The Fred. Olsen Express has launched a new service named the Buganvilla Express, enhancing the connection between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. Starting operations from the ports of Playa Blanca on Lanzarote and Corralejo on Fuerteventura, the service began this morning with the arrival of the Buganvilla Express, a catamaran that can accommodate 250 passengers.
This vessel joins the already operational Buganvilla ship on this route, offering a total of 12 daily trips—six from each port, which is an increase from the previous eight daily trips.
The Buganvilla Express was constructed by the national shipyard Rodman Polyships, exemplifying the latest in catamaran design under the Rodman 80 model. It’s equipped with two 1,470 horsepower engines, and features amenities such as an indoor and outdoor deck, a bar-cafeteria, on-board entertainment, and WiFi connectivity. The design focuses on ensuring accessibility for all passengers, enhancing comfort and mobility on board.
Juan Ignacio Liaño, Fleet Director for Fred. Olsen Express, emphasized that the introduction of the Buganvilla Express reinforces the company’s commitment to a passenger-only transport model on short-haul routes, which has already seen a 40% increase in passenger numbers in its first year alone. This strategic addition aims to meet growing demand and enhance service flexibility and quality.
The Buganvilla Express joins the Benchi Express in the company’s fleet of mini-ferries dedicated exclusively to passenger transport. Fred. Olsen Express, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, started in 1974 and has grown to become a leader in inter-island maritime transport in the Canary Islands, operating a fleet that includes high-speed ships and mini-ferries, covering six inter-island maritime lines and a coastal route in La Gomera.
For those interested, ticket bookings and schedule information are available through Fred. Olsen Express’s standard purchasing channels, including their website, call center, app, travel agencies, and port offices. This expansion not only aims to cater to the growing tourist demand but also supports the company’s sustainability goals in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Canary Islands Agenda for Sustainable Development 2030.
