Both companies, which are celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2024, have chosen the International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR) in Madrid as the meeting point to unveil a 3D video and the model of the new mini ferry. The Rodman catamaran, whose construction began in May 2023, will start operating before this summer. Fred. Olsen Express has invested 3.5 million euros to develop this new vessel, which will be named Buganvilla Express in honour of the original vessel on this route.
She is a Rodman 80 mini ferry with two 1,081 kW Caterpillar C32 engines, with a maximum speed of 20 knots. The vessel can accommodate 250 passengers and has an indoor and outdoor deck and bar service.
The Fleet Manager of Fred. Olsen Express, Juan Ignacio Liaño, points out that “this new catamaran allows us to reinforce the quality of our service focused on excursion tourism, without vehicles, on a route with high demand. The Rodman 80 model brings together the latest technological innovations, and is ideal, due to her comfort and design, to cover the short trip between the islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura”.
Rodman Marketing Manager, María Herrero, states that “it has indeed been a pleasure to work together with Fred. Olsen Express for the manufacture of a catamaran in which our Shipyard has made a technological commitment that maintains us at the leading position in innovation in the design and construction of this type of vessel”.
In this 2024, both Rodman and Fred. Olsen Express celebrate their 50th anniversary. Half a century in which both companies have achieved national and international renown by developing an experience and know-how that allows them to provide the best vessels to offer services that are based on quality, sustainability and technology.
The experience achieved in this type of constructions, positions Rodman, as one of the reference Shipyards at European level in this type of vessels. The new Rodman 80 will set a new milestone for Rodman, as it is one of the most important Shipowners in our country, firmly committed to the transport of passengers with quality and comfort.