Margarita Salas is ready to start operating in the Mediterranean on short-range domestic routes. It can carry up to 1200 passengers and 400 vehicles. At 123 meters (403.5 feet), it's the longest high-speed ferry in the world, built on the same platform as Eleanor Roosevelt, which first claimed this title for Baleria. But it's not these numbers that make it unique.
At the beginning of this year, Balearia announced that the successful giant catamaran would be modified to become even better. The first one launched back in 2021, was undefeated in terms of length and speed (37 knots/68.5 kph). This second version would be more powerful and more comfortable for passengers.
As a result, the Margarita Salas boasts four dual-fuel engines running on natural gas. It delivers 10% more power than its predecessor while still being able to hit 35 knots. Onboard comfort was upgraded through a state-of-the-art stabilization system that diminishes the unpleasant rolling motion and what the company describes as an "elastic floating superstructure" that reduces vibration and noise by acting as an insulator.
The power upgrade is owed to the advanced drivetrain package from Wartsila, comprised of its 31DF dual-fuel engines, four WXJ steerable-reversible inboard hydraulic waterjets (coupled with a Protouch propulsion control system), and two LNG supply and storage systems.
The 31DF (dual fuel) engine from Wartsila is considered the most powerful in its class (610 kW/cylinder), with a low fuel consumption. Its compatibility with LNG makes it compliant with the IMO (International Maritime Organization) Tier III, which means it can be considered future-proof for maritime transportation.
Knowing that the diesel version of the Wartsila 31 engine made it into the Guinness World Record as the world's most efficient 4-stroke diesel engine is enough to understand the huge potential of this green version.
The Margarita Salas ferry was designed by the famous catamaran expert Incat Crowther and built at the Astilleros Armon Gijon shipyard. Its name is a tribute to one of the most important female scientists in Spain, who was one of the pioneers working at the Biological Research Center of the CSIC in Madrid.
Balearia believes that natural gas, much like SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) for aircraft, is the most efficient and readily available solution for decarbonizing shipping. The Spanish company intends to operate an entirely green fleet one day and has already invested more than 500 million dollars in developing a new-generation fleet of 11 vessels with dual-fuel engines and one battery-electric ferry.
