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 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.
