Fred. Olsen Express has resumed its ferry service between La Estaca, in El Hierro, and Los Cristianos, in Tenerife. This marks a significant step in enhancing the connectivity of the Canary Islands, reinforcing the company’s long-standing commitment to the region’s transportation network. The route officially reopened on 31 December 2024, perfectly timed to conclude Fred. Olsen Express’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
Key Highlights of the New Route
- Vessel Details:
The Bentago Express, a state-of-the-art fast ferry, has been specifically renovated for this route. It boasts a capacity of 880 passengers and 230 cars per trip, offering various amenities such as:- Accommodation for pets.
- A children’s play area.
- A Gold Class section for premium travel.
- Cafeteria and onboard shop.
- Free WiFi and entertainment via the On Board Club app.
- Schedules and Frequency:
- Winter Schedule: 16 weekly trips (8 departures from each port).
- Summer Schedule: 20 weekly trips, ensuring greater flexibility during peak travel months.
Customer-Centric Features
Fred. Olsen Express prioritizes passenger comfort and convenience with tailored services, including:
- Ferry Bus: Seamless travel between Los Cristianos and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
- Flexible Fare Options: Catering to diverse travel needs and budgets.
Passengers can book tickets through multiple channels, including:
- The Fred. Olsen Express website and mobile app.
- Customer call centres.
- Port ticket offices and associated travel agencies.
A Milestone for Connectivity in the Canary Islands
Juan Ignacio Liaño, Fleet Director at Fred. Olsen Express, described the resumption of this route as a symbolic and practical achievement:
“Restoring the connection with El Hierro is the perfect conclusion to our 50th anniversary year. Our first trip on 31 December heralds the start of regular services and underscores our commitment to serving the islands as the maritime highway of the Canary Islands.”
Fred. Olsen Express: A Legacy of Excellence
Since its inception in 1974, Fred. Olsen Express has been a leader in maritime transport within the Canary Islands. Highlights of its achievements include:
- Fleet Composition:
- 8 high-speed ships.
- 3 mini-ferries.
- 2 cargo ships for freight transport.
- Operational Scope:
- Six inter-island routes and a coastal line in southern La Gomera.
- Connections between the Canary Islands and mainland Spain (Gran Canaria and Tenerife to Huelva).
- Annual Statistics:
- Over 22,000 journeys per year.
- Transporting 3.5 million passengers, 63,000 pets, and 1 million vehicles annually.
Since its launch, the company has served over 86 million passengers, cementing its reputation as the premier choice for inter-island travel.
Sustainability Commitment
Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Canary Islands Agenda 2030, Fred. Olsen Express continually invests in innovative solutions to minimize its environmental footprint. Through its “In Harmony with the Sea” programme, the company ensures sustainable practices across all operations, reflecting its dedication to the region’s ecological and economic well-being.
Connecting Communities
Fred. Olsen Express remains steadfast in its mission to strengthen the ties between the islands, providing fast, reliable, and eco-conscious travel solutions for both residents and visitors. With the relaunch of the El Hierro-Tenerife route, the company reinforces its role as a cornerstone of connectivity in the Canary Islands.
