Celebrating 50 Years of Fred. Olsen: Connecting the Canary Islands
In 2024, Fred. Olsen will proudly commemorate half a century of unwavering commitment to strengthening ties across the Canary Islands. Since its establishment, the company has anchored its operations on core values such as service orientation, quality, speed, sustainability, and accessibility. This dedication has not only facilitated travel among the islands but has also fostered community bonds, tourism, and commerce in this unique region.
The Journey Begins: The S.S. Benchijigua
The saga of Fred. Olsen began in 1974 on the island of La Gomera with the launch of the inaugural Benchijigua, aptly named after a local town in the southern part of the island. Known affectionately as the Ferry Gomera, this vessel initiated a significant era of regular maritime communications between the islands. At its debut, the Benchijigua accommodated 399 passengers and 60 vehicles, boasting three daily trips that made the 80-minute journey across the water. Within just six months, the fleet successfully transported over 100,000 passengers, thanks also to the integration of a bus service linking Los Cristianos with Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Expanding Horizons: New Routes and Services
By 1981, after firmly establishing the La Gomera-Tenerife route, Fred. Olsen expanded its services by adding the ferry Betancuria, which connected Playa Blanca on Lanzarote with Corralejo in Fuerteventura. This expansion was facilitated by the acquisition of a second Benchijigua vessel. Although technical difficulties temporarily halted this line in 1982, the arrival of the Sunflower in 1989, rebranded as Betancuria, enabled the company to resume regular connections.
The connection between the two capital islands of the Canaries was finally realized in 1994, linking Agaete’s Las Nieves port with Santa Cruz de Tenerife. This achievement followed extensive planning and negotiations, culminating in the purchase of a new ferry, named Bañaderos, along with a rebranded second Benchijigua, called Bajamar. This route quickly became one of the most sought-after by travelers, known for being the fastest sea route between the islands.
A Commitment to the Canary Islands
Reflecting on five decades of operation, Juan Ignacio Liaño, the fleet director of Fred. Olsen Express, shared his insights: “Our mission is to connect the archipelago by sea with a service that is quick, comfortable, and flexible while focusing on sustainable practices. We strive to harness technological advancements alongside an in-depth understanding of the needs of Canarians.”
Today, Fred. Olsen operates five inter-island maritime routes and a southern coastal route in La Gomera, conducting approximately 22,000 annual trips. The company facilitates travel for over 3.5 million passengers, 63,000 pets, about a million vehicles, and nearly 1,300,000 linear meters of cargo. Since 2018, it has also collaborated with Baleària to offer a regular route connecting Gran Canaria and Tenerife with the mainland of Huelva.
Advancing Towards Sustainability
Since its inception, Fred. Olsen Express has been committed to enhancing service quality through sustainability and accessibility practices. In 1999, the company began investing in fast ferries, which fueled their goals of providing optimal service while promoting resource longevity and minimizing emissions. These high-speed vessels were equipped to run on lighter fuels, such as Marine Gas Oil, which are less harmful than conventional marine fuels. Just five years later, by 2005, the entire Fred. Olsen fleet transitioned to this type of fuel, making it the first Canarian shipping company to implement this change voluntarily, well ahead of International Maritime Organization regulations.
Significant strides in sustainability include the shift to a paperless operation in 2014 and achieving carbon footprint certification in 2017. In 2023, the company introduced “En Armonía con el Mar,” a comprehensive roadmap featuring over 70 environmental sustainability measures, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the Canary Islands’ 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
Accessibility for All
Accessibility remains a top priority for Fred. Olsen Express. In 2023, the company achieved universal accessibility certification across its fleet and facilities, becoming the first maritime company in Spain to receive this honor. This recognition ensures that all individuals, regardless of age or mobility condition, can independently enjoy the services provided by the ferry operator.
