Fred. Olsen Express ends 2025 with a record 4 million passengers
Fred. Olsen Express has closed 2025 with a historic record, transporting 4 million passengers in a single year — the highest figure ever achieved by the ferry company. Overall, they increased passenger and vehicle numbers by 10% compared with the previous year, surpassing one million transported vehicles.
This landmark year saw the first anniversary of the El Hierro–Tenerife route, the introduction of a new vessel to strengthen freight services, and ongoing advances in technology, sustainability, and accessibility across the network.
Fleet Director Juan Ignacio Liaño noted that “after a 2024 marked by our 50th anniversary, the launch of our freight service and the new El Hierro connection, ending 2025 with a record-breaking 4 million passengers motivates us to continue improving. We are proud and grateful for the trust our travellers place in us to move around the islands. This year, we have continued making progress in innovation, environmental sustainability and accessibility, reinforcing our commitment to the social and economic development of the Canary Islands.”
Sustainability, Accessibility and Social Commitment
In 2025, Fred. Olsen Express strengthened its environmental work through its collaboration with Terramare Medioambiente, conducting three coastal clean-ups on El Hierro, Tenerife and Gran Canaria. A total of 976 tonnes of waste was collected.
The company also renewed its campaign to protect the Cory’s shearwater and launched its “Mar de Estrellas” initiative. This project aims to safeguard local wildlife and reduce impacts on residents’ wellbeing, while improving the quality of the night sky for astronomy and increasing energy efficiency. It aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Canary Islands’ own Sustainable Development Agenda. The initiative received the 2025 Award for Good Management Practices from the Tenerife Cabildo in the Large Business category.
Continuing its commitment to accessibility, the operator joined the Tenerife Accesible network, promoted by Sinpromi, which aims to foster a more inclusive and accessible island. Fred. Olsen Express also took part in the fourth ISODIS Conference on Social and Professional Inclusion for People with Disabilities, organised by the Gran Canaria Accessible Foundation, in a year dedicated to Transport and Mobility.
In 2025 the company was recognised by the Canary Islands Confederation of Employers (CCE) as a model of SDG-aligned business performance. Together with the Spanish Shipowners’ Association (ANAVE), it hosted the “Technical Conference on Measures for the Protection of Cetaceans” on board the Bajamar Express. Attendees witnessed a live demonstration of the company’s marine wildlife detection systems, which use thermal cameras and artificial intelligence to identify risks and protect marine ecosystems.
The year also marked the completion of a major technological milestone: the installation of an early-detection system for objects in the sea across all large fast ferries. This development forms part of a wider innovation programme carried out with Aeromarine and SEA.AI.
Additionally, Fred. Olsen Express upgraded its onboard connectivity by adding a third antenna using Starlink satellite technology across the fleet, enhancing passenger experience on all routes.
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