Baleària Canarias has presented and christened its new fast ferry Mercedes Pinto, a 123-metre catamaran in which the company has invested €128m, with the vessel entering service on routes linking Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and Morro Jable in Fuerteventura.

The christening ceremony was attended by more than 400 guests and presided over by Fernando Clavijo, president of the Government of the Canary Islands. Astrophysicist Antonia Varela, a researcher at the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics and director of the Museum of Science and the Cosmos in Tenerife, served as the ship's godmother.

Mercedes Pinto is capable of carrying 1,200 passengers and 425 vehicles at a speed of 35 knots. It will operate alongside two existing fast ferries — the Volcán del Taidía and the Volcán del Tagoro — offering six daily departures between Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, three between Morro Jable and Las Palmas, and two between Morro Jable and Tenerife, with a journey time of just over four hours and no transfers required.

The newly completed catamaran is Baleària's 12th vessel equipped with dual engines capable of running on LNG and biogas. Baleària notes that it is working to develop and promote the supply of these fuels in the Canary Islands in the medium term.

Mercedes Pinto is also said to incorporate real-time monitoring of fuel consumption and emissions. It is described by Baleària as a "smart ship", featuring digitised onboard services, and two passenger decks with standard and VIP Premium lounges.

Adolfo Utor, president of Baleària, said at the ceremony: "We are convinced that we must continue serving the islands with rigour, a personal touch, and a long-term commitment. Each island has its own identity, economy, and mobility needs, and each deserves individual attention."

Clavijo praised the company's investment, stating: "This ship, which embodies innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness, bears the name of one of our most distinguished writers, who made the sea the link that kept her connected to her homeland, her identity, and her roots from exile."

The entry into service of the Mercedes Pinto follows Baleària Canarias' acquisition of Armas Trasmediterránea. The company says it intends to invest a further €45m over the next three years to modernise its Canary Islands fleet, which currently comprises 12 vessels.

Additional newbuilds are planned, including the fast ferry Pepita Castellví, intended for western island routes, and a new ro-ro vessel, the Josefina de la Torre, which is expected to increase freight capacity to the Spanish mainland.

The ship's name pays tribute to Mercedes Pinto, a writer, poet, playwright and cultural figure born in San Cristóbal de La Laguna in 1883, known for her advocacy of civil rights. The naming continues a practice by Baleària of naming vessels after women in culture, science and knowledge — a fleet that also includes the Pepita Castellví, named after a pioneer in oceanographic research, and the Josefina de la Torre, named after a writer and actress associated with the Generation of '27, whose centenary is being commemorated this year.