Fred. Olsen has made a significant move to bolster freight transport to and from La Palma with the introduction of a new cargo ship, the Breñas Cargo, set to commence operations in the summer of 2025. This addition is part of the Fred. Olsen Cargo Express service and aims to establish a regular connection between La Palma and several other Canary Islands, including Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote.
The announcement was made during a press conference on May 9, 2025, attended by key figures such as Pablo Rodríguez, the counselor of the Ministry of Public Works, Housing and Mobility of the Government of the Canary Islands; Sergio Rodríguez, the president of the Cabildo Insular de La Palma; and representatives from Fred. Olsen, including general manager Andrés Marín and fleet director Juan Ignacio Liaño.
According to Andrés Marín, the addition of the Breñas Cargo is a strategic move aimed at consolidating the company’s freight capacity and ensuring continuity, particularly during peak demand periods for passenger transport. "This step reaffirms our commitment to inter-island connectivity and the efficiency of logistical transport across the archipelago," Marín stated, highlighting the importance of maintaining robust transport links for the local economy.
The Breñas Cargo is a RORO (Roll-On/Roll-Off) type vessel measuring 138.5 meters in length, capable of transporting up to 1,500 linear meters of cargo and a maximum weight of 7,000 tons. It is equipped with two transverse propellers to facilitate port maneuvers and can reach speeds of up to 20 knots. This ship is designed to transport a variety of goods, including dry and refrigerated goods, hazardous materials, and special cargo, providing operators with greater flexibility and efficiency in logistical management.
In recent years, La Palma has faced challenges in maritime freight transport, especially after changes implemented by another shipping company over a year ago. Borja Perdomo, the spokesperson for the Socialist Group in the Cabildo de La Palma, expressed relief at Fred. Olsen's commitment to enhancing freight services, stating that it addresses a critical issue that has affected the island's economy.
Perdomo emphasized that the pressure from the transport sector and the Socialist Party (PSOE) has been instrumental in mobilizing both the Cabildo and the Government of the Canary Islands to take action. He noted, "Thanks to the pressure from the transport sector and the PSOE of the island of La Palma, both the Cabildo and the Government of the Canary Islands have mobilized in response to a problem they initially tried to downplay, despite its significant impact on the island's economy."
Reflecting on the challenges faced, Perdomo remarked that it took considerable effort for the president of the Cabildo to recognize the stakes involved with the changes in maritime freight transport and their disastrous consequences for La Palma's economy. He lamented that it was only through societal pressure that both the Cabildo and the Government of the Canary Islands were compelled to respond, albeit slowly, to defend the interests of La Palma.
Perdomo also highlighted that the inaction of the Cabildo and the Canarian Government has adversely affected small and medium-sized enterprises on the island, as well as essential public services like healthcare. He recalled being labeled an "alarmist" for raising concerns about a problem that officials struggled to comprehend and address. "We will continue to raise our voices against the inaction of a Government of the Cabildo that lacks initiative and only reacts to societal pressure rather than leading issues that affect the progress and well-being of La Palma," he asserted.
The arrival of the Breñas Cargo and the expansion of the Cargo Express service are seen as vital steps in ensuring the logistical stability of La Palma. Pablo Rodríguez emphasized that this improvement is a direct response to the demands from the Cabildo of La Palma and the transport sector, aiming to create a logistics system that meets the actual needs of each island, particularly the non-capital islands.
Rodríguez characterized the Breñas Cargo's arrival as a structural improvement in the maritime service network across the archipelago. He expressed gratitude for the willingness shown by both institutions and shipping companies to find solutions that adequately address La Palma's logistical needs.
Juan Ignacio Liaño noted that the positive reception of the Cargo Express service since its launch in 2024 and the requests from local operators have motivated this expansion. He reiterated the goal of providing an efficient logistics service tailored to the operational and economic conditions of the island.
As Fred. Olsen prepares to launch the Breñas Cargo, the anticipation among local businesses and residents grows. The new service is expected to not only enhance freight transport but also support the overall economic recovery of La Palma, which has been grappling with the consequences of inadequate maritime transport for too long.
In conclusion, the introduction of the Breñas Cargo represents a pivotal moment for La Palma, promising to revitalize its freight transport capabilities and support the island's economy in a meaningful way. With the backing of local authorities and the transport sector, this initiative marks a hopeful step towards a more connected and economically stable future for the residents of La Palma.
