Fred. Olsen’s Schedule Reorganization Amidst Technical Incident
In response to a technical incident affecting one of its vessels, Fred. Olsen has announced alterations to its ferry schedules between Tenerife and La Gomera beginning Wednesday. This change aims to ensure continued connectivity with La Palma, particularly critical given the current challenges arising from volcanic activity in the area.
The Replacement of the Betancuria Express
To manage the service disruption, the Betancuria Express—typically servicing the route between Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Morro Jable in Fuerteventura—will temporarily be deployed to cover the ferry route between Tenerife and La Gomera. This strategic shift is crucial as it helps maintain essential transport links in light of the ongoing emergency situation.
New Departure Times to Serve Travelers
Starting this Wednesday, the new schedule from San Sebastián de La Gomera features departures at 7:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 5:15 PM. Meanwhile, travelers from Los Cristianos in Tenerife will have ferries departing at 9:15 AM, 3:00 PM, and 7:00 PM. The Betancuria Express will operate at a moderate speed due to its technical restrictions, with the journey taking approximately one hour and ten minutes.
Maintaining Connectivity with Increased Capacity
Despite the operational adjustments, the service between the two islands remains robust, with six daily connections—three from each port. Remarkably, this arrangement increases the existing passenger capacity by 40%, thanks to the Betancuria Express’s impressive size. As the largest catamaran in the Canary Islands, it can accommodate 1,598 passengers and transport 357 cars, making it a powerful asset in sustaining travel demand during this crisis.
Focus on La Palma’s Essential Route
Fred. Olsen has also ensured that the route connecting La Palma to Tenerife remains well-staffed and operationally secure. The trimaran Benchijigua Express will now exclusively handle this route, accommodating 1,291 passengers and 340 vehicles. This move is designed to meet the heightened demand for transportation within the region, with a direct connection established that lasts approximately two and a half hours.
Increased Flexibility Based on Demand
Starting Thursday, Fred. Olsen is prepared to increase the frequency of trips based on passenger demand. Initial departures from Santa Cruz de La Palma will be scheduled at 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM, while departures from Los Cristianos will occur at 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM. This proactive measure emphasizes the company’s commitment to responsiveness in times of urgency.
Communication and Travel Adjustments for Passengers
Recognizing the potential inconvenience these changes may cause, especially to La Gomera’s residents, Fred. Olsen expresses empathy towards affected passengers. The company prioritizes maintaining connectivity between Tenerife and La Palma to facilitate emergency services and necessary movements. Affected travelers are being notified of these adjustments directly, and it is worth noting that tickets remain valid for a year from the purchase date, allowing for schedule changes without additional fees, subject to availability.
In essence, Fred. Olsen is navigating the current situation with a focus on reliability and responsiveness, prioritizing the needs of all travelers in a challenging time.
