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Fred. Olsen Express, the maritime revolution of the Canary Islands

Since our foundation in 1974, at Fred. Olsen Express we have been pioneers in inter-island maritime transport in the Canary Islands. From the very beginning, we were born with the vision of connecting the Canary Islands in a fast, comfortable and sustainable way.

On 8 July 1974, with the inauguration of the route between San Sebastián de La Gomera and Los Cristianos in Tenerife, we materialised this ambitious initiative. Since then, we have been committed to offering a high quality service to the Canary Islands community.

Over the years, we have expanded our route network, reaching most of the Canary Islands. Currently Fred. Olsen Express has a fleet of 12 ships, 7 high-speed ships, 3 mini ferries and a vessel for freight transport, with which it operates six inter-island shipping lines and a coastal route in the south of La Gomera, which will be joined by the connection with the island of El Hierro in December 2024. It also connects the archipelago with the mainland by connecting Gran Canaria and Tenerife with Huelva.

Annually, at Fred. Olsen Express we make an average of 22,000 journeys and transport more than 3.5 million passengers, 63,000 pets, nearly one million vehicles and around 1,300,000 linear metres of freight, which is equivalent to around 100,000 goods vehicles.

We stand out for our commitment to sustainability and care for the environment, combining operational efficiency with environmentally friendly practices.

 

+ 1.000.000
of vehicles per year
+5.000
+5.000
Monthly pets
+70
Environmental actions
859
Employees
8,94
Customer ratings
3.500.000
3.500.000
Annual travellers
+1880
+1880
Miles per day
12
12
Vessels
+60
Daily trips

More than 50 years of history!

The business activity of the Olsen family in the Canary Islands dates back to 1904.

In particular,it was the Olsen family who established a small agricultural center in the south of La Gomera. From then on, the family launched a maritime route as a means of exporting to the rest of Europe the tomato and banana crops produced in the La Lomada de Tecina and Playa de Santiago.

With the passing of time, Fred. Olsen has upheld his commitment to the local people to invest profits made back into the Canary Islands, thus boosting the economy and allowing the local community to obtain direct benefits from his success. With this in mind, Fred.Olsen, S.A. has created more than 1,000 jobs in the islands and has invested vast sums of money into developing a modern, efficient network of maritime transport between the Canary Islands, as well as in other areas such as tourism and leisure.

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

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
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
Actualidad

New record of 3.5 million passengers

pasajeros.png

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
Actualidad

New record of 3.5 million passengers

pasajeros.png

Services

Until now, our fast ferries have always been our usual system for transporting goods. The incorporation of the RO-RO Bentayga Cargo vessel to our fleet has allowed us to expand and optimise this service to complement the one we currently have.

Fast Ferry
Fast Ferry

Our traditional system in which we combine passenger and cargo transportation. Thanks to our commitment and dedication, we are, since 1974, a reliable, efficient and profitable reference in the sector.

RO-RO
RO-RO

In 2024, we expanded our cargo transportation service to offer vessels exclusively for cargo transportation. This has meant a great novelty and extensive improvements in flexibility and service offerings to customers.

Explore our routes

Enjoy the advantages of travelling by fast ferry with your car, your family and all your luggage. 

Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria
La Gomera
La Gomera
Lanzarote
Lanzarote
La Palma
La Palma
Tenerife
Tenerife
El Hierro
El Hierro
Huelva
Huelva
All destinations
All destinations
Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura Gran Canaria

120 min
barco
Betancuria Express
Fuerteventura Lanzarote

25 o 35 min
barco
Bocayna Express / Buganvilla
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria Tenerife

80 min
barco
Bañaderos Express / Bajamar Express
Gran Canaria Fuerteventura

120 min
barco
Betancuria Express
Gran Canaria Huelva

33 o 40 h
barco
Marie Curie
La Gomera
La Gomera Tenerife

50 min
barco
Benchijigua Express / Bencomo Express
La Gomera, internal route: Playa de Santiago Valle Gran Rey

