Fred. Olsen Alters Course to Reduce Impact on Cetaceans

Some research studies suggest that the pressure exerted by high-speed vessels on cetaceans in the Canary Islands may endanger these populations. Six out of ten sperm whales found dead in the islands between 2000 and 2017 were struck by this type of vessel, according to a scientific study conducted by researchers from the universities of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Sao Paulo.

Fred Olsen states that it is moving the vessel "Benchijigua Express" away from the Special Conservation Areas (ZEC) between Tenerife, La Gomera, and La Palma to avoid, as much as possible, the areas with higher cetacean traffic or where they are more likely to be found. In the late 1990s, the company introduced variations in the routes compared to a direct path, which it calls "ecological routes," which have now been reinforced despite increasing travel times and the distance to be covered.

Fred. Olsen has also committed to ensuring that the vessel "Benchijigua Express" makes course changes outside the ZEC to avoid maneuvers and interference in those areas. Specifically, the modifications mean that the line between La Gomera and Tenerife is reduced by three nautical miles compared to the previous route and four miles compared to direct navigation. In total, the journey increases by 2.15 miles and adds eight additional minutes of travel time compared to the usual duration.

On the line between La Palma and Tenerife, six miles are reduced per ZEC compared to the previous route and 13.5 miles in relation to the direct route, which represents an increase of three more miles of travel and an additional 10 minutes of crossing time.

According to the company's calculations, with these adjustments, the vessel “Benchijigua Express” will cover 4,815 nautical miles annually, equivalent to 229 trips between Tenerife and La Gomera. Fred. Olsen has included the Special Conservation Areas in detail on navigation charts, and the routes have been reflected in the ships' procedures and travel plans to ensure compliance.

Photo: Ventuari (shipspotting.com)