New Cargo Route Links La Palma and Tenerife
Fred. Olsen Express has unveiled a new specialized cargo route connecting La Palma and Tenerife, set to operate three times weekly. The service, announced at an event in Santa Cruz de La Palma, aims to strengthen logistics and supply chains between the islands. Representatives from local government, logistics operators, and industry clients attended the launch, where they toured the cargo vessel Bahía Cargo—a preview of the expanded fleet that will soon include the Breñas Cargo.
Enhanced Connectivity for La Palma
The new route, named Fred. Olsen Cargo Express, will significantly improve La Palma’s connectivity with Tenerife and the wider archipelago. With a six-hour journey time, the service is designed to meet the demands of professional freight transport, accommodating everything from oversized loads to hazardous materials. The Bahía Cargo, a 160-meter ‘roro’ vessel, boasts a capacity of 1,800 linear meters and 9,000 tons, operating at an average speed of 20 knots.
Local and Regional Benefits
Sergio Rodríguez, President of La Palma’s Island Council, emphasized the route’s importance for local businesses and essential supplies. “This initiative is the result of coordinated efforts between the island’s institutions and freight companies,” he said. “It ensures reliable access to goods and services while boosting regional connectivity.” Darwin Rodríguez, the island’s Transport Minister, added that the route addresses long-standing demands from logistics professionals for more frequent connections.
Port Infrastructure and Future Expansion
Andrés Dámaso Gómez of the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife highlighted the role of port infrastructure in ensuring the route’s efficiency. “Our ports are ready to support operations like this, which are vital for regional economic growth,” he said. Juan Ignacio Liaño, Fleet Director of Fred. Olsen Express, noted that the addition of the Breñas Cargo will further enhance the service, offering a dedicated, regular, and efficient solution for La Palma’s business community.
Expanded Fleet and Schedule
Starting July 30, Fred. Olsen Cargo Express will operate three ‘roro’ vessels—Bahía Cargo, Bentayga Cargo, and Breñas Cargo—on the La Palma-Tenerife route. Departures from Tenerife will occur on Mondays and Fridays at 8:00 PM and Wednesdays at 4:00 PM, while La Palma departures are scheduled for Tuesdays at 5:00 AM and Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11:59 PM. The service also connects to Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and mainland Spain via Huelva.
Fred. Olsen Express: A Legacy of Connectivity
With over 50 years of service in the Canary Islands, Fred. Olsen Express remains a leader in inter-island transport. The company operates eight high-speed vessels, two mini-ferries, and three cargo ships, handling 3.7 million passengers, 66,000 pets, and 1.3 million linear meters of cargo annually. Committed to sustainability, the company aligns its operations with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, minimizing its environmental impact through initiatives like “En Armonía con el Mar.”
