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The 'Mercedes Pinto' Revolutionises Maritime Connection Between Islands with €128 Million Investment

Baleària Canarias launches the 'Mercedes Pinto', a €128 million fast ferry connecting Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Fuerteventura with natural gas engines.

Naia ValverdeNaia Valverde· · 3 min read

Baleària Canarias has put into service the 'Mercedes Pinto', a state-of-the-art fast ferry that connects Las Palmas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Morro Jable daily. The vessel, measuring 123 metres in length and capable of carrying 1,200 passengers, represents an investment of €128 million.

The fast ferry 'Mercedes Pinto' is now sailing the waters of the Canary archipelago. The shipping company Baleària Canarias has incorporated this state-of-the-art vessel to improve inter-island mobility, offering a faster and more environmentally friendly alternative. The ship, which has involved an investment of €128 million, connects Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Morro Jable (Fuerteventura) on a daily basis.

An Eco-Friendly and Fast Vessel

The 'Mercedes Pinto' is equipped with dual engines designed to operate on natural gas and biogas, less polluting fuels. This technology positions Baleària as a pioneer in the application of clean energies in maritime transport. With a speed of 35 knots, the ferry combines speed and efficiency to reduce travel times between islands.

The vessel boasts 123 metres in length and can accommodate 1,200 passengers and 425 vehicles. Its design prioritises comfort, featuring spacious and bright areas that include reclining seats, a café, a shop, and free wifi. Passengers can also access the Smart B digital content platform, which offers onboard entertainment.

Services Designed for Passengers

The 'Mercedes Pinto' features a VIP lounge at the bow, with more comfortable seating, an exclusive café, and panoramic windows. Additionally, it has an outdoor terrace, a children's area, and designated pet spaces equipped with a video surveillance system that allows owners to check on their animals from their mobile devices.

For groups, the ship offers four Exclusive lounges with capacity for six or eight people, which include seating, a sofa with a central table, smart TV, minibar, and private bathroom. This option includes internet connection, access to catering, and preferential boarding and disembarking. The vessel also features an elevator, escalators, and a stabilisation system to enhance comfort during navigation.

Commitment to Employment in the Canaries

Baleària Canarias has strengthened its workforce with the addition of nearly one hundred professionals in its delegations and ships across the archipelago. The company is also conducting further recruitment processes to continue strengthening its teams and consolidating its quality and safety standards. This commitment to local employment coincides with the improvement of inter-island connections and those with the mainland.

Tribute to a Pioneering Canarian

The name of the vessel pays tribute to Mercedes Pinto, a writer, poet, and educator born in San Cristóbal de La Laguna. A prominent figure of the 20th century and a pioneering voice in the defence of civil rights, the shipping company thus maintains its tradition of linking part of its fleet to female figures in the cultural and scientific fields. For Canary residents, this ferry represents a leap in quality and sustainability for their daily commutes.

Naia Valverde

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Naia Valverde

Redactora

Periodismo por la Rey Juan Carlos y el móvil siempre a punto de sonar. Duerme con el escáner encendido, desconfía del hombre del tiempo y madruga sin quejarse (mucho); cubre sucesos, sanidad y lo que preocupa al barrio.