Over 1,000 people and more than 300 vehicles are on board as the ferry slowly leaves the harbour. A fine mist hangs over the water; the sun breaks through the clouds and bathes the open sea in silvery light. The ropes are loosened, the engines hum deeply. The fast ferry slowly leaves the quay, seagulls screech overhead. Then the trimaran accelerates. Within minutes, the coast of Tenerife shrinks to a distant line, the sea glitters in the backlight. The Atlantic Ocean is rarely as smooth as glass here. Most of the time, the northeast trade winds blow, causing ripples and light to moderate swells. The trimaran cuts steadily through the swell. The long, even waves cause the Benchijigua Express to rise gently and then settle back down again. A panoramic view opens up from the upper deck: Tenerife remains visible behind the stern, with Mount Teide, the island's highest mountain, often towering above the clouds. La Gomera looms ahead of the bow – a green island with rugged gorges. Fishing boats cross the course and passengers enjoy the view – a moment of peace and wonder in the year 2025.
Technology that moves the world
The high-speed ferry picks up speed. The coast of Tenerife is getting smaller and smaller. At a speed of around 38 knots – almost 70 kilometres per hour – the ferry glides through the waves. The crossing takes less than an hour. In 45 to 50 minutes, the high-speed ferry will arrive at the port of the neighbouring island of La Gomera, some 45 kilometres away. This is made possible by four mtu Series 8000 diesel engines, each capable of producing up to 9100 kW of power. They have been in continuous operation since 2005.
“Since the ‘Benchijigua Express’ went into service, there have been no engine-related cancellations,” says Ivan Fernandes Martinez, Technical Manager at Fred. Olsen.
“Apart from the reliability of the engines, this also has to do with Fred. Olsen's Value Care Agreement with Rolls-Royce. Under this long-term maintenance contract, experienced technicians perform all scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, ensure guaranteed spare parts availability, and thus maximise the availability and efficiency of the engines,” says Phil Kordic, Senior Expert Commercial Marine Business at Rolls-Royce Power Systems.
The figures are impressive: over 1,000 passengers and more than 300 vehicles every day. Its predecessor could only carry 399 passengers and up to 60 cars – barely a third of the new ship's capacity. What's more, the crossing took around 30 minutes longer.
Durability is also important: up to 96,000 operating hours before a major overhaul can be possible in some cases. What's more, the Series 8000 engines are already approved for operation with alternative fuels such as HVO – a renewable diesel substitute manufactured in accordance with the DIN EN 15940 standard. The effect is significant: this fuel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90 percent, while also reducing nitrogen oxide, particulate matter, and carbon monoxide pollution.
