Ally

Date: 11 Jun 2007
Source: Lloyds List

Spanish ferry operator Balearia will add a new fast ferry later this year into its service between Palma de Mallorca and Valencia. The ship is part of a €300m fleet expansion programme.

The ferry will be a sistership to the Borja, which was introduced into the company's route between Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca last month.

Built by Italian shipbuilder Visentini, the high speed ships will run daily round trips between the Balearic Islands and the mainland.

Balearia's fleet expansion plan also contemplates construction of another six ships, representing an investment of around €300m, the company said.

Borja and its sistership can operate at speeds of up to 24 knots and have capacity for 2,225 linear metres of cargo, 196 vehicles and up to 800 p***engers.

The combination of speed and capacity means more time in port at either end of the service, which the company said, would allow shippers to optimise their logistics operations and reduce costs.