# Baleària floats out first electric fast ferry for Spain–Morocco route

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/balearia-floats-out-first-electric-fast-ferry-for-spain-morocco-route/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** Helena Pierce
- **Published:** 2026-10-28T04:00:00+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-10-27T10:44:19+00:00
- **Section:** Shipping / Passenger & Cruise
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** Armón Shipyards, Baleària, Electric Ferry, Fast Ferries, Green Shipping, Maritime Electrification, Morocco, Shipbuilding, Spain, Tangier, Tarifa

Baleària has floated out the first of two fully electric fast ferries under construction at Armón Shipyards in Gijón, Spain, marking a significant milestone in a project to establish an electric maritime connection between Europe and Africa.

The vessel is scheduled to begin operating between Tarifa, Spain, and Tangier, Morocco, in summer 2027, while a second catamaran currently under construction is expected to join the fleet after the summer. The two vessels will form part of a planned green maritime corridor supported by electric propulsion and dedicated port infrastructure.

The project, which includes the construction of both ferries and the electrification of the ports of Tarifa and Tangier City, represents an investment exceeding €200 million, according to Baleària.

## Electric propulsion and new port infrastructure

The first catamaran measures 87 metres in length and features an aluminium structure designed to combine reduced weight with strength and operational performance. It incorporates a battery system with 14 MWh of energy storage capacity, forming the basis of its fully electric propulsion arrangement.

Baleària intends to operate the two vessels using exclusively electric power, eliminating direct exhaust emissions during operation while reducing noise and vibrations associated with conventional propulsion systems.

The development also requires new electrical infrastructure at both ends of the route. The planned port electrification works are an integral part of the investment, allowing the ferries to operate within a dedicated electric maritime transport system.

Baleària Chairman Adolfo Utor described the float-out as an important step toward introducing the company’s planned electric connection between Europe and Africa in 2027.

The company sees the project as part of its wider strategy to reduce emissions from maritime transport through alternative propulsion technologies and investment in supporting infrastructure.

## Construction advances at Armón Shipyards

The vessel is the fifth built by Armón for Baleària, continuing the relationship between the Spanish ferry operator and the shipbuilder.

Both electric catamarans are being constructed simultaneously in the same dry dock at the Gijón facility. The construction arrangement accommodates one complete vessel alongside part of the second, creating additional complexity during the float-out operation.

The milestone involved gradually flooding the dry dock until the first vessel became afloat. During the process, the assembled structure of the second catamaran also floated, although it remained in its construction position.

Following the operation, the dock will be drained again to allow construction of the second vessel to continue in dry conditions.

Armón estimates that work on the two catamarans generates more than 300 direct jobs each day at its facilities, depending on the stage of construction.

## Outfitting and sea trials ahead

With the first ferry now afloat, construction will move into the next phase, including interior outfitting and the gradual commissioning of auxiliary systems.

The vessel will subsequently undergo sea trials to assess its operational reliability and safety before final delivery.

The second catamaran remains under construction and is expected to follow the first vessel into service after summer 2027.

The Tarifa–Tangier project combines vessel electrification with investment in shore-side energy infrastructure, representing a coordinated approach to introducing fully electric ferry operations on an international maritime route.

---
Cite as: "Baleària floats out first electric fast ferry for Spain–Morocco route", pelavox., 28 October 2026, https://pelavox.com/balearia-floats-out-first-electric-fast-ferry-for-spain-morocco-route/