FRED OLSEN INTRODUCES 40-KNOT FAST FERRY

   Fred Olsen Lines, the operator of passenger/car roll-on/roll-off vessels, is introducing a new fast ferry in its Canary islands services.
    The 96-meter-long Benchijuaga Express, built by the Australian shipbuilder Incat, will travel between the islands of Tenerife and La Gomera.
    Powered by four Caterpillar engines producing a total of 38,516 horse power, the "wave-piercing cataraman" can move 675 tons at more than 40 knots, Incat said.
    Light, the ship has a speed of 46.7 knots.
    It has a total capacity of 900 foot passengers, with sufficient space for 265 vehicles and up to 380 meters of cargo.
    The 718-deadweight-ton ship consumes 6,785 liters of fuel a day, with a fuel range of over 900 nautical miles.
    With the introduction of the Benchijigua Express, Fred Olsen Lines will have a total of three fast ferries in service between the Canary Isles.
    Incat is also working on plans to produce a 120-meter fast ferry that would move 50 tons at 68 knots or 1,250 tons at 51 knots.