en.Wedoany.com Reported - Baleària Canarias has presented the new fast ferry "Pepita Castellví" at the ports of San Sebastián de La Gomera and Los Cristianos. The vessel will operate on a triangular route connecting the islands of La Gomera, Tenerife, and La Palma, aiming to enhance high-speed maritime links between the three islands.
The event was held aboard the trimaran itself. Baleària President Adolfo Utor stated that betting on this innovative trimaran is intended to provide agile and stable connections, facilitating travel for residents of La Gomera, reducing the difficulties faced by non-capital islands, and bringing them closer to the main connection points with the rest of the archipelago. Utor added that the company's commitment to public service, technological innovation, and sustainable development reaffirms Baleària Canarias' purpose of providing continuously improved services for the territory, economy, and local development.
President of the Cabildo of La Gomera, Casimiro Curbelo, emphasized that the addition of the fast ferry "Pepita Castellví" "marks a new step in the history shared between La Gomera and the sea," strengthening a route vital for the mobility, economy, and quality of life of the island's residents. Curbelo noted that every improvement in maritime connections "means greater equality between territories and higher well-being for citizens," especially for non-capital islands. He praised the shipping company's commitment to extending sailing times, increasing seat capacity, and offering more travel options, particularly on the historic connection between San Sebastián de La Gomera and Los Cristianos.
Mayor of San Sebastián de La Gomera, Angélica Padilla, stated that having efficient, modern maritime connections adapted to citizens' needs is essential, and for Canary Islanders, maritime transport is not a choice but a necessity. Padilla considered it good news that an experienced and long-established company is coming to strengthen the island's capacity, helping to improve and expand travel options, and that Baleària has proven its commitment to the Canary Islands.
Representative of the Spanish Government in the Canary Islands, Anselmo Pestana, highlighted the importance of maritime traffic for local development and its economic and social growth. Pestana stated that the sea is a strategic communication line, crucial for ensuring the connectivity and cohesion of the archipelago, and congratulated Baleària Canarias for betting on innovation and the quality of new vessels, as well as for demonstrating a commitment to equality by choosing the name of a pioneering woman in the cultural and scientific fields.
Deputy Director of the Port Authority of Tenerife, Airam Díaz, stated that the Port of Los Cristianos is undergoing significant investments to improve facilities and meet growing demand, making it the port with the highest passenger traffic in Spain during the first six months of the year. Díaz welcomed Baleària Canarias and offered the same support given to other operating companies.
The trimaran can accommodate 870 passengers and 250 vehicles, with a speed of up to 35 knots, and entered service in 2015. The vessel features fully renovated passenger lounges equipped with new, most comfortable seats, notably including Keyton-class leather fully reclining ergonomic seats and digital equipment with USB ports. Two exclusive lounges have also been specially designed, offering private spaces with greater privacy and personalized service. The 102-meter-long "Pepita Castellví" has two bar-cafeterias, a children's play area, and a gift shop, and provides pet-friendly services for passengers traveling with animals. The company has also installed high-speed satellite connectivity via Starlink, providing wifi service during the voyage.
