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Fred. Olsen / 50 anniversary

50 anniversary

In 2024 we celebrate 50 years connecting the Canary Islands.

Throughout these five decades, we have had the privilege of transporting millions of people, making dreams come true and contributing to the union of our archipelago. We have witnessed the evolution of maritime transport and the development of the Canarian land, always adapting to new times to maintain our leadership.

It has been an incredible fifty years that we want to commemorate, join us on this journey through our history!

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A 50-year journey.

Here are some of the most important milestones in our history:

1974

We start our journey with Ferry Gomera, connecting Tenerife and La Gomera.

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1989

Our Fuerteventura - Lanzarote route gets consolidated.

lanzarote-fuerteventura.png
1994

We launched our regular line between Gran Canaria and Tenerife.

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1995

We started operating between Tenerife and La Palma.

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1999

The first high-speed catamaran arrives in the Canary Islands, a complete revolution!

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2000

Commitment to high-speed service and fleet renewal.

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2005

Use of marine gas oil (MGO) throughout the fleet.

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2005

The arrival of the first trimaran in the islands, offering a new model of comfort.

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2012

The Gran Canaria - Fuerteventura route gets consolidated.

fuerteventura-gc.png
2014

We eliminate boarding passes to move towards zero paper.

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2017

Establishment of the coastal route around La Gomera.

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2018

Start of the connection between the Canary Islands and the mainland.

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2019

3 million passenger record and commitment to reduce the use of plastics.

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2020

Fleet renewal with the arrival of the first new trimaran.

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2021

Consolidation of the TRI-MA-RAN route between the capital islands.

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2022

Commitment to mini ferris for excursion tourism and short trips.

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2023

Launch of new Pet-Friendly accommodations.

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2023

Achievement of universal accessibility certification

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Currently

New record of 3.5 million passengers and new exclusive service for cargo transfer.

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Close timeline
Close timeline
1974

We start our journey with Ferry Gomera, connecting Tenerife and La Gomera.

ferry_gomera.png
1989

Our Fuerteventura - Lanzarote route gets consolidated.

lanzarote-fuerteventura.png
1994

We launched our regular line between Gran Canaria and Tenerife.

tenerife-gc.png
See timeline
1995

We started operating between Tenerife and La Palma.

palma-tenerife.png
1999

The first high-speed catamaran arrives in the Canary Islands, a complete revolution!

draft-BGO.png
2000

Commitment to high-speed service and fleet renewal.

bombilla-faro.png
2005

Use of marine gas oil (MGO) throughout the fleet.

gasoil.png
2005

The arrival of the first trimaran in the islands, offering a new model of comfort.

draft-BEX-volteado.png
2012

The Gran Canaria - Fuerteventura route gets consolidated.

fuerteventura-gc.png
2014

We eliminate boarding passes to move towards zero paper.

papel0.png
2017

Establishment of the coastal route around La Gomera.

Grupo%206233.png
2018

Start of the connection between the Canary Islands and the mainland.

peninsula.png
2019

3 million passenger record and commitment to reduce the use of plastics.

familia.png
2020

Fleet renewal with the arrival of the first new trimaran.

Imagen%20131.png
2021

Consolidation of the TRI-MA-RAN route between the capital islands.

Imagen%20131.png
2022

Commitment to mini ferris for excursion tourism and short trips.

miniferry.png
2023

Launch of new Pet-Friendly accommodations.

mascotas.png
2023

Achievement of universal accessibility certification

accesibilidad.png
Currently

New record of 3.5 million passengers and new exclusive service for cargo transfer.

pasajeros.png

Our story told by its protagonists.

In these years there are many memories, achievements and anecdotes. Discover here our tribute to what we have sailed and to those who have accompanied us:

See more

We have achieved more than we dreamed.

These 50 years have taken us a long way:

+ 1.000.000
annual vehicles
+ 5.000
+ 5.000
Monthly pets
+ 70
Environmental actions
859
Employees
8,94
Customer rating
3.500.000
3.500.000
Annual travelers
+ 1880
+ 1880
Miles per day
12
12
Fleet
+60
Daily trips

Read some testimonies and anecdotes

We share some testimonies of those who have been part of our history and remember how our evolution has been.

