Fred. Olsen, S.A. And Austal Celebrate A Christening

The newest and most significant vessel yet to arrive on the world fast ferry scene was christened "Benchijigua Express" in a ceremony at the yard of high speed ship builder Austal in Henderson, Western Australia on 5 November.

Godmother of the vessel Mrs Juana Hernández Cabrera, wife of Fred. Olsen, S.A. Managing Director Mr Guillermo Van de Waal, cut the ribbon to christen the trimaran with a magnum of champagne across her bow.

Also in attendance from Fred. Olsen, S.A. were Mr Fred Olsen Jnr, Chairman, the vessel's senior officers and management from the company's European offices.

Powered by four diesel engines driving three waterjets the Auto Express 127 trimaran will be able to maintain Fred. Olsen S.A.'s projected service speed in excess of 40 knots providing capacity to carry 1,350 passengers, 341 cars or 400 truck lane metres and 123 cars.

"Benchijigua Express" has departed Fremantle, Western Australia at the end of November on her 9,500 nautical miles delivery voyage to the Canary Islands. Once in home waters the vessel will join "Bocayna Express", also built for Fred. Olsen, S.A. by Austal