ferry Hedy Lamarr Balearia
ferry Hedy Lamarr
âš“ The Hedy Lamarr is one of the most modern and sustainable ferries in the Baleària fleet, notable for being the world's first ferry powered entirely by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and electricity in the large conventional passenger ship category. She works mainly the routes between mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands, linking Barcelona and Valencia with Palma de Mallorca, Eivissa and Ibiza. With room for 1,200 passengers and 3,000 linear metres of freight, she is a byword for efficiency and comfort in the western Mediterranean.
She was delivered to Baleària in October 2022 after being built at the Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD) in South Korea. Adding her to the fleet involved a substantial investment and cemented Baleària's commitment to decarbonising its fleet as part of its sustainability roadmap. The Hedy Lamarr is the second vessel in the series that began with the Marie Curie, shares her design with the Ramón Llull and points the way to the improvements that future fleet additions will bring.
The vessel forms part of Baleària's strategic commitment to LNG propulsion across its conventional ferry fleet, which also takes in the Marie Curie, the Ramón Llull and the forthcoming Angela Davis. Together the series connects the main Spanish Mediterranean ports with the Balearic Islands more cleanly and efficiently than conventional diesel-powered ferries.
A tribute to a pioneer of science and technology
The ship is named after Hedy Lamarr (Vienna, 1914 – Casselberry, Florida, 2000), a Hollywood actress and one of the most significant inventors of the twentieth century. Although she was known worldwide for her film career in the 1940s and 1950s — the press of the day called her "the most beautiful woman in the world" — her most far-reaching contribution was a scientific one.
Working with the composer George Antheil during the Second World War, Lamarr developed a frequency-hopping spread spectrum communication system to stop torpedoes being tracked by radio. That technology, patented in 1942, is the direct foundation of today's WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS systems. She received no public recognition for her invention until 1997, when she was given the Electronic Frontier Foundation Pioneer Award. She was inducted posthumously into the United States National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2014.
Baleària chose the name Hedy Lamarr as a tribute to the women who have transformed science, technology and culture, in keeping with the names of other ships in its fleet such as the Eleanor Roosevelt, Margarita Salas, Marie Curie and Angela Davis.
History and background of the ship
The Hedy Lamarr was built at the Visentini shipyard in Porto Viro (Italy) under the name Visemar One and delivered on 21 April 2010 to Visemar di Navigazione, which put her into service on 20 May on the routes between Venice, Tartus and Alexandria. In June 2011, once the Visemar service had ended, she was chartered by Baleària and entered service on 12 June on the Valencia–Palma de Mallorca–Barcelona routes. In June 2018 Baleària bought her outright and in November that year renamed her Hedy Lamarr, in tribute to the actress and telecommunications pioneer of the same name.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Conventional Ro-Pax ferry |
| Length overall | 186 m |
| Beam | 27.6 m |
| Draught | 6.5 m |
| Service speed | 20.5 knots |
| Top speed | 22 knots |
| Passenger capacity | 1,200 people |
| Ro-ro freight capacity | 3,000 linear metres |
| Car capacity | ~500 cars (depending on configuration) |
| Main propulsion | 2 dual-fuel LNG/diesel engines · 12,600 kW each |
| Auxiliary propulsion | Electric manoeuvring motors |
| Passenger decks | 4 |
| OPS system | Yes (shore power connection in port) |
| Shipyard | Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD) · South Korea |
| Entered service | October 2022 |
| Flag | Cyprus |
| IMO number | 9851459 |
| Classification | Bureau Veritas |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Palma de Mallorca | ~7 h 30 min | ~23:00 (overnight) |
| Palma de Mallorca → Barcelona | ~7 h 30 min | ~23:00 (overnight) |
| Valencia → Palma de Mallorca | ~8 h | ~23:00 (overnight) |
| Palma de Mallorca → Valencia | ~8 h | ~23:00 (overnight) |
| Barcelona → Ibiza | ~9 h | ~23:00 (overnight) |
| Ibiza → Barcelona | ~9 h | ~23:00 (overnight) |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact time in our search engine.
The port of Palma de Mallorca: how to get there and what to bear in mind
The Hedy Lamarr normally works from Moll de Ponent at the Port of Palma de Mallorca, the ferry terminal of the island's capital. Unlike the fast ferries that use Alcúdia, the Port of Palma sits in the heart of the city, barely 2 km from the old town, which makes it the most practical option if you are heading for Palma or the south of the island.
The Barcelona terminal the Hedy Lamarr uses is Moll Adossat, well connected to the city centre by shuttle bus. If you are travelling by car, we recommend arriving at least 90 minutes beforehand. Foot passengers need only 45 minutes, though in high season (July and August) it is worth allowing more.
