Four months after the ‘Eco Aqua’ began operations, Spanish ferry operator Baleària has put into service the ‘Eco Lux’ to the Eivissa-Formentera route. The catamaran is the second eco-fast ferry in the series of four that are destined to cover this line.
Compared with the ships of the Maverick series, operating this line until recently, the data of February and March indicate that the ‘Eco Aqua’ reduced CO2 emissions by around 35%.
The new vessel has the same characteristics as the first, including latest generation engines, noise reduction, solar panels for onboard services and a polyester hull reinforced with fiberglass, which is more environmentally friendly, as it does not require painting. The catamarans, both built in the Gondan Asturian shipyards, are 28 meters in length and can carry 350 passengers.
These four vessels were ordered in line with the Pangea project, an initiative seeking to promote sustainable tourism among the Pitiusas. Each of the vessels is linked to one of the Sustainable Development Goals, which Baleària has taken as a roadmap: The Eco Aqua is linked to SDG 13 (Action for Climate), while the Eco Lux refers to SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth).
The two remaining ships, the ‘Eco Terra’ and the ‘Eco Air’, are expected also to commence operations before this summer.