Spanish shipping company Baleària has announced the construction of the first 100% electric fast ferries for the Tarifa–Tangier city route, set to begin in 2027, according to multiple Spanish media reports.
These twin catamarans will be the first zero-emission vessels to operate between Spain and Morocco, establishing the first green maritime route between the two countries.
The fast ferries are being constructed at the Armón Shipyards in Gijón, Spain, and will be equipped with 16 MW of electric power and 13,000 kWh battery capacity, according to the same source.
This will enable them to complete the 18-nautical-mile crossing entirely on electric power, with zero emissions, while also eliminating noise and vibrations.
The project also involves electrifying the ports of Tarifa and Tangier, with 8 MWh gross storage systems at each port and onshore electricity supplies of 5 MW in Tarifa and 8 Mega Volt-Ampere (MVA) in Tangier.
Rapid charging systems with autonomous robotic arms will be installed as well, capable of recharging the batteries in just 40 minutes during port calls.
Spanish media say that Adolfo Utor, president of Baleària, views these ferries as a decisive step toward decarbonized, sustainable maritime mobility.
He added that “this green corridor will serve as an essential link between two countries with a close historical, cultural, economic, and commercial relationship, while also driving local development and job creation.”
The new green corridor aims to revolutionize maritime travel between Morocco and Spain by 2027, operating two fast ferries built in Spain and dedicated solely to this route.
The new electric ferries will eliminate carbon emissions across the 18-mile crossing, reducing CO2 output by 44,000 tons annually and setting a new benchmark for eco-friendly maritime transport between Europe and Africa.
Each ferry will carry up to 804 passengers and 225 vehicles, cruising at speeds of 26 knots with enhanced passenger comfort through advanced design features.
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