Fred. Olsen Completes Full Accessibility Across Its Fleet

Fred. Olsen Express has launched new external and internal ramps on two high-speed ships that were pending this upgrade, ensuring that its entire fleet is equipped with the most comfortable and safe accessibility systems for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM), including those who require wheelchairs and those who prefer to avoid stairs for health or practicality reasons, elderly passengers, or parents with baby strollers.

Of the five ships in Fred. Olsen's fleet, two have elevators, one has a ramp, and the remaining two, “Bencomo Express” and “Bentago Express,” which previously had a stairlift system that was somewhat uncomfortable for certain users and prone to technical failures, have been upgraded with cutting-edge technology in this area.

Among the improvements made, in addition to the installation of external ramps for boarding and disembarking, internal ramps have been created to overcome interior level changes within the ships, and reclining armchairs with armrests have been added in the preferred area for wheelchair users. These changes represent an investment of nearly 700,000 euros and have been carried out by technicians from Australia, responsible for their supervision and certification.

Juan Ignacio Liaño, Fleet Director of Fred. Olsen, states that “what is really important is that our passengers travel as comfortably as possible, feeling at ease, knowing that we understand their needs and feeling satisfied that by traveling with us, they have made the best choice.”

As part of its special attention policy for people with reduced mobility, passengers can request assistance free of charge at the time of booking, and the service includes help from staff during all transfers (on land and on board), use of a preferred area for travel (more comfortable, near emergency exits, and connected via the new ramps), and a series of other measures.

At the presentation event held today aboard the “Bencomo Express,” docked at the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, passengers with reduced mobility attended who, for one reason or another, had previously experienced some mishap, and to whom the company had promised a solution that is now a reality. This gesture has been positively received, as from now on they will be able to travel worry-free between islands aboard Fred. Olsen Express.

Fred. Olsen's commitment to eliminating barriers continues, so in addition to these changes, it is tackling other improvement projects such as the incorporation of a modern magnetic induction audio system that will allow passengers with hearing disabilities (users of hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other prosthetics) to receive information from the speakers clearly, distinctly, and without difficulty. A project to install defibrillators on all ships and a series of structural changes to modernize and improve the aesthetics and usability of the onboard facilities is also underway.

Photo: provided