Fred. Olsen Express held the official unveiling today for the new route between El Hierro and Tenerife, reinstating a service that had previously operated from 1999 to 2013. As a result, the shipping company now manages seven maritime lines for inter-island travel as well as a coastal route in southern La Gomera, reaffirming its commitment to enhancing connectivity through maritime transport across the archipelago.
The presentation was conducted at La Estaca port, aboard the Bentago Express, a vessel that has been refurbished and customised by Fred. Olsen Express specifically for this route, which commenced service on December 31.
Among the attendees were the Minister of Public Works, Housing, and Mobility for the Government of the Canary Islands, Pablo Rodríguez; the general director of Transportation for the Government, María Fernández; the advisor for Agriculture, Livestock, Fishing, and Food Sovereignty, Narvay Quintero; the president of the Cabildo of El Hierro, Alpidio Armas; the president of the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Pedro Suárez; and the general director of Fred. Olsen, S.A., Andrés Marín.
During the event, officials and representatives from user companies toured the Bentago Express, learning about the enhancements the shipping company has made to ensure a quality service for the fast ferry, as well as the services available on the route.
The Golden Touch
In his address, the general director of Fred. Olsen, S.A., Andrés Marín, expressed gratitude to all attendees for their presence and underscored that the launch of this route marks the highlight of the company’s 50th-anniversary celebrations. He noted that 2024 is set to be a year full of achievements that affirm the shipping company’s dedication to advancing maritime transportation in the archipelago. “On December 31, we concluded 2024, a year that celebrated our half-century on these islands, re-establishing the link between El Hierro and Tenerife—a vital connection with significant meaning for the people of El Hierro and the entire Canary Islands,” he remarked.
Institutional Presentation. /LP/DLP
“Our aim, with renewed enthusiasm, is to continue our efforts so that this line, which we have reinstated with great effort and commitment, provides all our users with a comfortable and adaptable service that meets their needs. In line with this, we have already introduced reinforcements for significant dates, such as holiday periods or the eagerly awaited Lowering of the Virgin of the Kings. Additionally, we have the necessary resources and fleet to ensure flexibility and adaptability to any circumstances, guaranteeing service continuity at all times,” Marín added.
In his comment, the Minister of Public Works, Housing, and Mobility for the Government of the Canary Islands, Pablo Rodríguez, emphasised that the launch of this maritime route operated by Fred. Olsen Express represents a collaborative effort to overcome the challenges posed by the fragmentation of our territories. He noted that public-private partnerships and coordination have enabled effective solutions to ensure that the people of El Hierro can travel confidently and that goods are delivered consistently, contributing to the well-being and progress of the Island.
Connectivity: A “Key” Element
“This also serves as a reminder that connectivity is crucial for the development of our islands and for ensuring equal opportunities for all Canary Islanders, regardless of their home island,” Rodríguez stated.
According to the president of the Cabildo of El Hierro, Alpidio Armas, the launch of this route “signifies the entry of Fred. Olsen Express into El Hierro and an unwavering commitment to improve the connectivity of the island, fostering its social and economic progress. Furthermore, the destination of El Hierro has long been an unmet obligation that the company had towards this island, thus completing the inter-island maritime circle.” He also acknowledged the shipping company’s dedication to fulfilling El Hierro’s aspiration to achieve better access, creating a competitive market where users can make their own choices.
Fred. Olsen Express. /LP/DLP
As stated by the president of the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Pedro Suárez, “the re-establishment of this route between El Hierro and Tenerife significantly enhances inter-island connectivity, which is essential for the economic and social development of the Canary Islands. It is vital to have various transport alternatives, not only to encourage free competition but also to guarantee users access to high-quality services and competitive rates.”
This line operated by Fred. Olsen Express between El Hierro and Tenerife offers 16 weekly journeys in winter, with eight from each port, and 20 in summer. It also features competitive prices, tailored to the market, which can be consulted through the company’s sales channels.
Bentago Express: A Renovated Fast Ferry
The Bentago Express boasts a capacity to transport 880 passengers and 230 vehicles, which, in line with the company’s operational schedule, translates into up to 17,000 passengers, 4,600 vehicles, and 13,000 linear metres of cargo each week, enabling the company to cater to the demands of the island and its link with Tenerife. Designed with the travellers’ needs in mind, it includes exclusive and distinctive services not previously offered on the island, such as accommodations for pets, children’s areas, Gold Class, on-board entertainment through the On Board Club app, and free Wi-Fi, among other features. Furthermore, the company provides passengers with the Ferry Bus service to facilitate journeys between Los Cristianos and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
