Mercedes Pinto to conduct docking trials in Puerto del Rosario and Morro Jable

Background

The flagship of Baleària Canarias for the archipelago, the brand‑new fast‑ferry catamaran “Mercedes Pinto,” set sail on Monday from the port of El Musel in Gijón bound for Huelva. The vessel is scheduled to arrive there to receive its first supplies of natural gas and diesel, as it is equipped with dual‑fuel engines.

Planned Tests

Initially, the company intended to test the new ship in the Strait of Gibraltar. However, maritime media in Las Palmas confirmed to the director of puentedemando.com that Baleària Canarias has submitted a docking request for next week to carry out trials at the ports of Arrecife (Lanzarote), Playa Blanca, Puerto del Rosario, Morro Jable, and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Rapid Deployment

Following the signing of the purchase‑sale agreement on Monday, the operator is eager to take effective possession of the company and immediately launch its operational plan for the Canary Islands, where the “Mercedes Pinto” catamaran is a key asset.

Logistical Challenges

Baleària Canarias faces a significant logistical issue in the ports of the two Canary capitals, as neither currently has a supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

“The new flagship of Baleària Canarias — which honors a distinguished 20th‑century woman from Tenerife — is the first vessel in the Canaries to run on liquefied natural gas, a cleaner‑burning fuel that aligns with the company’s commitment, led by Adolfo Utor, to decarbonise the maritime sector,” explains puentedemando.com.

The “Mercedes Pinto” represents a major step forward for greener maritime transport in the Canary Islands, combining modern dual‑fuel technology with a strategic rollout across the archipelago’s main ports.