Although the future of the ferry line between Motril and Melilla still hangs in the balance, a new fast-ferry service started just last week.

The catamaran-type ferry, Volcán de Tirajana, also belonging to Armas, will make the trip in just 155 minutes, thanks to its cruising speed of 35 knots – it can achieve 41 knots when it’s flat out, mind.

Despite its twin-hulled design, it can still load 287 vehicles and 900 passengers.

This means that the Motril route is not only the shortest route, but it also has the fastest vessel operating along it.

Editorial comment: It would be nice, of course, if the Central Government stopped using taxpayers’ money to sink the Motril ferry link, by imposing unfair competition that favours Almería and Málaga, but that might be asking too much of Madrid.

(News: Motril, Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia)