The executive director of TrasmedEttore Morace, has defended the reduction of ships in operation and the decrease of navigation speed as measures to optimize maritime transport in the Balearic Islands. In a recent interview with La Razón, the CEO of the shipping company belonging to the Grimaldi Group has pointed out that there is currently an oversupply in the connections between the Peninsula and the islands, which, according to his criteria, generates an excess of polluting emissions and a lack of efficiency in the sector.
Fewer ships and slower voyages, the model proposed by Trasmed
Morace has explained that in 2024 the company already reduced its fleet as part of its optimization strategy, managing to maintain the volume of cargo and passengers with one less ship. According to his analysis, the shipping market in the Balearics has a larger supply than the actual demand, which causes many vessels to operate with half-empty holds. “If there are routes on which three shipping companies operate with their respective ferries and these leave port with less than half of their holds full, we are generating unnecessary emissions,” he argued. In this sense, he insisted that a reduction of speed in all operators would be a key solution for the sustainability of the sector, although he recognizes that this measure is not currently on the table.
A limitation of competition?
The statements by Trasmed’s CEO have raised questions about the impact they could have on competition in the maritime sector. Reducing the supply of ships and slowing down crossings could result in fewer transport options for passengers and higher ticket prices, which would directly affect island residents and the Balearic Islands’ connectivity with the mainland. While Morace argues that these actions respond to a strategy of sustainability, his words also reflect a position that would favor the companies with the largest market share, reducing competition on the routes.
A commitment to modernization
Trasmed emphasized that the company is immersed in a modernization process, with 25 new generation ships under construction within the Grimaldi Group. These vessels, according to Morace, will reduce emissions per trailer transported by half. In addition, the company plans to implement the Cold Ironing system, a technology that will allow the ships to be connected to the electrical grid in port to minimize pollution.
The future of maritime transport in the Balearic Islands
Morace has assured that Trasmed continues to work to strengthen its position in the Balearic market, optimizing its fleet and adjusting supply to demand. However, his statements have put on the table the debate on whether these measures can benefit users or limit their transport options in the archipelago.
