Mercedes Pinto to Link Morro Jable with Gran Canaria and Tenerife Daily
Baleària Canarias has added the new eco‑efficient fast ferry Mercedes Pinto to its fleet, following an investment of €128 million. The vessel strengthens the company’s commitment to the Canary Islands, operating on routes between Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Tenerife.
“We will strengthen maritime connectivity of the islands with a service based on eco‑efficiency, operational reliability and an improved passenger experience,” the operator said in a press release.
The arrival of Mercedes Pinto is part of Baleària’s fleet‑expansion and modernization plan, aimed at introducing more innovative, technologically advanced vessels tailored to the mobility needs of residents, tourists and logistics companies.
The company emphasizes that this addition reinforces its pledge to provide high‑quality maritime connectivity in the Canaries, where sea transport plays an essential role in territorial cohesion, inter‑island mobility and economic activity.
The ship is expected to dock for trial runs in several island ports over the coming days.
High‑Speed Maritime Transport
Investing €128 million, the Mercedes Pinto sets a new benchmark in eco‑efficiency for high‑speed maritime transport. It is equipped with dual‑fuel engines capable of running on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and biogas, both considered carbon‑neutral fuels.
“Baleària reaffirms its commitment to decarbonising maritime transport in the Canary Islands, working to develop and supply sustainable fuels in the medium term for a more efficient and environmentally responsible maritime mobility,” the company explained.
Key specifications
- Length: 123 m
- Maximum speed: 35 knots
- Capacity: 1,200 passengers and 425 vehicles
- Smart ship features: digitalised services, real‑time fuel consumption and emissions monitoring, advanced stabilisation system for passenger comfort
The catamaran offers:
- Two decks with comfortable seating lounges and VIP Premium rooms
- A spacious outdoor terrace, dining areas, a children’s zone, and pet‑friendly spaces for travelers with animals
Its interior design prioritises spaciousness and natural light, while the stabilisation system and real‑time performance data enhance comfort and efficiency.
The vessel’s name honors Mercedes Pinto, a distinguished writer, poet and educator from San Cristóbal de La Laguna (Tenerife). Recognised as a key 20th‑century figure and pioneer in civil‑rights advocacy, the naming reflects Baleària’s intention to link its fleet to prominent female cultural and scientific role models.