89 carbon dioxide equivalent emissions,” says Bassoul. He says this will enable fully decarbonised journeys, meeting the company’s 2050 emissions targets as early as 2027. The batteries of the fast ferries will be fully recharged during a one-hour stopover in each city. “Storage systems with batteries of eight megawatt hours (gross) each will be installed in the two ports,” says Bassoul. “This is in addition to the terrestrial electricity supply.” Charging will take place using innovative autonomous robotic arms, which will be connected to the vessels via the onshore power system, with recharging taking just 40 minutes. The project is the latest stage of Baleària’s 2017-2028 sustainable fleet plan, which has already seen the arrival of the electric ferry Rusadir and the gas-powered fast ferry Margarita Salas in 2024. Overall, the company plans to invest more than €1 billion ($1.17 billion) in 11 ships with dual gas engines (both newbuilds and refits), four electric propulsion ships and four eco fast ferries. “Thanks to the use of natural gas and electric propulsion, and operational measures aimed at improving fuel efficiency, in 2024 we emitted 15,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide less than the previous year, despite sailing more,” says Bassoul. “For every passenger transported, we have reduced carbon dioxide emissions by almost 10 per cent.” After the launch in September 2025 of Baleària’s third fast ferry powered by natural gas, and its entry to service in 2026, work will start on the two fast ferries destined for the Tangier route. Meanwhile, the company will continue its ongoing research into alternative fuels for the future, such as biofuels, as part of its strategy to decarbonise by 2050. “ For every passenger transported, we have reduced carbon dioxide emissions by almost 10 per cent” Natural gas-powered ferry Margarita Salas was built at Armón shipyard and has been operating high-speed services between the Spanish ports of Mallorca and Barcelona
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