Italians side with the Spanish
Naples-based Grimaldi Group and Madrid-based Armas Trasmediterránea Group have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a programme of cooperation.
The agreement secures the purchase of five ro/pax vessels and two terminals in the ports of Valencia and Barcelona by the Grimaldi Group, as well as offices and warehouses located on the islands of Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza.
In particular, the ships involved in the agreement are the “Ciudad de Palma” (built in 2007), “Ciudad de Granada” (2001), “Ciudad de Mahón” (2000), “Volcán del Teide” (2010) and “Volcán de Tijarafe” (2007). All units are currently deployed by Armas Trasmediterránea Group on various connections within Spain.
The agreement between the parties also provides for the purchase by the Grimaldi Group of the rights to operate between mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands for the transport of freight and passengers on the following round-trip maritime connections: Barcelona – Mahon (Menorca), Barcelona – Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona – Ibiza, Valencia – Mahon, Valencia – Palma de Mallorca and Valencia – Ibiza.
Finally, the agreement includes the sale of two port terminals for the handling of rolling freight and passengers, currently operated under concession by Armas Trasmediterránea Group in Barcelona and Valencia, as well as various warehouses, offices and ticket offices in Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, Mahon and Ibiza. (cd)