Armon Shipyards commenced sea trials for the Mercedes Pinto in Gijón on April 22, marking the final testing phase for the third dual-fuel natural gas catamaran in the Baleària fleet.
The shipping company confirmed it expects to receive the vessel in May and intends to deploy it on routes within the Canary Islands, pending the ratification of its acquisition of Armas Trasmediterránea assets.
Testing scheduled over the coming days will validate the ship's speed, maneuverability, and engine performance while operating on both natural gas and diesel. These trials also serve to verify the stability of the vessel alongside its safety, propulsion, and navigation systems before it enters official service.
The catamaran has the capacity to transport 1,200 passengers and 425 vehicles across its decks, which include various cafes and lounge seating areas.
Baleària stated the Mercedes Pinto is focused on maintaining the comfort levels of its sister ships, Eleanor Roosevelt and Margarita Salas, by including children's areas and pet-friendly accommodations.
The company remarked that the name of the vessel pays tribute to the 20th-century writer and poet Mercedes Pinto, who was born in Tenerife and achieved international recognition as an advocate for civil rights.
