Summary
- Baleària is creating the first green corridor between Spain and Morocco with two 100% electric, zero-emission fast boats
- The twin ships will connect Tangier, Morocco, and Tarifa, Spain, with 16 MW of power and 11,500 kWh capacity
- The boats will have a capacity for 804 passengers and 225 cars, with a maximum speed of 26 knots
- The batteries will be recharged during the 1-hour layover at each port, with a full recharge taking 40 minutes
- The project is a public-private collaboration involving companies like Cotenaval, Endesa, and Incat Crowther to promote sustainability and decarbonisation of transport.
Article
Baleària, a Spanish ferry operator, has unveiled plans to launch the first green corridor between Spain and Morocco, utilizing two 100% electric, zero-emission fast boats. These twin ships will connect Tangier, Morocco, and Tarifa, Spain, providing a sustainable route between Europe and Africa. The construction of these catamarans with four battery-powered electric propulsion units generating 16 MW of power each will be carried out over the next two and a half years in the Armon shipyard in Gijón. With a capacity for 804 passengers and 225 cars, these ships will have a maximum speed of 26 knots and an 11,500 kWh battery capacity to travel the entire 18 miles emission-free.
To sustain the electric propulsion, the fast ferries will need to be fully recharged during the one-hour layover at each port. A total of 8 MWh of batteries will be added to the shore power supply in both Tarifa and Tangier to achieve this. Baleària’s President, Adolfo Utor, highlighted the significance of this project in enabling the operation of the entire route with only electric energy and zero emissions for the first time ever. The innovative system allows for quick recharging of the batteries needed for the journey in just 40 minutes during the stopover, ensuring a seamless and environmentally friendly transportation solution between Spain and Morocco.
The Algeciras Bay Port Authority has granted Baleària a 15-year contract to oversee the Tarifa-Tangier Ville line, emphasizing technical and environmental requirements for the first intercontinental green route. With decarbonized voyages meeting 2050 objectives from 2027, the electric propulsion system not only eliminates emissions but also noise and vibrations. Utor emphasized the involvement of Spanish companies, a shipyard, and a financier along with renowned international firms in engineering and energy, such as Cotenaval, Endesa, Amendis, and Incat Crowther, making this project a collaborative effort.
The creation of a green corridor connecting Spain and Morocco with electric fast ferries is viewed as a significant link uniting the two countries with shared history and economic ties by Baleària’s president. The company aims to leverage this route to attract talent, foster development opportunities, and stimulate the local economy and employment. The Spanish Secretary of State for Transport and Sustainable Mobility, José Antonio Santano, commended the efforts of Baleària in promoting decarbonization and sustainability in transport as a key priority of the Ministry.
Andalusia’s Minister of Tourism and External Affairs expressed satisfaction in the region being at the forefront of sustainability with the pioneering connection facilitated by the world’s first electric fast ferries. The collaboration between the port administration and Baleària is expected to handle four million passengers, offering emissions-free travel and setting an example for sustainable transportation. The project represents a significant step forward in the transition towards cleaner and greener transport solutions, with a focus on innovation and environmental responsibility in the maritime industry.
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