The president of Baleària, Adolfo Utor, emphasised the fact that this second unit improves on the pioneering ELEANOR ROOSEVELT in terms of technology and comfort. "We already had an excellent ship in terms of navigability, comfort and passenger satisfaction, and we cannot help feeling proud of having taken another step forward with the MARGARITA SALAS, which is sure to achieve even better results." Utor also remarked on the figure of the scientist Margarita Salas, whose name the ship bears: "We are adding to our fleet yet another ship that pays tribute to a pioneering woman in science, in this case an exceptional person and a leading figure in her field, molecular biology."

In terms of sustainability, the president of Baleària pointed out that the new catamaran is the eleventh in a fleet of ships equipped with the company's dual gas engines: "These ships are currently fuelled by natural gas, but in the future, they will be able to consume renewable C02-neutral energies. Our investment of more than EUR 500m in this fleet allows us to use the best fuel available today, which cuts emissions even further, and sets us up for decarbonisation in the future."  Indeed, the sister ship of the MARGARITA SALAS, the fast ferry ELEANOR ROOSEVELT, has emitted 11,000 tonnes of CO2 less this year thanks to running on natural gas.

Laudelino Alperi, co-president of the Armon Shipyard Group, emphasised the "significant milestone represented by the launching of this spectacular vessel, which was an exciting challenge." Alperi also underlined his satisfaction at consolidating and strengthening the business relationship with the shipping line: "We feel very privileged that a leading company in the sector like Balearia has entrusted us, once again, with a project of this magnitude."

In addition, he pointed out that this new vessel "is another step towards excellence in shipbuilding in Spain, where aluminium is the key ingredient. This material offers advantages such as being lighter in weight which, as a result, reduces fuel consumption and helps to lower the ship's carbon footprint."  Alperi also added that it is a highly recyclable material, which facilitates its reuse at the end of the vessel's useful life.

The new vessel has the same dimensions as the ELEANOR ROOSEVELT (123 metres long and 28 metres wide) but has 10% more power thanks to the four dual 9,600 kW natural gas engines. Like its predecessor, it is equipped with two azimuthal propellers to improve manoeuvrability when berthing, a stabilisation system that reduces movement and improves passenger comfort, and innovations that minimise vibrations and noise. It also has an OPS (Onshore Power Supply) system to connect it to the shore-based electricity supply during its stays in port and measuring equipment to monitor real fuel consumption and calculate engine efficiency, among other functions. The ship has two liquefied natural gas tanks, which give it a range of 470 miles on gas, and an overall range of 1,000 miles.

The MARGARITA SALAS, meanwhile, maintains the same passenger and vehicle capacity (1,200 and 400, respectively) as its predecessor, but adds a second passenger deck with a seating lounge, thereby increasing the spaciousness of the interior areas. In addition, the aft sundeck will be larger, and a more comfortable seating model will be introduced to the VIP lounge. The interior design and digitised services are focused on ensuring a unique on-board experience. Passengers will be able to travel in different accommodation types, and will enjoy services including a cafeteria, shop, children's area with interactive digital games, internet access and free WhatsApp cover throughout the crossing, WhatsApp boarding card with seat assignment, a free digital entertainment platform and a climate-controlled pet area with video surveillance.

The ship has been part-financed by EU Next Generation Funds under the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism (RRM).   

© Shippax

© Balearia