HSC Benchijigua Express

Benchijigua Express leaving Los Cristianos
History
Spain
NameBenchijigua Express
OwnerFred Olsen Express
OperatorFred Olsen Express
Port of registrySanta Cruz de Tenerife
BuilderAustal
Yard numberH260
Laid down11 November 2003
Launched25 September 2004
Christened5 November 2004
Completed12 April 2005
Identification
StatusIn service
NotesHSC-Passenger B
General characteristics
Tonnage3,504 GT
Length126.0 m (413.4 ft)
Beam30.4 m (99.7 ft)
Draught4.06 m (13.3 ft)
Installed power
  • 4 MTU Diesel,
  • 36,400 kW in total
Propulsion3 Jet Type Propellers
Speed36 kn (67 km/h; 41 mph)
Capacity
  • 1,350 passengers
  • 337 vehicles
Crew22

Benchijigua Express is a fast ferry, operated by Fred. Olsen Express between the Canary Islands, Tenerife, La Gomera and La Palma in the Atlantic Ocean. She was delivered in April 2005. At 126 metres (413 ft) long, the ferry is the second-longest type of trimaran in the world, less than two metres shy of the littoral combat ships of the Independence class which were based on Benchijigua Express's design. Her body is made of aluminium with a special offshore coating, and is the second-largest vessel with an aluminium hull. The ship's name, derived from the village of Benchijigua on La Gomera where Fredrik Olsen had property, was previously used twice since 1999.