40 min
barco
Benchi Express
La Gomera, internal route: S. S. de La Gomera Playa de Santiago

30 min
barco
Benchi Express
La Gomera, internal route: S. S. de La Gomera Valle Gran Rey

70 min
barco
Benchi Express
Lanzarote
Lanzarote Fuerteventura

25 o 35 min
barco
Bocayna Express / Buganvilla
La Palma
La Palma Tenerife

150 min
barco
Benchijigua Express / Bencomo Express
Tenerife
Tenerife Gran Canaria

80 min
barco
Bañaderos Express / Bajamar Express
Tenerife La Gomera

50 min
barco
Benchijigua Express / Bencomo Express
Tenerife La Palma

150 min
barco
Benchijigua Express / Bencomo Express
Tenerife Huelva

33 o 40 h
barco
Marie Curie
Tenerife El Hierro

140 min
barco
Bentago Express
El Hierro
El Hierro Tenerife

140 min
barco
Bentago Express
Huelva
Huelva Gran Canaria

33 o 40 h
barco
Marie Curie
Huelva Tenerife

33 o 40 h
barco
Marie Curie
All destinations
Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura Gran Canaria

barco
Betancuria Express
Fuerteventura Lanzarote

barco
Bocayna Express / Buganvilla
25 o 35 min
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria Tenerife

barco
Bañaderos Express / Bajamar Express
Gran Canaria Fuerteventura

barco
Betancuria Express
Gran Canaria Huelva

barco
Marie Curie
33 o 40 h
La Gomera
La Gomera Tenerife

barco
Benchijigua Express / Bencomo Express
La Gomera, internal route: Playa de Santiago Valle Gran Rey

barco
Benchi Express
La Gomera, internal route: S. S. de La Gomera Playa de Santiago

barco
Benchi Express
La Gomera, internal route: S. S. de La Gomera Valle Gran Rey

barco
Benchi Express
Lanzarote
Lanzarote Fuerteventura

barco
Bocayna Express / Buganvilla
25 o 35 min
La Palma
La Palma Tenerife

barco
Benchijigua Express / Bencomo Express
Tenerife
Tenerife Gran Canaria

barco
Bañaderos Express / Bajamar Express
Tenerife La Gomera

barco
Benchijigua Express / Bencomo Express
Tenerife La Palma

barco
Benchijigua Express / Bencomo Express
Tenerife Huelva

barco
Marie Curie
33 o 40 h
Tenerife El Hierro

barco
Bentago Express
El Hierro
El Hierro Tenerife

barco
Bentago Express
Huelva
Huelva Gran Canaria

barco
Marie Curie
33 o 40 h
Huelva Tenerife

barco
Marie Curie
33 o 40 h
All destinations

Commitment to sustainability and the environment

At Fred. Olsen Express we are working on more than 70 measures as part of our In Harmony with the Sea project, with the aim of sailing towards a bluer future. Our four pillars of environmental action are innovation, sustainability, awareness and volunteering. Below you can see our environmental actions up to 2024.

We embarked on our sea adventure!

In 1974 we set sail for our first destination with the commitment to be eco-efficient.

Our 1º objective: to create sustainable routes

Our aim was to link the islands at the closest points, to reduce our carbon footprint.

New routes, with the same commitments

In 1989 we expanded our connections and took our commitment to eco-efficiency to new ports in the Canary Islands.

We became the guardians of the sea

Since 1995, we have been conducting on-board whale watching, for study and preservation purposes.

What did we do in 1974?
We embarked on our sea adventure!

In 1974 we set sail for our first destination with the commitment to be eco-efficient.

Our 1º objective: to create sustainable routes

Our aim was to link the islands at the closest points, to reduce our carbon footprint.

New routes, with the same commitments

In 1989 we expanded our connections and took our commitment to eco-efficiency to new ports in the Canary Islands.

We became the guardians of the sea

Since 1995, we have been conducting on-board whale watching, for study and preservation purposes.

Find out more!
See other projects
We acquired Fast Ferries!

