Spanish ferry operator Baleària's third dual-fuel ro-pax fast ferry has completed sea trials, achieving a top speed of 38 knots, according to designer Incat Crowther.

The 123-metre Mercedes Pinto, built by Astilleros Armon in Gijón, Spain, is expected to operate in the Canary Islands. All propulsion and onboard systems performed in line with design specifications during the trials, Incat Crowther said.

The vessel joins two sister ships already in service. Eleanor Roosevelt has been operating between Dénia, Ibiza and Mallorca since 2021, while Margarita Salas has been servicing the route between Barcelona and the islands of Mallorca and Menorca since 2024.

Mercedes Pinto can transport 1,200 passengers and 425 vehicles. The vessel features design enhancements including a redesigned atrium between the main and upper passenger decks, a larger aft terrace with outdoor bar service, and an additional passenger deck with a bow lounge. Other features include improved VIP lounge seating, an elongated crew area behind the wheelhouse, a children's area, multiple cafeterias, and digital systems including onboard entertainment and a pet surveillance system.

The ferry is powered by dual-fuel natural gas engines and is designed to operate on 100% biomethane or green hydrogen blends of up to 25%. The vessel also features energy efficiency systems, smart sensors, integrated emissions monitoring equipment and enhanced real-time navigation systems.

Juan Pablo Molina, Baleària Fleet Technical Director, commented: "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."

Dan Mace, Incat Crowther's Technical Manager, said: "The successful sea trials of the third 123-metre dual-fuel ro-pax fast ferry Incat Crowther has designed for Baleària underscores the team's capabilities."

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.