Spanish maritime transportation leader Baleària, has commissioned two 100% electric, zero-emission ro-pax fast ferries be built by Astilleros Armon’s Gijón shipyard, designed by Incat Crowther. Named ESPAÑA 2030 and MAROC 2030, these vessels will establish the first green maritime corridor between Europe and Africa, linking Tarifa (Spain) and Tangier (Morocco) with cutting-edge sustainable technology.
The project comes after Baleària was awarded the tender by the Bay of Algeciras Port Authority to service the route and will see significant investment in onshore charging infrastructure at both ports.
The new project builds on the partnership between Baleària, Astilleros Armon and Incat Crowther that includes the successful delivery of the innovative dual-fuel Ro-Pax ferries Eleanor Roosevelt and Margarita Salas, and a third vessel Mercedes Pinto, that is planned to launch in September 2025.
ESPAÑA 2030 and MAROC 2030,which are expected to commence operation in 2027, will feature an electric power capacity of 16MW thanks to four electric propulsion units powered by 11,500 kWh capacity batteries, enabling full crossings with zero emissions while also eliminating noise and vibrations. The vessels will have the ability to transport up to 804 passengers and 225 vehicles, at a maximum speed of 26 knots.
Charging will be carried out by two innovative autonomous robotic arms installed in each port, which will be connected to the ship via an OPS (Onshore Power System) connection. Each vessel will be capable of recharging the energy needed for the route in just 40 minutes.
In addition to spacious, bright interiors equipped with comfortable seating, the passenger experience is enhanced by a T-foil system that dampens vertical movement. The vessels will be highly manoeuvrable thanks two bow thrusters, four rudders and vision from bridge wing stations. They will also feature two high-capacity stern ramps to optimise operations and manoeuvres in port. Each ship will also have four diesel combustion back-up generators, with a total capacity of 11,200 kW.
President of Baleària, Adolfo Utor said, “This is a pioneering and technologically advanced public-private project that will enable us, for the first time ever, to run the entire route using only electric energy and, therefore, zero emissions. We are taking on the challenge of turning the Tarifa-Tangier Ville line into an example of mobility, modernity and international sustainability.”
