The vessel performed docking trials in all three ports last week, coinciding in Almeria with very heavy rain - which is most unusual.

The vessel was presented to Melilla on the 19th, in a ceremony held aboard the NISSOS CHIOS by Balearia together with their President, Mr Adolfo Utor, the President of the Melilla Port Authority Miguel Martín and the President of Melilla, Mr Juan Jose Imbroda and over 100 other dignatories. Mr Utor stated that the company's aim is to become the Line of reference for the "Melillenses". "Balearia is different to the others, with shorter crossing times, sailing schedules that allow intermodal connections and excellent services aboard", he added. Indeed, Balearia schedules to and from Melilla are 2 hours shorter than those advertised by Trasmediterranea, the Public contract operator on these routes, but only slightly shorter than those offered by Armas from Motril, halfway between Malaga and Almeria.

Mr Utor also made reference to the NISSOS CHIOS, which he said has the "Guarantees, comfort and security of a ferry, but the advantages of speed of a fast ferry". So, its 28-knot cruising speed allows four-hour crossings to/from Almeria, and five-hour crossings to/from Malaga. The vessel, built in 2007, has a capacity for 1,400 passengers and over 400 cars.

The posted sailing schedules indicate that sailings to Malaga will be at 13.00 (07.00 on Wednesdays) with no sailing on Saturdays, with the return sailings from Malaga being at 19.00.Sailings to Almeria will sail at 01.35,with return sailings from Almeria departing at 07.30 (13.30 on Saturdays) with no sailing on Wednesdays. The tariffs for residents of Melilla - which attract a heavy Government subsidy - are as low as €17.5 for passengers and €57 for cars.

What is not clear at the moment is which ferry will replace the NISSOS CHIOS in March, when according to comments made by the Company, this vessel will be required on other routes. She is also scheduled to be returned to her owners in October - although Balearia may be considering an offer for the vessel, which received the highest rating from its passengers in a summer survey.

© Shippax / Mike Barker