Baleària presents the 'Cap de Barbaria', the first electric ferry in Spain, in Eivissa
Spain's first electric ferry, Baleària's Cap de Barbaria, which has been sailing between Eivissa and Formentera since mid-May, was presented on 1 June in Eivissa at an event attended by nearly 300 people from the shipping company's stakeholders. Representatives of institutions and the maritime sector, travel agencies, cargo customers and suppliers, among others, were able to sail on this electric vessel which, on approaches, manoeuvres and stays in ports, completely eliminates noise pollution and sails with zero emissions, which is a substantial improvement for air quality and the well-being of citizens.
"The Cap de Barbaria is a ship that means a lot to Baleària. We have put all our enthusiasm, knowledge and experience into the first electric ferry in Spain, which allows us to follow the course that has been guiding us for years: to provide the best service to our customers in the most sustainable way," said Adolfo Utor, president of Baleària, who pointed out that the crossing of the event was zero emissions. Utor also stressed how proud he is that this new ship is sailing on one of the routes that saw the birth of the shipping company in 1998: "We have been guaranteeing connectivity for the residents of the Pitiusas and ensuring the supply of goods to Formentera for 25 years; we are committed to these islands and their inhabitants, but also to their environment".
The presentation of the ship was attended by the godmother of the ferry, Formentera athlete Andrea Romero, who congratulated the shipping company for the launch of the Cap de Barbaria: "It will be a before and after for our beautiful waters, our fauna and flora, our marine ecosystem, the beloved Posidonia, and our islands". Romero also expressed his gratitude for being able to form part of this project: "Sport and Baleària have taught me that, through values such as struggle, enthusiasm and effort, great challenges and goals can be achieved".
Utor also highlighted the ship's acoustics as part of the experience: "The Cap de Barbaria makes it possible to reduce engine noise completely in port and considerably when sailing, providing greater well-being for passengers and citizens, as well as for marine fauna". All the attendees were able to verify this total absence of noise, as the event took place during a crossing in the waters of the Pitiusas. On arrival at the ship, the guests were welcomed by a group of sonadors, and after the speeches they were able to enjoy a performance by the Ibizan group Joven Dolores. The cocktail served on board has had typical products of the Pitiusas. The boat will be presented tomorrow in Formentera.
AN ESSENTIAL ELECTRIC FERRY FOR FORMENTERA
The Cap de Barbaria ferry is 82 metres long and 15.5 metres wide, and sails at up to 14 knots. It has an OPS shore connection, an energy storage system with 12-hour autonomy in port and intelligent management of the ship's electrical plant that optimises its use at all times and improves its efficiency. In addition, the ship is prepared to install a hydrogen system that will allow Baleària to use it as a test laboratory for the use of green hydrogen on a small scale.
The Cap de Barbaria is double-ended to speed up the loading and unloading operations of the up to 14 lorries that it can hold in its hold. In addition, the design of the ferry has been taken into account that can ensure its operation in all weather conditions to ensure the supply of essential products to Formentera.
SERVICES ON BOARD
In the design of the Cap de Barbaria, outdoor spaces have been prioritised to emphasise the pleasure of travelling between Eivissa and Formentera, enjoying the natural environment during the crossing. With capacity for 390 passengers, the upper deck has a chill-out area equipped with designer sofas and hammocks and protected from the sun by tents, with a large bar in the centre. Music sessions with DJs and a cocktail service are scheduled in this area on specific days. On the main passenger deck there are also more sheltered outdoor seating areas, and there is a lift between the passenger and garage areas, for the convenience of passengers.
Presentation video - here
