Austal Philippines has successfully launched Bañaderos Express, a new aluminium trimaran ferry for Fred Olsen Express, at its shipyard in Balamban, Cebu province.
The second of two 118-metre, high-speed trimaran ferries ordered by Fred Olsen Express, Bañaderos Express is scheduled for delivery to the Canary Islands in the second half of 2021. The first vessel, Bajamar Express, was delivered in July 2020.
The two ferries were built under a US$147 million contract.
Bañaderos Express will be capable of transporting more than 1,100 passengers and 276 cars at cruising speeds of up to 38 knots. Like sister ship Bajamar Express, it features an optimised trimaran hull form and Austal's proprietary monitoring and control system.
The ferry will also feature multiple bars, kiosks, a retail shop, and children's play area.
Bañaderos Express will operate on Fred Olsen Express' Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Agaete routes in the Canary Islands.