Because this is chiefly an overnight service, most travellers use the crossing to sleep in a cabin and arrive rested in the morning, without losing a day of their holiday or paying for a night in a hotel.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A standard seat on the Hedy Lamarr starts at roughly €39 one way in low season and can go above €80–100 in high season (July and August). An inside cabin for two starts at around €90 one way in mid season. We recommend booking ahead, especially in summer and over bank holidays.
Available discounts:
- Balearic resident: 75% off the base fare. You must prove residency with a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento) when boarding.
- Ceuta and Melilla residents: discounts applied on specific state-subsidised routes.
- Carnet Joven youth card: reduced fare for passengers aged 14 to 30. Check availability at the time of booking.
- Large families: discount applied by category (general or special), on production of the card when boarding.
- Baleària Club: the operator's points scheme. Earn points on every trip and redeem them for discounts on future bookings.
You can compare prices and real-time availability directly on I Love Ferry.
Which accommodation should you choose for your trip?
| If you are travelling... | Recommended accommodation |
|---|---|
| Alone or as a couple, looking for the best price | Standard seat |
| Looking for a night's sleep on a long crossing | Inside cabin |
| As a family with children | Family cabin (4 berths) |
| Looking for sea views and maximum comfort | Outside cabin with window |
| On business or wanting complete privacy | Premium outside cabin / VIP Lounge |
| With a pet | Pet-friendly cabin |
| With reduced mobility | Adapted accessible cabin |
ferry Hedy Lamarr · Accommodations
Seat · Standard
The cheapest option on the ship. Reclining seats in a shared area with access to all the vessel's facilities. Ideal for travellers who put price first, or for daytime crossings.
✓ Reclining, with headrest
✓ Sockets for chargers
✓ Free SmartB WiFi
✓ Access to every area of the ship
Inside cabin · A night's sleep
A windowless cabin for 2 or 4 people, perfect for making the most of an overnight crossing by sleeping comfortably and arriving rested. The most popular option on night sailings.
✓ Single berths with bed linen
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
✓ Television and sockets
✓ Free SmartB WiFi
Outside cabin · Sea views
The same as the inside cabin but with a porthole or window onto the sea. It lets you enjoy natural light and Mediterranean views. Recommended for travellers who want to combine rest with scenery.
✓ Window or porthole with sea views
✓ Berths with bed linen included
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
✓ TV and free SmartB WiFi
Family cabin · 4 berths
A cabin for 4 people, ideal for families with children. The beds are arranged to make the most of the space and keep the whole family comfortable on the overnight crossing.
✓ 4 single berths
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Bed linen included
✓ TV, air conditioning and SmartB WiFi
VIP Lounge · Exclusive access
A restricted-access lounge with more comfortable seats, attentive service and its own café. The best alternative to a cabin if you would rather travel seated with extra comfort and privacy.
✓ Restricted, exclusive access
✓ High-end reclining seats
✓ Its own café with table service
✓ Drink and snack included
Adapted accessible cabin
A cabin designed specifically for passengers with reduced mobility. Generously sized, with an adapted bathroom with a step-free shower and direct step-free access from the ship's lifts.
✓ Step-free access from the lifts
✓ Adapted bathroom with step-free shower
✓ Space for a wheelchair
✓ Special anchor points included
ferry Hedy Lamarr · On-board services
Café, self-service and onboard shop
The Hedy Lamarr has a full café with hot and cold options, a self-service area and an onboard shop selling snacks, drinks, souvenirs and travel goods. Catering is available throughout the crossing, on night and day sailings alike.
Outdoor terrace
The Hedy Lamarr has an outdoor area on deck where you can enjoy the Mediterranean in the open air during the crossing. It is the ideal spot for watching the ship leave or come into port — a particularly spectacular sight as she enters the Port of Palma at dawn.
Children's area
Travelling with a dog on board (pet-friendly)
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Hedy Lamarr is fitted with lifts between decks, adapted accessible cabins with a step-free bathroom and dedicated space for wheelchairs, and special anchor points in the public areas. If you need assistance boarding or disembarking, it is best to tell Baleària in advance when you book.
Connectivity and digital entertainment — SmartB
On board the Hedy Lamarr you have Baleària's SmartB platform:
- Free WiFi throughout the crossing
- Completely free WhatsApp that uses none of your data allowance
- On-demand series and films on your smartphone or tablet
- Digital magazines through the entertainment platform
- Free Spanish and international newspapers via PressReader
- Digital boarding card with online seat allocation
- Real-time journey information on your phone
Sustainability: LNG propulsion and environmental commitment
The Hedy Lamarr is part of Baleària's fleet renewal plan towards the progressive decarbonisation of its Mediterranean routes. Her propulsion by two dual-fuel liquefied natural gas (LNG) engines of 12,600 kW each is a significant environmental improvement on conventional diesel-powered ferries:
−20%
COâ‚‚ emissions
−85%
NOx emissions
−100%
Sulphur and particulates
The Hedy Lamarr also carries an OPS (Onshore Power Supply) system, allowing her to plug into the shore-side electricity grid while in port and cut quayside emissions to zero. It is part of Baleària's strategy to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 and cut COâ‚‚ emissions per unit carried by 40% before 2030.
