The press release states that they will perform two or three round trips a day - depending on demand, until early September, a will then decide on whether to continue with a winter operation.

With Balearia commencing, that makes three operators on the run from Almeria, as Trasmediterranea - the long-term player, and more recently Armas, also operate this 95 mile route. At the moment only Armas operate from Motril - on a six times week basis.

Almeria - Melilla is considered a route of Public Interest, and Trasmediterranea are the current holders of the Public Services contract, which obliges them to perform sailings as laid out in the Government contract, with the ferries and High speed craft stipulated. Armas complained that Motril was not included in the contract (Malaga, also served by Trasmediterranea, is) but to date, only Malaga and Almeria are admitted.

Trasmediterranea have used catamarans on this route in high season, although this year they have kept the high-speed craft for the Malaga - Melilla run. It will be interesting to see whether the use of a much smaller craft will succeed on a route where very windy weather is frequent all year round.