Elval’s aluminium is the material of choice for the new LNG fast ferry “Mercedes Pinto”.
Elval, the aluminium rolling division of ElvalHalcor SA, is proud to be the aluminium supplier of Baleària’s newly launched LNG fast ferry Mercedes Pinto. Built at Astilleros Armon shipyard in Gijón, Spain, this cutting-edge vessel demonstrates how aluminium technical expertise creates high-performance solutions for world-class marine applications.
Mercedes Pinto was launched at the end of September 2025, joining its sistership Margarita Salas (2024), also built by Astilleros Armon Gijon S.A. with Elval’s flat-rolled aluminium. The vessel has been designed with operational sustainability and efficiency in mind, powered by dual-fuel natural gas engines. It features two LNG tanks, which provide a 470-mile range on gas and a total autonomy of 1,000 miles. It is also fitted with batteries for reduced emissions in port. The vessel measures 123 metres in length, accommodates 1,200 passengers and 425 cars.
Elval’s Rolling Progress in tailored aluminium solutions for the Marine sector
Elval’s tailor-made, flat-rolled aluminium is engineered for marine environments demanding advanced durability, corrosion resistance, and weldability. Its use on the Mercedes Pinto vessel reinforces Elval’s commitment to driving the marine industry's transition to climate neutrality through world-class aluminium solutions that enable reduced emissions and improved energy efficiency.
Konstantinos Kanas, Elval’s Product Sales Senior Manager, commented: “Elval is at the forefront of innovation in aluminium rolling, and we take pride in having our flat-rolled aluminium play a key role in the advancement of modern and sustainable marine transportation. The Mercedes Pinto vessel exemplifies our commitment to providing custom-made solutions that drive the marine sector's transition towards lighter, durable, and high-performance vessels. In collaboration with our partners, we are actively contributing to a more sustainable future through our expertise and long-term strategic partnerships.”
Armon Shipyard: Shipbuilding Innovation in Gijón
The Mercedes Pinto was built at Armon Shipyard in Gijón, Spain, a long-standing partner of Elval and one of Europe’s most respected shipbuilders. Armon has earned international recognition for its advanced shipbuilding capabilities, specialising in high-performance vessels such as ferries, offshore support ships, and fishing vessels. Armon’s Head of Marketing, Sales & Business Development, Ricardo Garcia said: “The collaboration with Elval on the Mercedes Pinto project underscores the shipyard’s expertise in integrating innovative technologies with high-quality, lightweight aluminium structures to design and build vessels that set new benchmarks for efficiency and sustainability.”
Baleària’s Vision and Tribute
The Mercedes Pinto embodies Baleària’s vision of fast, efficient, and socially meaningful maritime mobility, while reinforcing its tradition of celebrating pioneering women.
Adolfo Utor, President of Baleària, shared the significance behind the vessel’s name: “Naming this innovative catamaran after Mercedes Pinto is a way of honouring a woman ahead of her time, whose vocation marked an era in the advancement of social rights through literature and poetry, among other fields. Mercedes Pinto’s legacy reflects Baleària’s values and our commitment to the Canary Islands and their sociocultural heritage. The addition of Mercedes Pinto to our fleet of state-of-the-art fast ferries highlights Baleària’s commitment to pioneering innovation, advancing sustainability and setting new standards in customer experience.”
The collaboration between Elval, Armon Shipyard and Baleària demonstrates how world-class aluminium, visionary shipbuilding, and sustainable maritime mobility can reshape the future of marine transportation. The Mercedes Pinto is more than a vessel—it’s a testament to innovation, respect for heritage, and environmental stewardship.
About Elval
Elval is the aluminium rolling division of ElvalHalcor SA (ELHA:ATH), a leading global aluminium and copper manufacturer with a strong production base across 15 plants, cutting-edge technology and a solid market presence in more than 90 countries. Elval has over 50 years of expertise in rolling and recycling, designing and manufacturing innovative aluminium solutions while building trusted partnerships worldwide. The extensive custom-made product portfolio serves the packaging, transportation, automotive, HVAC&R, building and construction, defence, energy, data centres and industrial markets. Through continuous investments in R&D and our in-house Technology Centre, we develop and nurture highly specialised human talent, ensure responsible production, and prioritise environmental protection, enabling the transition to climate neutrality and the contribution of aluminium to a circular economy. For more information about Elval, please visit www.elval.com
About Armon Shipyard
Armon Shipyards is one of Spain’s foremost shipbuilding groups, with facilities in Gijón, Navia, and Vigo. With decades of expertise, Armon designs and constructs a wide range of high-performance vessels, from ferries and offshore support ships to oceanographic and fishing vessels. Known for its advanced technological capabilities and commitment to quality, Armon has established itself as a trusted partner for shipowners worldwide seeking innovative, efficient, and sustainable solutions.
About Baleària
Baleària is a leading Spanish shipping company specialising in passenger and cargo transport in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. The company is an international reference in the use of natural gas as marine fuel and is committed to digitalisation, sustainability, and social responsibility. Baleària’s fleet is continuously evolving with innovative vessels that combine efficiency, comfort, and respect for the environment, while its tradition of naming ships after pioneering women reinforces its values of equality and cultural heritage.