DFDS to Maintain Spanish Flag and Crew on the Ferry “Marhaba Seaways” for Two Years

In the negotiations for the purchase of the assets of the Armas Trasmediterránea Group in the Strait by the Danish multinational DFDS, which includes the ferry “Marhaba Seaways” —the former “Volcán de Tamasite”—, there is an agreement to maintain the Spanish flag and crew for two years, maritime media report.

Since taking possession of the aforementioned vessel, DFDS acted with notable speed in changing its name while docked at the port of Algeciras, where it will remain until next November, when it will be relaunched in its new phase.

Upon its debut in July 2004 on the Las Palmas-Morro Jable route, the ferry “Volcán de Tamasite” inaugurated a new phase in which it immediately demonstrated its suitability. It has a capacity for 1,466 passengers —lacking cabins for overnight trips— and a garage for 1,220 linear meters of rolling cargo and 395 cars.

Despite the difficulties of recent years, now overcome, the dedication of its crews has made it a high-performing vessel, particularly notable for its role on the Strait and Alborán routes, especially during the OPE.

Construction number 1,625 from Astilleros Barreras, launched on March 8, 2004, and delivered on June 28 of the same year, in addition to the then-star line of Morro Jable, has on several occasions covered Alborán routes and returned to the islands. On April 21, 2017, it was involved in a serious incident, colliding bow-first against the quay of La Esfinge in the port of Las Palmas due to a “blackout” in the electrical panel.

Weighing 17,343 gross tons and 2,900 tons deadweight, it measures 142.25 m in length, 24.20 m in beam, and 5.70 m in maximum draft. It is powered by two Wärtsilä 8L46C engines, totaling 16,800 kW over two shafts, and maintains a speed of 21 knots. IMO 9281322.

Photos: Nelson Bourne and Eduardo Pérez for puentedemando.com