
Balearia Unveils First Fully Electric Ferry Route Connecting Spain and Morocco
Spanish ferry operator Balearia is set to launch the first fully electric ferry service on the route between Tarifa, Spain, and Tangier Ville, Morocco. Over the next two years, two 87-meter electric catamarans will be built at the Armon shipyard in Gijon, designed to accommodate up to 800 passengers and 225 vehicles.
These ferries will operate with a maximum speed of 26 knots, powered by 16 MW of electric propulsion derived from an impressive 11,500 kWh battery capacity, allowing for emissions-free transport over the 29-kilometer (18-mile) journey. Though primarily electric, the ferries will retain diesel engines as a backup for emergencies.
The Algeciras Bay Port Authority awarded Balearia a 15-year concession for this route, emphasizing sustainable practices in its selection process. The ferries will utilize autonomous robotic arms to recharge in just 40 minutes during scheduled one-hour stopovers at both ports. The charging infrastructure will feature a 5 MW battery capacity in Tarifa and 8 MW in Tangier.
A significant investment of EUR 62 million will ensure the installation of onshore power systems at both ports, along with upgrades to Tarifa’s access routes. The cumulative energy storage from all batteries will be equivalent to that of 765 electric vehicles, totaling around 39 MWh.
This initiative, backed by both private and public investments, is projected to service approximately 4 million passengers annually. The project has garnered praise from government officials for its sustainable approach and potential to stimulate economic growth and job creation along the route.
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