The ‘Mercedes Pinto’, the third 123m dual-fuel ro-pax 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 achieved a top speed of 38 knots, 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 ro-pax ferries for Baleària. 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.
Mercedes Pinto is powered by four dual-fuel Wartsila 16V31 DF 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 features energy efficiency systems, smart sensors, integrated emissions monitoring equipment, and enhanced real-time navigation systems, reinforcing Baleria’s commitment to sustainability and fleet digitalisation.
Baleària Fleet Technical Director Juan Pablo Molina said: “The successful completion of sea trials for Mercedes Pinto is a landmark moment for 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.”
Incat Crowther Technical Manager Dan Mace added: “The successful sea trials of the third 123m dual-fuel ro-pax fast ferry Incat Crowther has designed for Baleària underscores the team’s capabilities. 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.”
Image: ‘Mercedes Pinto’ on sea trials (source: Incat Crowther)
