By
Alex Smith |
Baleària has introduced the world’s second fast ferry with dual gas engines, Margarita Salas, to its Barcelona-Alcudia-Ciutadella route.
The catamaran can carry up to 1,200 passengers and 425 vehicles, increasing Baleària’s passenger capacity on the route by 50 per cent and doubling its vehicle capacity. It will also produce almost 13,000 tonnes less carbon dioxide emissions per year than the fast ferry which previously operated on the route.
"More than 20 years ago we arrived in Barcelona with the aim of providing a high-speed connection between the city and Mallorca and Menorca,” said Adolfo Utor, president of Baleària. “Now, with this innovative fast ferry we are increasing our competitiveness, as we can transport more passengers, in greater comfort and with more services, all year round and with much lower atmospheric emissions thanks to our commitment to cleaner fuels.”
Margarita Salas’s four dual gas engines allow it to sail using a range of fuels, including LNG. They will allow the ferry to reach a cruising speed of 35 knots, 10 per cent faster than the first ship in the series. The ship is also equipped with two liquefied natural gas tanks, enabling it to sail up to 400 miles on gas and to a total range of 1,000 miles.
Other technical features include a stabilisation system to reduce movement, as well as an elastically floating superstructure and insulation intended to reduce vibrations and noise. The ship is equipped with an onshore power supply system to connect it to shore-based electricity supply while in port, along with measuring equipment to monitor real fuel consumption and calculate engine efficiency, which allows crew to adjust speed and course for efficient and comfortable sailing.
The ferry has two passenger decks, with three classes of accommodation. Passengers can visit a large outdoor terrace and use services such as a café, shop, children’s area with interactive digital games, internet access and free instant messaging cover. Online boarding cards with seat assignments will be available, along with a free digital entertainment platform and a climate-controlled pet area with video surveillance.
“This innovative fleet allows us to use the fuel that is currently available and reduces emissions, while at the same time placing us in a leading position in terms of the goal of decarbonisation by 2050,” said Utor.
International partners including Wärstilä, Incat Crowther, Bureau Veritas and Marintek-Sintef were involved in the construction of the ship, alongside Spanish companies Cotenaval, Oliver Design and Jorge Belloch. Baleària received funding for the project from CaixaBank and European Union Next Generation Funds, as part of the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Mechanism. In total, Baleària invested €126 million ($137 million) in the vessel.
Margarita Salas will provide sailings between Barelona, Alcudia and Ciutadella seven days a week, three of which will call first at Ciutadella and four of which will begin at Alcudia. Each trip will last three and a half hours.