Bahía Cargo Celebrates a Milestone Year in the Canary Islands
The Bahía Cargo, a crucial cargo vessel operated by Fred. Olsen Express, has marked its first anniversary of operations, having officially launched on November 12, 2024. In just one year, this vessel has successfully transported over 100,000 linear metres of cargo, underscoring its essential role in the logistics framework of the Canary Islands.
Impressive Operational Milestones Achieved
Throughout its inaugural year, the Bahía Cargo has completed an astounding 841 trips, covering a remarkable total distance of 54,396 nautical miles. This impressive performance not only highlights the vessel’s operational efficiency but also reflects Fred. Olsen Express’s unwavering commitment to delivering reliable logistics services tailored to the needs of businesses throughout the Canary Islands.
Juan Jesús Dionis, the head of the cargo department at Fred. Olsen Express, emphasized that maintaining excellence in service has been a primary focus for the organization. This dedication to quality has been pivotal in establishing the Bahía Cargo as a trusted partner for local businesses.
Variety of Cargo Transported to Support Local Needs
The Bahía Cargo has played a vital role in the transportation of a diverse array of essential goods, which include:
- Bottled water: 28 tonnes
- Food products: 15 tonnes
- Soft drinks: 12 tonnes
- Glass packaging: 5 tonnes
- General parcels: 2 tonnes
This wide-ranging cargo transport not only highlights the vessel’s versatility but also underscores its importance in supporting the local economy and ensuring that vital supplies are readily available to residents and businesses alike.
Looking Ahead: Growth and Sustainability Goals
Juan Ignacio Liaño, the director of the Fred. Olsen Express fleet, expressed optimism about the future, stating that the achievements of the Bahía Cargo are indicative of the ongoing growth of the cargo service and the trust that customers have in the company. He anticipates that 2025 will be a year of consolidation, during which the company plans to optimize its routes and enhance inter-island connectivity to better tackle the unique challenges associated with island logistics.
Currently, Fred. Olsen Express operates three dedicated cargo vessels: the Bentayga Cargo, Bahía Cargo, and Breñas Cargo. Together, these vessels provide multiple daily connections between Gran Canaria and Tenerife, as well as routes to Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, and three weekly services to La Palma. Additionally, they maintain a vital link to the mainland through Huelva, ensuring that goods can flow seamlessly between the islands and the rest of Spain.
The Bahía Cargo, which shares its design with the Bentayga Cargo, boasts an impressive capacity of 1,800 linear metres and can carry up to 9,000 tonnes of cargo. Measuring 160 metres in length and capable of reaching an average speed of 20 knots, this vessel is well-equipped to transport a wide variety of goods, including hazardous materials and oversized items, thereby catering to a broad spectrum of logistical needs.
With over five decades of experience in maritime transport, Fred. Olsen Express has established itself as a key player in connecting the Canary Islands with the mainland. The company operates seven inter-island lines and transports more than 3.7 million passengers and 1.3 million linear metres of cargo annually. Furthermore, it is committed to sustainability through its “In Harmony with the Sea” program, which aims to minimize its environmental impact across all operations, ensuring that the natural beauty of the Canary Islands is preserved for future generations.
Key points
- Bahía Cargo has completed over 100,000 linear metres of cargo transport in its first year.
- The vessel has made 841 trips, covering 54,396 nautical miles.
- Key transported goods include bottled water, food products, and soft drinks.
- Fred. Olsen Express operates three cargo vessels dedicated to inter-island logistics.
- The company emphasizes sustainability through its environmental initiatives.