Laly Hernando
Laly Hernando
Coordinator of the 1st booking team.

Fred. Olsen Express has always been known as a company that gives its all to its employees. In the early days we were all like a family and I think that is something that continues to this day.

Miguel Cabeza
Miguel Cabeza
Head of Human Resources.
Sometimes we think that companies last forever but, unfortunately, if you look back 50 years, you realise that this is not the case. The ones that keep going are because they know the secret.
 
For my part, I had the opportunity to work in HR at Fred. Olsen Express and was fortunate to discover the secret right away: the people and how they related to each other and to the company. At Fred. Olsen has always had an unwavering culture.
Of course, the company evolves and we have modernised a lot to stay at the forefront, but the principles and culture have always remained the same. And when it is our turn to stop and pass the baton, we know we are in a very long relay race, convinced that the next colleague will not let go of his or her baton until the next finish line. 
José Juan Ramírez
José Juan Ramírez
President of the César Manrique Foundation
During these fifty years of service to the Canary Islands community, Fred. Olsen Express has contributed to connecting the archipelago and strengthening the links between territories and citizens.
 
I would like to celebrate the shipping company's constant efforts to modernise its fleet and its service to the public, so that the connections it offers are more comfortable and affordable every day. Undoubtedly, this is a milestone in the maritime communication of the Canary Islands.
Salvador Méndez
Salvador Méndez
Head of Department, South West Port Area, AAPP de SC de Tenerife
Since its beginnings, Fred. Olsen has played a decisive role in the cohesion of the whole archipelago. For La Gomera, the 8th of July 1974 meant the end of isolation and communication with the world.
 
Personally, I remember as if it were today the inauguration party of the line organised by Ferry Gomera in 1974, which was attended by the whole island. From that moment on, the anecdotes and memories with Fred. Olsen Express have become innumerable.

It has been a great trip and we are going to celebrate!

With stories
With stories
Surprises
Surprises
Draws
Draws
Events
Events
WITH STORIES THAT MOVE US

1974 - 2024. ¡Five decades is a long time. Along the way, we have experienced many exciting stories. Here you can discover some of them, they are also available on our social networks. Is there something you have always wanted to know about Fred. Olsen, or someone you have always wanted to surprise? Write to us!

WITH SURPRISES YOU DO NOT EXPECT

Thanks to our 86 million passengers, more than 800 current employees, and an incredible team over the years, ¡we have come this far! To thank you, get ready for special promotions, a new mini ferry, family activities, competitions, birthday packs, and more.

WITH SPECIAL DRAWS

¡We are celebrating 50 years with many draws! ¡Follow us on our social networks, in our Newsletter or on this page to keep up to date with everything. You can win something great... that will take you far away!

WITH EVENTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

¡Half a century together! ¡July will be our month! We will celebrate this great date in summer with events and activities for our most loyal sailors, families, and travellers. All the details, coming soon on this page.

Get to know our beginnings.

Our first trip, a great milestone on the islands.

It was on 8 July, 1974 when our ferry Benchijigua sailed from the port of Los Cristianos in Tenerife to San Sebastián de la Gomera for the first time. This voyage marked the beginning of a new era for inter-island communications in the Canary Islands.

The Benchijigua was a modern and comfortable ship, with a capacity for 399 passengers and 60 cars. The journey between Tenerife and La Gomera took only 80 minutes, which meant a significant increase in connectivity between the two islands. In just six months, the line carried more than 100,000 passengers, a milestone for La Gomera.

The success of the Benchijigua, our first ferry, gave impetus to the development of Ferry Gomera, which at that time was our commercial name. In the following years, we expanded our fleet and routes, becoming one of the favourite companies of the archipelago and opening new possibilities for the islanders.

Our philosophy has always been to offer you the best service: fast and comfortable. For this reason, in 1999 we were pioneers in high-speed transport in the Canary Islands, incorporating the first fast ferry to the islands' connections. And, in 2005, we acquired the first trimaran, a model of vessel that improves comfort on crossings and which has now become our flag ship.

Today, we are also a benchmark in terms of accessibility, sustainable development, and family-friendly transport, being the Canary Islands shipping company with the pet-friendly accommodation preferred by pets. All of this is thanks to you and our team, our true driving force.