Baleària presents the Eleanor Roosevelt fast ferry in Palma, a symbol of its commitment to eco-efficiency and innovation

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Baleària's pioneering Eleanor Roosevelt fast ferry was officially presented at the port of Palma at midday today. Around 150 representatives of the ferry operator's various stakeholder groups in Mallorca had the opportunity to visit the world's first fast ferry with dual-fuel natural gas engines. Since 1 May, this sustainable and innovative catamaran has connected the island with Ibiza and Dénia.

The event was hosted by Baleària's chairman, Adolfo Utor, who was joined by Francesc Antich, president of the Balearic Islands Port Authority; Josep Marí, the Balearic Government's Minister for Mobility and Housing; Catalina Cladera, president of the Mallorca Island Council; and José Hila, mayor of Palma, among other authorities and representatives of institutions and Mallorcan society. The event, which was held in accordance with the recommended safety measures, included group visits to the ferry operator's new vessel.  

“The Eleanor Roosevelt is the finest synthesis of universality, modernity and commitment to the region, and the clearest evidence that we are a company with a green heart and a sustainable spirit,” said Baleària chairman Adolfo Utor. Utor emphasised the company's commitment to and involvement with the Balearic Islands: “As a maritime logistics and mobility company, not a single day has gone by when we have not been present at the port to facilitate the movement of people and the supply of goods and freight.” He concluded by stating that Baleària's strength lies in efficiency and competitiveness, through a strategy focused on customers and sustainability, while maintaining its commitment to the regions it serves and their people.

Francesc Antich, president of the Balearic Islands Port Authority, who exchanged a commemorative plaque with the captain of the new vessel, said: “The energy transformation of our ports is a major challenge that the APB is addressing in the knowledge that it cannot do so alone, as it requires the cooperation of all port operators. Baleària's initiative and its commitment to the environment fit perfectly with our strategy of making our ports benchmarks for sustainability and technological innovation.”

“It is an honour to attend today's presentation of the world's first fast ferry powered by natural gas. It places maritime transport in the Balearic Islands at the forefront of sustainable mobility, while also improving connectivity for our citizens,” said Josep Marí, the Balearic Government's Minister for Mobility and Housing. “We thank Baleària for helping to advance the transition towards this new mobility model, which the Government is also promoting to reduce emissions and minimise the environmental impact of transport,” he concluded.

“This is the path and the goal towards which all of us — public institutions, companies and citizens — must work together decisively: fewer emissions, more sustainable energy and more green technology applied to strategic sectors such as maritime transport, which is so important to Mallorca,” said Catalina Cladera, president of the Mallorca Island Council, who highlighted “Baleària's commitment to innovation and sustainability”.  

José Hila, mayor of Palma, said: “Talking about sustainability is always good news.” “Sustainability can no longer be a secondary consideration: it must be a general principle underpinning all action by public authorities, companies and individuals. Baleària's introduction of this natural gas-powered fast ferry, operating routes throughout the year, will significantly reduce atmospheric CO2 emissions and noise,” he concluded.

Following the presentation in Mallorca, the Eleanor Roosevelt fast ferry departs at 3.30 p.m. for Ibiza, where an event will be held at 6.30 p.m. Attendees will include Josep Marí, the Balearic Government's Minister for Mobility and Housing; Rafa Ruiz, mayor of Ibiza; and Vicent Marí, president of the Ibiza Island Council, among others.

Baleària has invested €90 million in this fast ferry, which can carry 1,200 passengers and 450 cars. Its facilities include cafés and a children's area, a free digital entertainment platform, pet video surveillance and internet access, among other services. It also features high-tech innovations designed to provide a comfortable crossing and spacious, bright interiors. The Eleanor Roosevelt is the seventh Baleària vessel to use natural gas, a fuel that reduces pollutant emissions. These emissions are monitored through measurement equipment and sensors installed on board as part of a project co-financed by the European Commission's CEF funds.

The Eleanor Roosevelt, a pioneer in global maritime transport, was built at the Armon shipyard in Gijón with the participation of leading partners in their respective fields, both international (Wärstilä, Incat Crowther, Bureau Veritas and Marintek-Sintef) and Spanish (Cotenaval, Oliver Design and Jorge Belloch), and was financed by CaixaBank.