We conducted research to ensure that they were designed with highly durable materials and with low emissions.

We optimised the weights

We built our ferries with the lowest weight possible: the lighter the load, the less power required and the fewer the emissions.

We continued to innovate to reduce emissions

We designed hulls for ships with less resistance to the sea, thus reducing shipping emissions.

We lowered the ramps

We moved the ship's access ramps ashore. They are normally carried on board. This change allowed us to reduce more weight and emissions.

We Eco-designed the routes

We redesigned part of our routes to reduce transits in areas frequented by marine wildlife.

We tried to find better fuel

We pioneered the use of Marine Gas Oil: a lighter, less polluting and lower sulphur fuel.

We appointed more guardians

We designated more marine fauna spotters to encourage their study and to adjust our travel courses.

What did we do in 1999?
We acquired Fast Ferries!

We conducted research to ensure that they were designed with highly durable materials and with low emissions.

We optimised the weights

We built our ferries with the lowest weight possible: the lighter the load, the less power required and the fewer the emissions.

We continued to innovate to reduce emissions

We designed hulls for ships with less resistance to the sea, thus reducing shipping emissions.

We lowered the ramps

We moved the ship's access ramps ashore. They are normally carried on board. This change allowed us to reduce more weight and emissions.

We Eco-designed the routes

We redesigned part of our routes to reduce transits in areas frequented by marine wildlife.

We tried to find better fuel

We pioneered the use of Marine Gas Oil: a lighter, less polluting and lower sulphur fuel.

We appointed more guardians

We designated more marine fauna spotters to encourage their study and to adjust our travel courses.

We painted our ships!

We applied fluoropolymers to the hulls of our ships, a paint that reduces water resistance and generates no waste in the sea.

¡Buscamos nuevos proyectos!

We partnered with universities to support environmental studies, which we still do! CetaVist (ULL), CanBio (ULPGC), ...

What did we do in 2003?
We painted our ships!

We applied fluoropolymers to the hulls of our ships, a paint that reduces water resistance and generates no waste in the sea.

¡Buscamos nuevos proyectos!

We partnered with universities to support environmental studies, which we still do! CetaVist (ULL), CanBio (ULPGC), ...

We raised the travel standard

We launched the first trimaran for the Canary Islands. This led to technological improvements and a greener horizon.

We turned down the volume

In 2006 we connected to shore-based power for the first time, eliminating direct CO2 emissions and noise in towns and cities.

We shut down the engines

During port stops, we kept the engines at the minimum necessary level recommended to reduce pollution.

What did we do in 2005?
We raised the travel standard

We launched the first trimaran for the Canary Islands. This led to technological improvements and a greener horizon.

We turned down the volume

In 2006 we connected to shore-based power for the first time, eliminating direct CO2 emissions and noise in towns and cities.

We shut down the engines

During port stops, we kept the engines at the minimum necessary level recommended to reduce pollution.

Goodbye to boarding passes!

We said goodbye to paper on ships. Thanks to this, today you only need your travel documents to travel.

Hello, Zero Paper!

We promised to reduce paper consumption throughout the company, achieving annual savings of 6050 kg of paper and 6.8 t of CO2.

We dreamed of innovating...

We devised the world's first prototype Ropax Fast Ferry with a dual engine, also capable of running on Liquefied Natural Gas.

We further reduced our consumption

We reinforced our company culture focused on reducing the use of electricity, fuel and paper.

We innovated with new ventilation systems

We optimised ventilation in our machine rooms with energy-saving controllers.

What did we do in 2014?
Goodbye to boarding passes!

We said goodbye to paper on ships. Thanks to this, today you only need your travel documents to travel.

Hello, Zero Paper!

We promised to reduce paper consumption throughout the company, achieving annual savings of 6050 kg of paper and 6.8 t of CO2.

We dreamed of innovating...

We devised the world's first prototype Ropax Fast Ferry with a dual engine, also capable of running on Liquefied Natural Gas.

