Fred.Olsen Express - Bentago Express and Bencomo Express

These two catamaran can reach an impressive maximum speed of 40 knots when unloaded and operate between the Canarias Islands. When shall we have the same in Portugal connecting main land to Azores and Madeira?

"Bentago Express" swinging...very fast

Photos taken from M/V Athena in Tenerife (18-03-08)

Main features:

Type : Fast Ferry Wave piercing Catamaran
Year of construction: 1999

Overall length: 95.47 m
Beam: 26.16 m
Tonnage: 6.348 T.R.B.
Registration: Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Foot passengers: 871
Vehicle capacity: 330 metres nose-to-noseEquivalent in trailers: 27Equivalent in cars: 271
Speed: Maximum 48 knots (unloaded)Maximum 40 knots (with a deadweight of 500 tons)In service 38 knots (with a deadweight of 500 tons) Deadweight: Maximumu aproximately 775 tons
Engine power: 38.516 C.V.
Stabilisers: 2 at the bow and 2 at the stern "Martine Dynamics" insuring passengers maximum comfort

On board the Italian flagged M/V Athena

M/V Athena alongside in Malaga (15-03-2008)

17-03-2008 - Call at Funchal - in photo there is also Aida Diva and Thompson Destiny (the last one)

Leaving Madeira ...heading to Tenerife

Tugboat "Castelo de Viana"

From the same author (seafinder) of the videos of Galp Leixões and Galp Setúbal here it is the third video in his youtube profile:

M/V Athena

Athena leaving Aveiro port, where she was layed up for 3 months before she set sail for the Christmas and New years' cruises.
This ship , ex-Stockholm, is well known for having sunk Andrea Doria (an Italian Liner) in a foggy night leaving New York Harbour.


Main Features:

Portuguese Flagged Vessel
LOA: 160 m
Beam:21 m
GT: 16.144 tons
Max Speed: 17 nós

M/T Galp Setubal

This one was already sold by Sacor Marítima S.A. one year ago...Leixoões shall have the same destiny in the second semester of 2009...

M/T Galp Leixões

M/T Galp Leixões is one of the two last vessels of Sacor Maritima S.A.

This ship usually operates between Leixões, Lisboa, Sines and Setúbal