Baleària Introduces Bio-LNG Ferries with Zero Emissions

Spanish ferry operator Baleària has taken a bold step by transitioning three of its vessels Margarita Salas and Abel Matutes (serving the Barcelona-Alcudia-Ciutadella route) and Rusadir (operating between Málaga and Melilla)—to run exclusively on bio-LNG since early September 2025. This strategic move aims to achieve zero emissions across its key Mediterranean routes, positioning Baleària as a pioneer in sustainable maritime transport and setting a new standard for the industry.

To sustain this eco-friendly operation, Baleària has secured 132 GWh of bio-LNG, ensuring the dual-engine ferries operate emission-free through December 2025. This supply, which constitutes 13 % of the company’s 2024 LNG fleet consumption, is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 80 300 tonnes during this period—equivalent to removing 153 500 cars from the roads or planting 160 650 trees annually. The bio-LNG, sourced from biomethane derived from livestock waste, is processed at Enagás regasification plants in Huelva, Barcelona, and Cartagena, showcasing an innovative approach to renewable energy.

Baleària’s leadership in green shipping is further solidified by its status as the first European ferry operator to earn ISCC EU certification for biofuel management, complemented by its Green Maritime Europe accreditation. These certifications validate the sustainability and traceability of its biofuel use, reinforcing the company’s commitment to decarbonization. The journey began with bio-LNG supply tests in the first quarter of 2025 and a historic decarbonized voyage between Barcelona and Menorca in 2021, both of which have paved the way for this ambitious rollout.