VIDEO: Baleària’s Mercedes Pinto reaches 38 knots on trials

Mercedes Pinto, the third 123-meter dual-fuel RoPax fast ferry designed by Incat Crowther for Spanish operator Baleària. [Photo: Incat Crowther]

Mercedes Pinto, the third 123-meter dual-fuel RoPax fast ferry designed by Incat Crowther for Spanish operator Baleària, has been tested successfully on sea trials. Built by Astilleros Armon in Gijon, Spain, the vessel put the “fast” into fast ferry by achieving a top speed of 38 knots during trials, with all propulsion and onboard systems performing consistently and in line with design specifications.

Mercedes Pinto is expected to operate in the Canary Islands, consolidating a commitment from Baleària to improve connectivity in the archipelago.

The new vessel joins a growing fleet of Incat Crowther-designed Baleària RoPax ferries. The first two vessels, Eleanor Roosevelt and Margarita Salas, also constructed by Astilleros Armon, have been in operation connecting the Spanish mainland with the Balearic Islands. Margarita Salas has been servicing Baleària’s busy route between Barcelona and the islands of Mallorca and Menorca since 2024, while Eleanor Roosevelt has been in service since 2021, operating between Denia, Ibiza and Mallorca. Incat Crowther is also designing two all-electric Ro-Pax fast ferries for Baleària that will connect Europe with Africa – with construction currently underway at Astilleros Armon.

Capable of transporting 1,200 passengers and 425 vehicles, Mercedes Pinto features an iterative design built upon the proven and successful platforms of its sister vessels. The vessel incorporates a range of design enhancements developed in collaboration with Baleària, including a redesigned atrium between the main and upper passenger decks, a larger aft terrace with outdoor bar service, an additional passenger deck featuring a spacious bow lounge, improved seating throughout the VIP lounge, and an elongated crew area behind the wheelhouse. A dedicated children’s area, multiple cafeterias, and digital enhancements – including onboard entertainment and a pet surveillance system – further elevate the passenger experience.

Like other vessels in the fleet, Mercedes Pinto is powered by four Wärtsilä 16V31 DFdual-fuel natural gas engines and is future-proofed for a low and zero-emissions future, with the capability to operate on 100% biomethane or green hydrogen blends of up to 25%. The vessel also features energy efficiency systems, smart sensors, integrated emissions monitoring equipment, and enhanced real-time navigation systems, reinforcing Baleria’s commitment to sustainability and fleet digitalization.

“The successful completion of sea trials for Mercedes Pinto is a landmark moment for Baleària,” said Juan Pablo Molina, fleet technical director at Baleària. “The vessel met our expectations during sea trials and we’re looking forward to Mercedes Pinto soon entering service. Proudly built in Europe by Astilleros Armon, Mercedes Pinto is testament to Baleària’s commitment to operating a fleet of locally built, cutting-edge, sustainable and technologically advanced vessels that deliver a world-class customer experience for our guests.”

“The successful sea trials of the third 123-meter dual-fuel RoPax fast ferry Incat Crowther has designed for Baleària underscores the team’s capabilities,” said Dan Mace, technical director at Incat. “Baleària, Incat Crowther and Astilleros Armon have delivered a complex, yet high quality and high performing vessel. The well thought-out systems using high content from the European supply chain and modern interior spaces will allow Mercedes Pinto to offer reliability and an exceptional level of passenger comfort during operation.”

• Technical particulars HERE