The resulting group will have around 4,500 employees and a fleet of over 50 vessels. The combined annual traffic volume will exceed 8 million passengers and 11 million lane metres of cargo, generating a consolidated turnover of over EUR 1 billion.

This acquisition marks the integration of three historic Spanish shipping companies: Trasmediterránea (founded in 1916), Armas (in 1941) and Baleària (in 1998).

Baleària will invest EUR 45 million over the next three years in the Canary Islands to enhance the quality, digitalisation and comfort of the fleet it has acquired. Furthermore, the company guarantees that the entire existing workforce will be retained, reaffirming its commitment to the region and its responsible business model, which balances economic growth with job security. The shipping company is committed to working closely with the institutions, port authorities and all social and economic stakeholders on the islands.

The president of Baleària, Adolfo Utor, highlighted the strategic importance of the operation: "The new Baleària is ready to ensure the efficiency of the entire national maritime transport network across all its regions. We are talking about a key infrastructure for territorial cohesion with the Canary and Balearic archipelagos, and with the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla, as well as a vital link for political and commercial relations with Morocco and Algeria. We are a nationally owned company capable of guaranteeing sovereignty in a strategic sector for Spain."

As part of this integration, the company has launched the Baleària Canarias brand, through which it will operate in the archipelago. During the transitional period, this new brand will coexist with that of Armas Trasmediterránea. 

It should be noted that the agreement for this acquisition was announced last August. The overall operation is divided into three geographical areas; following the completion of the Canary Islands phase, the procedures relating to the Strait and Alboran areas are yet to be finalised.

© Shippax