Balearia buys the electric-powered ferry Rusadir and adds its eleventh gas-powered ship under ownership
- The cruise ferry, which has dual natural gas engines and an electric propulsion system, has been chartered since last March and operates on the Malaga – Melilla route.
- The eco-efficient and innovative character of the ship, together with its extensive list of services on board, make it a very competitive ship and one of the best valued in the fleet.
Baleària has purchased the Rusadir cruise ferry after completing more than half a year of charter, offering high quality standards. The maritime company thus expands its eco-efficient and innovative owned fleet with the acquisition of a new generation vessel, equipped with an electric propulsion system powered by dual natural gas engines. This is the eleventh vessel with this technology in Baleària's ship portfolio, after the recent launch of the Margarita Salas, which is expected to launch in the spring of 2024.
The Rusadir, which operates on the Malaga-Melilla route, has capacity for 1,670 people, can accommodate up to 2,600 linear meters of cargo in its two hold decks and a wide variety of services on board. As for accommodations, it has 261 cabins for clients, with different categories and capacities, equipped with a bathroom and some with a television. In addition, it has two cafes, a restaurant, a shop, a children's area, a cinema room, a prayer room, a terrace and numerous lounge areas. In this sense, the 187 meter long boat is one of the best rated in the company's fleet with a score that borders on excellence from customers, who highlight the attention of the staff, the cleanliness and the quality of the service. food and entertainment on board.
Electric propulsion with dual gas engines
The Rusadir's propulsion system is completely electric and has an electric plant with dual gas engines, a versatile technology that Baleària has relied on in recent years, as it allows sailing with different fuels. These engines, in addition to being able to alternate the consumption of fuel and natural gas (an energy that the shipping company considers a transition towards decarbonization), are prepared to operate with renewable sources that are neutral in CO2 emissions. With this new cruise ferry, Baleària will exceed ten ships equipped with this technology, between acquisitions, new constructions and repowering.
On the other hand, the boat has two transverse maneuvering propellers at the bow and one at the stern with a power of 2 MW each, which, together with the electric motors, allow great maneuverability.