Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Latin America’s largest cargo ferry to operate in Gulf of California

The California Star, the largest ferry and cargo vessel in Latin America, has arrived in Mexico and will shortly begin operations between Sinaloa and Baja California for the local Baja Ferries group. 

The ship arrived in the port of Pichilingue in La Paz, Baja California Sur (BCS), and measures more than 193 meters long, and 26 meters wide. Per trip, it has a capacity for 2,850 linear meters of cargo, a figure equivalent to 200 large vehicles. 

The pichilingue ferry terminal
The California Star is in the port of Pichilingue, outside La Paz, Baja California, before entering service in July. (Puerto Pichilingue)

The California Star also boasts 37 cabins, a VIP lounge and two restaurants, as well as a general seating area for a capacity of 400 passengers per trip. It’s designed to accommodate passengers with special mobility requirements.

“We are a socially responsible company, and with this, we are committed to being key players for the growth and development of the northwestern region of our country,” Ariel Pozo, CEO of Baja Ferries said. “The arrival of the California Star, a ship with the Mexican flag and crew, is proof of this. We continue to reinvest to ensure supply and growth for [BCS residents] for the coming years.” 

“We chose to name the new ship the California Star to reflect our commitment to the people of Baja California Sur, as we are a local company and are honored at the way people identify with our boats,” he continued. 

The ferry was built in 2009 as the Humber Viking, under the British Norfolk Line. Before arriving in Mexico, however, the California Star operated in the Mediterranean sea with the Eurocargo Sicilia transport firm. 

The addition of the ship will allow Baja Ferries to increase capacity between Mazatlán and Baja California by 35% when it enters service in July this year.

With reporting by Milenio and Debate

Have something to say? Paid Subscribers get all access to make & read comments.
Close-up of a Coke can.

Coca-Cola stops marketing in Mexican schools

6
The bottler is responding to a federal government campaign aimed at improving the health of Mexico's young students and lowering the rate of overweight children.
A crane and construction supplies in PV

Puerto Vallarta approves a loan for infrastructure improvements

0
The famed resort city will borrow 181 million pesos to make major improvements to its roads, streets, parks, bike lanes and shoreline promenade.
A group of Mexican politicians, administrators and academics stand in a group, several wearing clothing with traditional Indigenous designs

Foreign Ministry launches Indigenous languages initiative for Mexicans living abroad

1
Under the new program, messages in over a dozen Indigenous languages will be shown in Mexican government offices abroad.
Is Mexico's first female president protecting women?