Maritime Innovations and Expansions: Latest Strategies from Passenger Shipping Companies at FITUR 2025
The maritime sector continues to impress with its constant advancements and growth proposals. This was once again demonstrated at the 2025 International Tourism Fair (FITUR), where the main passenger transport service shipping companies presented their ambitious projects aimed at greater sustainability, route expansion, and port infrastructure enhancement.
Baleària: Leading the Way in Sustainability with Their First Green Maritime Corridor
Baleària, a pioneer in sustainability, unveiled their revolutionary project involving two new fully electric catamarans to operate on the route connecting Tarifa to Tangier. These zero-emission vessels represent a significant innovation in the sector, being the first of its kind initiative in the maritime corridor between Spain and Morocco. With an investment of 130 million euros, these two catamarans will be operational by 2027, offering a capacity for 804 passengers and 225 vehicles.
Fred. Olsen Express: Strengthening Connections in the Canary Islands
From the Canary Islands, Fred. Olsen Express announced its strategy to enhance internal connections for high-attendance cultural events. This initiative aims to facilitate transportation during events such as the Bajada de la Virgen de los Reyes in El Hierro and the Virgen de Las Nieves in La Palma. Additionally, the company continues to prioritize sustainability through the adoption of technologies that reduce emissions and enhance operational efficiency.
Trasmed and Their Commitment to Decarbonization
Trasmed, part of the Grimaldi Group, has been focused on their decarbonization process. Following a 7% reduction in CO2 emissions in 2024 due to fleet optimization, the company is expecting an additional 12% reduction in 2025. This will be achieved through the installation of the OPS system in the port of Barcelona and technical improvements on vessels such as the Ciudad de Palma and the Ciudad de Sóller.
Armas Trasmediterránea: Route Expansion and Service Enhancements
At FITUR, the Armas Trasmediterránea Group presented their portfolio of over 20 routes connecting Andalusia, the Canary Islands, and North Africa. Among their latest offerings was the introduction of a fast ferry on the route between La Palma and Tenerife, resulting in reduced travel time. They also announced new connections between Melilla and Motril, as well as between Melilla and Almería. Moreover, the company revealed fleet improvements focused on passenger comfort, including a revamped onboard gastronomic selection and the launch of the SeaClub loyalty program.
GNV: Embracing Innovation with New Vessels
Italian shipping company GNV used FITUR as a platform to introduce the Polaris ferry, the first of a series of four Ro-Pax ships designed to enhance cargo and passenger capacity on their Mediterranean routes. With a capacity for 1,500 passengers and 3,100 linear meters of cargo, the Polaris stands out for its environmental efficiency, reducing emissions by 30% compared to its predecessors. Additionally, GNV confirmed the construction of three more vessels, including the first ones powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), set to enter operation in 2026.
Be Blue: A Commitment to the Marine Ecosystem
The Balearic group Insotel Marine Group (IMG), which includes Trasmapi, Menorca Lines, and Formentera Lines, reinforced their dedication to sustainability with a project focused on restoring Posidonia oceanica meadows in the Balearic Sea. In 2024, they successfully planted 24,000 specimens, with plans to plant between 30,000 and 50,000 additional plants by 2025. This environmental initiative, partly funded by ticket sales revenue, showcases the group’s dedication to marine conservation.
