Following the success of Eleanor Roosevelt and Margarita Salas we are thrilled to be partnering with Incat Crowther and Astilleros Armon on the design and delivery of Mercedes Pinto. Incat Crowther’s deep knowledge of our operational requirements meant we could partner with their team of naval architects from the outset to make bespoke refinements to the design of Mercedes Pinto. The successful launch of Mercedes Pinto is a major milestone for Baleària, and we’re proud to welcome yet another Spanish-built ro-pax fast ferry to our fleet.”
Mercedes Pinto will accommodate 1,200 passengers and 425 vehicles when it begins operations for Spanish operator Baleària in 2026
The new vessel will feature a range of design improvements on the first vessel, Eleanor Roosevelt, which began operations in 2021 sailing between Denia on the Spanish mainland and the islands of Ibiza and Mallorca. Like Margarita Salas (the second vessel in the fleet which launched in 2024) Mercedes Pinto features an additional passenger deck with a spacious lounge area in the bow, as well as an expanded aft terrace with an outdoor bar service.
Mercedes Pinto will also feature a redesigned atrium between the main and upper passenger decks, improved seating in the VIP lounge and a larger crew area. The ferry will also provide various cafeterias both inside and on the terrace, a children’s area, two decks of lounge seating, free internet and an onboard digital entertainment platform and a pet surveillance system.
“Mercedes Pinto is the fifth large ro-pax fast ferry Incat Crowther has designed for Baleària in the last six years and represents a continuation of our team’s strong commitment to support Baleària and Astilleros Armon,” said Dan Mace, technical manager at Incat Crowther. “With Eleanor Roosevelt and Margarita Salas already in operation, and two new 87-metre 100 per cent electric, zero-emission ro-pax fast ferries also set to be built in Spain, the launch of Mercedes Pinto demonstrates our ability to deliver at scale. Working with Armon, we are providing the capability to design and construct multiple large fast ferries simultaneously in Europe. We’re now looking forward to seeing Mercedes Pinto perform during sea trials and begin operation.”
Read more: Building excellence for the European ferry market