BUENAVISTA EXPRESS added to Huelva – Canary Islands route with Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària

Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària are strengthening their shared Huelva–Canary Islands ferry service with the introduction of BUENAVISTA EXPRESS, which will enter operation from 24 January 2026.

The vessel will replace SICILIA on the route and will operate alongside MARIE CURIE, ensuring continuity, increased capacity and a modern onboard experience for both passengers and rolling cargo travelling between mainland Spain and the Canary Islands.

What the addition of BUENAVISTA EXPRESS means for the route

Introducing a new RoPax ferry on a long-distance route involves significantly more than a vessel replacement. For BUENAVISTA EXPRESS, this process has included fleet integration planning, timetable coordination, crew familiarisation and preparation to align the ship with joint operational standards.

The deployment also strengthens operational resilience on the Huelva–Canary Islands corridor, allowing the route to be served by two high-capacity RoPax ferries while maintaining reliability for mixed passenger and freight traffic.

BUENAVISTA EXPRESS will make its inaugural sailing on 24 January 2026, officially beginning service under its new name.

A RoPax ferry designed for long-distance travel

BUENAVISTA EXPRESS is the latest addition to the Fred. Olsen Express fleet and has been designed to deliver comfort and functionality on longer crossings.

Vessel highlights include:

• Capacity for up to 1,250 passengers
• Space for up to 390 vehicles
• Up to 1,850 lanemetres of freight capacity
• More than 200 cabins, alongside seating and rest areas
• Quiet zones suitable for work or relaxation
• Cafeterias, boutiques and spacious indoor and outdoor areas
• Fully accessible onboard facilities and adapted accommodations

With a length of 172 metres, a beam of 26 metres and a service speed of 21.5 knots, the vessel is well suited to maintaining consistent schedules on the mainland–Canary Islands route.

From FORTUNY to BUENAVISTA EXPRESS

Originally built in 2001, the vessel previously operated under the name FORTUNY. Ownership transferred to Fred. Olsen Express on 29 September 2025, following its sale by Armas Trasmediterránea via Liberty Lines.

Since then, the ship has undergone preparation and reconfiguration before entering service as BUENAVISTA EXPRESS, aligned with the operator’s standards for comfort, accessibility and operational efficiency.

Strengthening the Huelva–Canary Islands ferry connection

The introduction of BUENAVISTA EXPRESS reflects continued investment by Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària in modern vessels that support both tourism and essential freight flows. The move reinforces the importance of the Huelva–Canary Islands route as a strategic maritime link, offering increased capacity and a consistently high-quality onboard experience.