The Margarita Salas of Baleària has carried out the first sea tests, which are part of the final phase of the construction of the fast ferry, which the shipping company expects to receive at the end of June. It is the second fast ferry with dual natural gas engines in the world that is being built at the Armón shipyard in Gijón.
The high-speed ferry Margarita Salas will connect Mallorca , Menorca and Barcelona daily and throughout the year . This investment of 126 million euros, stands out for its sustainability when sailing on natural gas and also for the comfort and features on board.
The Margarita Salas has capacity for 1,200 passengers and 450 vehicles, just like its twin Eleanor Roosevelt , but it adds a second passenger deck with a lounge of seats, so that it gains spaciousness in the interior spaces. In addition, the aft terrace is larger and a more comfortable model of seats is included in the VIP lounge. The interior design and digital services are focused on guaranteeing a unique onboard experience. Passengers will be able to travel in different accommodations and enjoy services such as a cafeteria, shop, children’s area with interactive games, internet access and free instant messaging coverage throughout the journey, digital boarding pass with seat assignment, free entertainment platform or Acclimatised pet area with video surveillance.
A second gas fast ferry with greater power
Inspired by the sustainability and innovation of her counterpart Eleanor Roosevelt , the Margarita Salas has the same dimensions (123 meters long and 28 meters wide) and increases power by 10% thanks to the four dual natural gas engines of 9,600 kW. Like its predecessor, it has two azimuthal propellers to improve manoeuvrability when docking, a stabilisation system that reduces movement and improves comfort, and technological innovations to minimise vibrations and noise.
In addition, it has the OPS (Onshore Power Supply) system for electrical connection to ground during stays in port and measurement equipment to monitor real fuel consumption or calculate engine efficiency, among other functionalities. The ship has two natural gas tanks, which provide a range of approximately 470 miles sailing on gas, and a total range of 1,000 miles.