Hedy Lamarr, Marie Curie and Ramón Llull: Baleària's LNG Ro-Pax ferry series
The Hedy Lamarr belongs to the series of large LNG-powered Ro-Pax ferries that Baleària is adding to its fleet. These are the ships in the same family:
| Vessel | Year delivered | Shipyard | Propulsion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marie Curie | 2021 | HMD, South Korea | Dual-fuel LNG |
| Hedy Lamarr | 2022 | HMD, South Korea | Dual-fuel LNG |
| Ramón Llull | 2023 | HMD, South Korea | Dual-fuel LNG |
Frequently asked questions about the Hedy Lamarr
Which routes does the Hedy Lamarr ferry operate?
She mainly operates the Barcelona–Palma de Mallorca, Valencia–Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona–Ibiza routes for Baleària. Route assignments can change with the season.
How long does the Hedy Lamarr take from Barcelona to Palma?
The Barcelona–Palma de Mallorca trip takes roughly 7 hours 30 minutes. It is chiefly an overnight service: departure is at around 23:00 and arrival in Palma is in the morning.
Does the Hedy Lamarr carry cars?
Yes. She is a Ro-Pax ferry with room for 3,000 linear metres of ro-ro freight, the equivalent of around 500 cars depending on the configuration. If you are travelling by car, arrive at the port at least 90 minutes beforehand.
What accommodation does the Hedy Lamarr offer?
Six types: standard seat (the cheapest option), inside cabin (2 or 4 berths, no window), outside cabin (with a window onto the sea), family cabin (4 berths), VIP Lounge (exclusive access with premium seats) and an accessible cabin adapted for passengers with reduced mobility.
Is it worth booking a cabin on the Hedy Lamarr?
Yes, especially if you are travelling as a family or want to arrive rested. On a 7.5-hour overnight crossing, sleeping in a cabin with berths and a private bathroom is far more comfortable than a seat, and the price of the cabin is usually offset by the night in a hotel you save at the other end.
Is there free WiFi on the Hedy Lamarr?
Yes. Baleària's SmartB platform includes free WiFi, free WhatsApp that uses no data, on-demand series and films, digital newspapers with PressReader and a digital boarding card.
Is there a Balearic resident discount?
Yes. Residents of the Balearic Islands are entitled to a 75% discount on the base fare, on production of a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento) when boarding.
Are pets allowed on the Hedy Lamarr?
Yes. She has a climate-controlled pet area with access to water and pet-friendly cabins where your pet can stay with you. A pet place must be booked when you buy your ticket with Baleària.
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has lifts between decks, adapted accessible cabins with a step-free bathroom, space for a wheelchair and special anchor points. If you need assistance boarding, tell Baleària in advance.
What fuel does the Hedy Lamarr use?
Liquefied natural gas (LNG), burned in two dual-fuel engines of 12,600 kW. It cuts COâ‚‚ by 20% and NOx by up to 85%, and all but eliminates sulphur and particulate emissions compared with conventional diesel. She also carries an OPS system for shore power connection in port.
How much does it cost to travel on the Hedy Lamarr?
A standard seat starts at roughly €39 one way in low season. An inside cabin for two starts at around €90. Balearic residents pay 75% less. Compare real-time prices here.
How early should I get to the port?
By car: at least 90 minutes beforehand. Foot passengers: 45 minutes. In July and August it is worth allowing extra time, especially if you are travelling with a vehicle.
Why is this Baleària ferry called the Hedy Lamarr?
Baleària names its ships after women who have changed the world. Hedy Lamarr (Vienna, 1914–2000) was a Hollywood actress and an inventor: she developed the frequency-hopping system that underpins today's WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS. She received the EFF Pioneer Award in 1997 and was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2014.
When did the Hedy Lamarr join the Baleària fleet?
She was delivered in October 2022 after being built at the Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD) in South Korea. She is the second vessel in Baleària's series of LNG-powered Ro-Pax ferries, alongside the Marie Curie and the Ramón Llull.
How does the Hedy Lamarr differ from the Marie Curie?
The Hedy Lamarr and the Marie Curie belong to the same series, built at the same yard (HMD, South Korea) and with identical LNG propulsion. The differences between them are minor and mostly a matter of detail in the internal layout. Both offer similar capacity (1,200 passengers, 3,000 linear metres of freight) and work the same Mediterranean routes for Baleària.
