Baleària positively values the authorization of the National Commission for Markets and Competition (CNMC) for the acquisition of Armas Trasmediterránea's assets on the Strait and Canary Islands routes. This operation represents a strategic backing to the company's business plan, which seeks to consolidate an excellent, innovative, and sustainable maritime transport alternative.
The president of Baleària, Adolfo Utor, has highlighted that this resolution directly benefits the citizens and the business fabric of the islands: "With this authorization, the clear winner is the connectivity of the Islands, both among themselves and with the Peninsula. The territory and economy of the Canary Islands will win."
The shipping company emphasizes that the commitments made before the CNMC do not represent an additional effort, but are fully aligned with its commercial strategy of placing the customer —passenger and cargo— at the center of all its operations.
To guarantee a modern and efficient service, Baleària will apply its responsible business model, based on asset modernization, human capital, and quality. Thus, the company has planned an investment of 45 million euros destined for the technical and performance improvement of the vessels. Furthermore, it will enhance the training and stability of the shore and fleet teams to ensure operational reliability and punctuality in all frequencies.
The expansion process is in different administrative phases according to the geographical market. In the Strait area, the operation has been fully authorized by the CNMC. In the Canary Islands area, the CNMC will send the file to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Business, which may elevate it to the Council of Ministers for its definitive ratification. Finally, in Alboran, the operation continues under the analysis of the CNMC, with the active collaboration of the shipping company in the process.
With this move, Baleària strengthens its position as a reference operator in Spain, guaranteeing a solid and stable competitive framework that contributes to territorial cohesion and to the sustainable development of maritime transport.
About Baleària
Baleària is the leading shipping group in Spain, with more than 25 years of experience in the maritime transport of passengers, vehicles and goods. The company plays a strategic role in the territorial cohesion and economic development of the territories where it operates, guaranteeing reliable, efficient and daily connectivity. The shipping company operates 29 routes in five countries. Nationally, it serves Balears, Canarias, Ceuta and Melilla, and internationally, it operates in Morocco, Algeria, the United States and the Bahamas. With a fleet of 43 vessels, in 2025 it transported 6.5 million passengers, 1.6 million vehicles and 620,000 trucks, sailing 1.9 million miles.
The shipping company is a benchmark in the energy transition of maritime transport. A pioneer in the use of natural gas, in 2025 it incorporated biogas into part of its operations, achieving operation with zero net emissions on some routes. Its decarbonization strategy combines the use of more sustainable fuels, electrification, and advanced eco-efficiency measures. In 2025, it reduced its carbon footprint by 13,500 tons of CO₂e, which represents 15% fewer emissions per passenger.
Digitalization and innovation form an essential part of its business model, with a highly technified operation and a customer experience that registers high rates of satisfaction and loyalty.
Baleària, which has a team of 3,100 professionals, has consolidated itself as a leading company to work for, which is committed to the incorporation of young people and the development of female talent. Through the Baleària Foundation, it promotes social, cultural, and environmental initiatives, reinforcing its commitment as a responsible company.
Its activity is based on four corporate values: innovation, sustainability, solvency, and responsibility.