Fred. Olsen Express has officially launched its summer timetable for inter-island ferry routes, with services already in operation for several weeks. The company anticipates a particularly active season, forecasting more than 400,000 passengers in both July and August, with August expected to register the highest figures of the year.
To meet the seasonal surge in demand, Fred. Olsen Express has maintained and expanded its network of over 2,200 scheduled trips per month during the summer peak. This includes continued service on key high-frequency routes and the integration of the Tenerife–El Hierro route, which began operating in December 2024.
Expanded Routes and Increased Frequencies
Throughout July and August, Fred. Olsen Express will offer:
- Tenerife–Gran Canaria: 16 daily crossings (8 each way)
- Gran Canaria–Fuerteventura and Tenerife–La Gomera: Up to 8 daily sailings (4 each way)
- Lanzarote–Fuerteventura: 26 crossings (13 each way), ideal for same-day return trips
- Tenerife–La Palma: 4 daily connections, with up to 6 during festive days
- Tenerife–El Hierro: Up to 4 trips per day (2 each way), with added frequency during the Virgen de los Reyes celebrations
Fleet Director Juan Ignacio Liaño emphasised that ferry travel remains the preferred mode of transport for Canarian families, especially in summer, due to the flexibility of travelling with their own vehicle, no luggage restrictions, and the comfort of sea travel. “July and August are our busiest months, so we adapt in advance to continue offering the convenience and connectivity our passengers rely on,” Liaño explained.
Strong Start to the Holiday Season in June
The company also anticipates a notable rise in demand during the last two weekends of June, marking the start of the school holiday exodus. Fred. Olsen Express expects to carry 87,500 passengers and more than 22,000 vehicles, representing a 5% increase over the same weekend in 2024 for 20–22 June, and a 2% increase for 27–29 June.
Demand on the Tenerife–La Palma route is especially high, coinciding with the island’s quinquennial festivities, adding cultural momentum to this summer’s travel patterns.
Pet-Friendly Travel Celebrates Two Years
June also marks the second anniversary of Fred. Olsen Express’s pet-friendly travel service, developed in consultation with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. In 2024 alone, 66,000 pets travelled on board, benefitting from designated pet sofa areas and enhanced comfort features.
“This service has become one of the main reasons families with pets choose Fred. Olsen Express. We are proud to offer a travel experience where every member of the family—including pets—is welcome,” said Liaño.
Strengthened Cargo Operations with Dedicated Fleet
Fred. Olsen Cargo Express, the company’s freight transport division, continues to expand its commitment to inter-island logistics. Since 2024, it has operated two dedicated RORO vessels—Bentayga Cargo and Bahía Cargo—and will introduce a third ship this summer to serve routes connecting La Palma, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote.
This reinforcement addresses increased summer demand and the logistical needs of freight operators and public institutions, ensuring reliable, efficient, and sustainable cargo transport even during peak travel periods.
