Fred Olsen Express have announced that they will strengthen their inter-island freight operations this summer with the launch of a third dedicated cargo ship, Breñas Cargo, expanding its roll-on/roll-off logistics network across the Canary Islands.
This addition follows a successful year of cargo transport operations that began in 2024 with two roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) ships.
Ro-ro cargo refers to goods transported using wheeled vehicles that can be driven directly onto and off the ship, such as trucks, lorries, trailers, and cars, streamlining loading and unloading operations.
The new vessel will serve La Palma with three weekly sailings, linking the island with Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote. It will also connect with mainland Spain via Fred Olsen’s joint route with Baleària to the port of Huelva.
Responding to Growing Demand
Fred Olsen Express Fleet Director, Juan Ignacio Liaño, stated that the decision to expand the fleet comes in response to positive feedback on the 2024 Cargo Express service and to requests from La Palma’s local government and transport operators. "This expansion reflects our commitment to providing a reliable, efficient solution tailored to the island's growing logistical needs," he said.
Andrés Marín, General Director of Fred Olsen, added that the company’s ongoing investment in its cargo division reinforces its mission to guarantee inter-island supply continuity, especially critical during high tourist seasons when passenger capacity peaks.
Ship Specifications and Capabilities
The Breñas Cargo offers a cargo capacity of 1,500 linear metres and can transport up to 7,000 tonnes. At 138.5 metres in length, the vessel is equipped with two transversal thrusters to enhance manoeuvrability in port and is capable of reaching speeds of up to 20 knots.
Designed for flexibility, the ship can accommodate a wide range of cargo types, including dry goods, refrigerated and hazardous materials, as well as oversized loads. It can transport both hitched and unhitched cargo units, allowing logistics providers to leave freight at one port and retrieve it at another. This flexibility is expected to increase efficiency across the inter-island supply chain.
With the addition of Breñas Cargo ship, Fred Olsen Express now operates three ro-ro cargo vessels, reinforcing its role as a key player in the logistics and transport infrastructure of the Canary Islands.
