Spanish shipbuilder Armon Gijon has launched Balearia’s third LNG dual-fuel fast ferry, Mercedes Pinto.
Armon Gijon floated out the new ferry on September 19, according to a statement by Balearia.
The shipping firm said it has invested 128 million euros ($150.8 million) in the construction of the LNG-powered ferry.
Balearia expects the new ferry to start operations next summer.
Capable of transporting 1,200 passengers and 400 vehicles, the 123-meter-long ferry is a twin vessel of Eleanor Roosevelt and Margarita Salas, also built by Armon Gijon.
Last year, Balearia took delivery of this high-speed aluminium structure catamaran Ro-Pax ferry, Margarita Salas, from Astilleros Armon Gijon yard in Spain.
The vessel operates with four Wartsila 31DF dual-fuel engines, four WXJ hydraulic waterjets, and features two Wartsila LNGPac fuel storage and supply systems.
Its sister ship, Eleanor Roosevelt, was delivered earlier with the same Wartsila scope.
Balaria owns 11 LNG-powered ferries, including converted vessels.
In December 2023, the firm purchased the LNG dual-fuel ferry, Rusadir.