Baleària has begun sea trials in Gijón of the dual-fuel fast ferry Mercedes Pinto, with delivery from Armon Shipyards expected in May.

The craft is the third catamaran with dual-fuel natural gas engines being completed at the yard. Baleària intends to deploy the new unit on Canary Islands routes if its acquisition of Armas Trasmediterránea’s assets in the archipelago is finalised.

The trials, which started on 22 April, will continue over the coming days and include checks on manoeuvrability, speed, stability, engine behaviour, and the performance of energy and navigation equipment. The programme, using both natural gas and diesel, will also verify auxiliary, safety, and propulsion arrangements before entry into service.

The new ferry can carry 1,200 passengers and 425 vehicles. Baleària said it will offer the same level of innovation and comfort as its sister catamarans in the fleet, Eleanor Roosevelt and Margarita Salas, with two lounge decks, several cafés, a children’s area, and pet-friendly spaces.

It is named in tribute to Mercedes Pinto, the 20th-century writer and poet from Tenerife, who was also known for her campaigning on social progress, civil rights, and divorce law reform.

Baleària has set a target of reaching zero emissions by 2050. Its strategy includes cleaner energy sources, electrification, improved efficiency, and operating optimisation. The Spanish ferry operator has also introduced biogas on several routes and is advancing electric propulsion projects, including green corridors.