By
Alex Smith |
Baleària will launch its third fast ferry powered by LNG, Mercedes Pinto, on 19 September at Armon Shipyards in Gijón, Spain.
Construction is at an advanced stage, with the hull complete and the installation of natural gas tanks, engines, propulsion systems, wiring and piping currently underway.
At 123 metres in length, Mercedes Pinto will have capacity for 1,200 passengers and 425 vehicles. Facilities will include two decks of seating lounges, indoor and outdoor cafés, a dedicated children’s area and pet-friendly accommodation.
The vessel is the sister ship to Eleanor Roosevelt and Margarita Salas, and will become the twelfth Baleària vessel with dual natural gas engines. The engines will also operate on 100 per cent biomethane or blends of up to 25 per cent green hydrogen.
The fast ferry is named in tribute to Mercedes Pinto, the 20th-century writer and poet from Tenerife, who was recognised for her advocacy of social justice and civil rights, including reforms to divorce law.
Mercedes Pinto is expected to enter service in 2026.