Baleària has completed its acquisition of key Naviera Armas Trasmediterránea operations in the Strait of Gibraltar and the Alboran Sea, consolidating its position as Spain's leading ferry operator. The expansion strengthens ferry connections between mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands and North Africa, while supporting Baleària's continued investment in its fleet and passenger services.
The transaction, completed following approval from the Spanish and Moroccan competition authorities, marks another important milestone in Baleària's long-term growth and completes the wider acquisition of key Naviera Armas Trasmediterránea assets announced in 2025.
Baleària strengthens its fleet and network
As part of the acquisition, Baleària has added four vessels to its fleet:
- JJ Sister
- Almariya
- Volcán de Timanfaya
- Ciudad de Málaga
The deal also includes operating concessions in the Strait of Gibraltar and the transfer of around 250 employees to the Baleària Group.
Following the acquisition, Baleària now operates a fleet of more than 50 vessels, employs around 4,500 people and expects to carry more than 8 million passengers each year.
Why the Strait of Gibraltar and the Alboran Sea matter
The Strait of Gibraltar is one of Europe's busiest ferry corridors, linking southern Spain with northern Morocco through routes that are vital for passenger travel, tourism and freight transport.
The Alboran Sea, located between southern Spain and northern Morocco, is another strategically important part of the western Mediterranean. Expanding operations across both regions reinforces ferry links between mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands and North Africa, supporting the movement of passengers, vehicles and freight.
Completing Baleària's wider expansion
This latest integration follows the launch of Baleària Canarias in May 2026, when the company assumed operational control of Naviera Armas Trasmediterránea's Canary Islands business.
Together, the Canary Islands, Strait of Gibraltar and Alboran Sea integrations complete the wider acquisition announced in 2025. Baleària has already begun a €45 million investment programme in the Canary Islands over three years, while the newly acquired vessels will also be modernised to Baleària's standards, with improvements focused on passenger services and environmental sustainability.
What this means for ferry passengers
For travellers, the acquisition strengthens Baleària's long-term investment in its ferry network. As the newly acquired vessels are integrated into the fleet, the company plans to improve onboard standards, modernise ships and continue investing in operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Looking ahead
This acquisition marks one of the most significant developments in Spain's ferry industry in recent years. By expanding its fleet and strengthening operations across the Strait of Gibraltar, the Alboran Sea and the Canary Islands, Baleària is continuing to build a larger network connecting mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands and North Africa.
For travellers, that means a stronger network backed by continued investment in vessels and services. You can compare Baleària ferry crossings, sailing schedules and fares on AFerry before booking your next journey.