By
Alex Smith |
Austal Philippines has delivered high-speed trimaran ferry Bañaderos Express to Canary Islands-based operator Fred. Olsen Express.
Captain Juan Antonio Rojas and the crew of Bañaderos Express formally accepted the vessel from Austal Philippines’ president and general manager Wayne Murray at a ceremony held at the company’s shipyard in Balamban, Phillipines. The delivery marks the completion of the A$190 million contract for two trimaran ferries signed by the companies in 2018. The first vessel, Bajamar Express, was constructed by Austal Australia and was delivered in July 2020.
“Fred. Olsen Express was the world’s first ferry operator to see the unique value of the Austal trimaran hull to deliver a superior customer experience, operating the 127-metre Benchijigua Express since 2005,” said Paddy Gregg, CEO of Austal. “Now, with Bajamar Express and Bañaderos Express, they have two more trimarans that further enhance their offering to customers and enable the world’s first dedicated trimaran service in the Canary Islands.”
Capable of transporting 1,100 passengers and 276 cars at a cruising speed of over 37 knots, the new ferries for Fred. Olsen Express feature multiple bars, kiosks, a retail shop and children’s play area.
“With the addition of Bañaderos Express, Fred. Olsen Express has a unique fleet that now includes three trimarans, offering the very best high-speed ferry experience for our customers,” said Andrés Marin, CEO of Fred. Olsen. “Following the successful introduction of her sister ship, Bajamar Express, which was acknowledged by the Royal Institute of Naval Architects in the UK as one of 2020’s Significant Ships, we’re delighted to be adding this equally impressive, environmentally friendly new ship to our schedule and look forward to welcoming passengers onboard very soon.”
Following its maiden voyage from the Philippines to the Canary Islands, Bañaderos Express will join Bajamar Express to offer a dedicated service on the route between Santa Cruz, Tenerife, and Agaete, Gran Canaria, from the fourth quarter of 2021.