Spanish shipping firm Balearia said that its three dual-fuel ferries will use only bio-LNG as fuel until December, as part of its plans to reduce emissions further.
According to Balearia, Margarita Salas, Abel Matute, and Rusadir, have been powered exclusively by this renewable fuel since the beginning of September.
The company has procured 132 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of bio-LNG, which will allow the three ships to sail “emissions-free” until December 2025, Balearia said.
This volume, supplied over just four months, is equivalent to 13 percent of the LNG fuel consumed by Balearia’s entire gas-powered fleet in 2024.
Balearia said the use of this biofuel between September and December will prevent the emission of 80,300 tonnes of CO2, the annual equivalent of taking 153,500 cars off the roads or planting 160,650 trees.
Biomethane, produced from livestock waste, captures and recovers methane that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere, transforming it into useful energy for shipping.
The biomethane supplied is converted into bio-LNG thanks to the conversion service at Enagás’ regasification plants, which is already up and running in Huelva, Barcelona, and Cartagena.
Balearia noted that in the first quarter of 2025, it carried out the first bio-LNG supply tests at Spanish port terminals.
The company also said that it has become the first ferry company in Europe to receive the ISCC EU (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification).
Balearia added that this standard international accreditation is recognised by both the European Commission and the international community, guaranteeing the traceability and sustainability of the biofuels and other renewable energies used by a company in its operations.
LNG fleet
Spanish shipbuilder Armon Gijon recently launched Balearia’s third LNG dual-fuel fast ferry, Mercedes Pinto.
Balearia expects the new ferry to start operations next summer.
Capable of transporting 1,200 passengers and 400 vehicles, the 123-meter-long ferry is a twin vessel of Eleanor Roosevelt and Margarita Salas, also built by Armon Gijon.
Last year, Balearia took delivery of this high-speed aluminium structure catamaran Ro-Pax ferry, Margarita Salas, from Astilleros Armon Gijon yard in Spain.
The vessel operates with four Wartsila 31DF dual-fuel engines, four WXJ hydraulic waterjets, and features two Wartsila LNGPac fuel storage and supply systems.
Its sister ship, Eleanor Roosevelt, was delivered earlier with the same Wartsila scope.
Balaria owns 11 LNG-powered ferries, including converted vessels.
In December 2023, the firm purchased the LNG dual-fuel ferry, Rusadir.
