SPAIN – August 25, 2025 – In a transformative move for the Spanish maritime sector, Baleària has reached a strategic agreement to acquire core business operations of Armas Trasmediterránea, securing control over ferry services in the Canary Islands, the Alboran Sea, and parts of the Strait of Gibraltar.
The deal encompasses the operation of 15 vessels and the integration of 1,500 employees into the Baleària group, marking one of the most significant consolidations in the Spanish ferry industry in recent decades. The transaction is pending final approval from the Spanish National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC).
Strategic Expansion in Domestic Maritime Transport
This acquisition positions Baleària to manage a broad network of maritime routes declared to be of public interest, reinforcing its role as a pillar of territorial cohesion and employment stability across the country’s island and coastal communities.
“If this deal goes ahead, it will help a local Spanish shipping company to continue competing efficiently with the large groups that have recently arrived and are already operating in our waters,” said Adolfo Utor, President of Baleària.
Utor emphasized the company’s long-standing commitment to national maritime service and the importance of preserving Spanish ownership and operational capacity in a market increasingly dominated by five major transnational groups.
Preserving Legacy, Building the Future
The acquisition not only extends Baleària’s operational reach but also allows the company to inherit and continue the historic legacy of Trasmediterránea and Armas, two shipping companies with deep roots in the Canary Islands and broader Spanish maritime culture.
“Baleària will take up the baton from the historic Trasmediterránea and the Armas shipping company… and will use the synergies generated to consolidate the presence of a competitive local shipping company,” Adolfo Utor stated.
The move is seen as critical for maintaining modern, reliable, and continuous ferry connections across Spain’s islands—services considered vital to the national structure, especially during times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Regulatory Path and Industry Implications
The agreement remains subject to approval by the CNMC, Spain’s competition regulator. If approved, Baleària would gain significant leverage in managing subsidized public routes, thereby further embedding itself into Spain’s transport infrastructure and regional economic fabric.
The acquisition complements the earlier partial exit of Armas Trasmediterránea from the Strait of Gibraltar, where DFDS recently secured its share of operations. Baleària’s portion of the transaction fills in the remaining regional coverage, aligning with its national growth strategy.
Prepared for Integration and Growth
With a proven record in sustainable maritime operations, including its pioneering adoption of LNG-fueled vessels, Baleària is confident in its ability to absorb and streamline the newly acquired assets.
“We are well prepared and fully convinced that we will be able to turn this project into a reality,” Adolfo Utor said. “We know we can count on the enthusiasm and commitment of all our stakeholders.”
About Baleària
Baleària is a Spanish shipping company and global leader in eco-efficient maritime transport, operating routes that connect mainland Spain with the Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Ceuta, Melilla, and international destinations. The company is known for its investments in LNG technology, innovation in digital ticketing and onboard services, and its commitment to both sustainability and regional development.
Looking Ahead
If approved, the deal would not only reshape the structure of Spain’s maritime transport sector but would also signal the resurgence of Spanish-owned leadership in a space increasingly crowded by multinational conglomerates. With expanded assets, human capital, and route control, Baleària is poised to lead a new era of competitive, resilient, and sustainable ferry services across Spanish waters.
Source Baleària