The shipping company Baleària Canarias has put into service the fast ferry Mercedes Pinto, a state-of-the-art vessel that links Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Morro Jable daily. The ship, with an investment of €128 million, reduces travel times and focuses on sustainability.
The Mercedes Pinto, the new fast ferry from Baleària Canarias, is already navigating the waters of the archipelago with a clear mission: to make daily life easier for those moving between islands. The shipping company has invested €128 million in this state-of-the-art vessel, which has been connecting Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Morro Jable in Fuerteventura daily since its incorporation into the fleet. It is not just another ship: with its 123 meters in length, capacity for 1,200 passengers and 425 vehicles, and a cruising speed of 35 knots, it promises to significantly reduce crossing times.
Eco-efficiency at full speed
The Mercedes Pinto is not only fast; it also aims to be cleaner. Equipped with dual engines designed to run on natural gas and biogas, the company claims it is a firm step towards the decarbonisation of inter-island maritime transport. According to sources from Baleària Canarias, this system allows for a significant reduction in carbon footprint, something that the residents of the archipelago will notice in the air they breathe and, perhaps, in their wallets if efficiency translates into more competitive prices. The shipping company thus positions itself as a pioneer in the application of these fuels in the sector.
Comfort on board for everyone
The ship has been designed to make the hours of navigation fly by. Passengers have access to cafeteria, shop, free wifi and the Smart B digital content platform, as well as reclining seats. For those seeking an extra touch, the VIP lounge at the bow offers larger seats, exclusive cafeteria and panoramic windows. And take note, because pet owners have a specific area with video surveillance: they can check on their animal's status from their mobile during the crossing. A detail that many Canarians will undoubtedly appreciate.
The ship also features four Exclusive lounges, with capacity for six or eight people, which include seating, a sofa, smart TV, minibar and private bathroom. Additionally, they offer preferential boarding and disembarking. A true luxury for those needing to work or simply disconnect during the journey. The outdoor terrace and children's area complete an offer designed to make ferry travel no longer just a formality but part of the plan.
Employment and historical memory
Baleària Canarias is not only renewing its fleet; it is also strengthening its workforce. The company has incorporated nearly a hundred professionals in its delegations and ships in the archipelago, and maintains open selection processes to continue growing. Good news for local employment, especially in a strategic sector like maritime.
The name of the vessel pays tribute to the writer and educator from Tenerife Mercedes Pinto, born in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a pioneering figure in the defence of civil rights during the 20th century. The shipping company thus maintains its tradition of naming its ships after relevant women from the cultural and scientific world, a symbolic nod that connects the present with the history of the archipelago.
With this new fast ferry, Canarians have a faster, more ecological and comfortable option for moving between islands. Reservations are already open on the Baleària Canarias website, and the Mercedes Pinto is expected to become a regular on inter-island routes, especially during peak season when demand surges.
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