The newly introduced mini-ferry, Buganvilla Express, by Fred. Olsen Express is now operational, enhancing the daily connections between Playa Blanca in Lanzarote and Corralejo in Fuerteventura by sea. Officially launched yesterday morning (July 24th), this catamaran can hold 250 passengers and has significantly increased the frequency of daily trips on this route to twelve, with six departures from each port.
The Buganvilla Express, a state-of-the-art Rodman 80 catamaran, arrived in the Canary Islands from Vigo on July 16th. It joins the existing Buganvilla vessel, which has been servicing this route since 2022. The addition of this new ferry has increased the number of daily trips from eight (four from each island) to twelve, thus offering passengers more options and greater flexibility.
The fleet director of Fred. Olsen Express, Juan Ignacio Liaño, emphasised the strategic move to strengthen passenger-only transport for short routes. "With this new catamaran, we consolidate our commitment to the passenger-only transport model for short routes.
This model was initially introduced with the Buganvilla and saw a 40% increase in travellers in its first year. To meet the growing demand and enhance service quality, we invested in this newly constructed vessel, enabling us to offer four additional trips daily on this route," Liaño said.
The Buganvilla Express is the third mini-ferry dedicated exclusively to passenger transport within the Fred. Olsen fleet, alongside Buganvilla and Benchi Express, the latter of which services the coastal route of La Gomera, connecting San Sebastián, Playa de Santiago, and Valle Gran Rey.
It is 26 metres in length and 9.8 metres in width, equipped with two engines delivering 1,470 horsepower each. The ferry features both interior and exterior decks, catering to tourist preferences, and offers amenities such as a café-bar and Wi-Fi. Additionally, it ensures easy accessibility for all passengers.
Passengers can now check schedules and purchase tickets through Fred. Olsen Express's usual sales channels, including the company website, call centre, mobile app, travel agencies, and port-side offices.
