Spanish ferry operator Baleària is investing more than €200 million in the two vessels and the electrification of the ports at both ends of the route. The project is designed to establish the first fully electric maritime corridor between Europe and Africa.
The second vessel is still under construction and is expected to join the fleet after summer 2027, according to the company.
Two electric catamarans for the Strait of Gibraltar
Each vessel will measure 87 meters in length and use battery-powered electric propulsion to complete the 18-nautical-mile crossing between Tarifa and Tangier Ville. The ferries are designed to carry up to 804 passengers and 225 cars, with a maximum speed of 26 knots.
Baleària says the vessels will complete the crossing without direct emissions from their propulsion systems, while also reducing the noise and vibrations associated with conventional engines. Each ship will also have diesel-powered generators for use in emergencies or other contingencies.
The project includes new charging infrastructure at the ports of Tarifa and Tangier Ville. Shore-side power connections and port battery systems will allow the vessels to recharge during their scheduled one-hour stops. Baleària says a full recharge can be completed in around 40 minutes.
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More than €200 million in investment
The investment covers construction of the two catamarans and the electrical infrastructure required at both ports. The project was awarded to Baleària under a 15-year concession to operate the Tarifa-Tangier Ville route, following a tender by the Port Authority of the Bay of Algeciras.
The vessels are being built in parallel at the Armón shipyard. Following the float-out, the first ferry will undergo further fitting-out work and technical checks before sea trials and final certification.
The company expects the new service to begin in summer 2027, with the second ferry joining later in the year. Once operational, the route will offer a battery-electric crossing between northern Morocco and southern Spain.