We further reduced our consumption

We reinforced our company culture focused on reducing the use of electricity, fuel and paper.

We innovated with new ventilation systems

We optimised ventilation in our machine rooms with energy-saving controllers.

We recorded our carbon footprint

We had it certified by the Ministry for Ecological Transition to measure our impact and be able to reduce it.

We accelerated towards eco-efficiency

We designed two new trimarans, based on new environmental sustainability and efficiency criteria.

We raised awareness among our staff

We implemented internal awareness campaigns to promote safe environmental practices.

We devoted our efforts to further reducing the use of resources

Fewer printers, new cooling systems, new lighting systems and reuse.

What did we do in 2017?
We recorded our carbon footprint

We had it certified by the Ministry for Ecological Transition to measure our impact and be able to reduce it.

We accelerated towards eco-efficiency

We designed two new trimarans, based on new environmental sustainability and efficiency criteria.

We raised awareness among our staff

We implemented internal awareness campaigns to promote safe environmental practices.

We devoted our efforts to further reducing the use of resources

Fewer printers, new cooling systems, new lighting systems and reuse.

We reduced our emissions over long distances

Together with Balearia, we opted for LNG fuel on our routes to Huelva, achieving a 30% CO2 reduction.

We eliminated plastics on board

We replaced them with biodegradable tableware, reducing up to 6.2 tonnes of plastic per year.

We dived into the sea to protect it

We started a new protection project, with thermal camera testing and outreach actions.

We redesigned our eco-routes

We further reduced our nautical miles through Special Areas of Conservation (SACs).

We also achieved the ISO 14001 certification

Which demonstrates that we prioritise environmental opportunities and risks in an appropriate way.

We reduced our waste

We created offers to distribute products from our cafeterias before they expire, at very low prices.

We stimulated local economies

We prioritised the selection of local suppliers to supply shops, cafeterias and other areas of our service.

What did we do in 2019?
We reduced our emissions over long distances

Together with Balearia, we opted for LNG fuel on our routes to Huelva, achieving a 30% CO2 reduction.

We eliminated plastics on board

We replaced them with biodegradable tableware, reducing up to 6.2 tonnes of plastic per year.

We dived into the sea to protect it

We started a new protection project, with thermal camera testing and outreach actions.

We redesigned our eco-routes

We further reduced our nautical miles through Special Areas of Conservation (SACs).

We also achieved the ISO 14001 certification

Which demonstrates that we prioritise environmental opportunities and risks in an appropriate way.

We reduced our waste

We created offers to distribute products from our cafeterias before they expire, at very low prices.

We stimulated local economies

We prioritised the selection of local suppliers to supply shops, cafeterias and other areas of our service.

New trimarans, more efficiency

We are adding new trimarans to the fleet, with more efficient engines that use less fuel.

We're moving to Big Data!

We are implementing new navigation systems, sensors and 5G connectivity to support conscious decision making.

We are now smoke-free

We limit smoking during crossings to prevent marine pollution by cigarette butts.

We continue to test new technologies

We are in the process of developing technology to detect marine fauna, even at a distance of 2 nautical miles.

We are working to reduce our emissions

We are investigating initiatives to capture CO2 emissions in shipping.

We sail "En Armonía con el Mar"

We are reinforcing our environmental commitment with the launch of the "En Armonía con el Mar" project.

What are we doing now?
New trimarans, more efficiency

We are adding new trimarans to the fleet, with more efficient engines that use less fuel.

We're moving to Big Data!

We are implementing new navigation systems, sensors and 5G connectivity to support conscious decision making.

We are now smoke-free

We limit smoking during crossings to prevent marine pollution by cigarette butts.

We continue to test new technologies

We are in the process of developing technology to detect marine fauna, even at a distance of 2 nautical miles.

We are working to reduce our emissions

We are investigating initiatives to capture CO2 emissions in shipping.

We sail "En Armonía con el Mar"

We are reinforcing our environmental commitment with the launch of the "En Armonía con el Mar" project.

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.