Baleària to launch first 100% electric fast ferry for Tarifa-Tangier route

Baleària is set to launch the first of two 100% electric fast ferries on October 23. The 87-meter catamaran is currently under construction at Astilleros Armón in Gijón and is designed to serve the maritime route between Tarifa, Spain, and Tangier, Morocco.

The project, which involves an investment exceeding 200 million euros, aims to establish a green corridor between Europe and Africa. In addition to the construction of the two twin vessels, the initiative includes the electrification of the ports in both Tarifa and Tangier City. The vessels will utilize advanced battery technology and Onshore Power Supply (OPS) systems to complete the approximately 18-nautical-mile crossing with zero emissions during navigation.

The first vessel is expected to enter service in the summer of 2027, with the second twin catamaran scheduled to follow by the end of that year. Construction is currently progressing through the aluminum structure phase, with upcoming work including hull painting, electrical installations, and the mounting of energy storage batteries.