ferry Caroline Russ Fred Olsen
ferry Caroline Russ
âš“ The Caroline Russ is the freight-and-passenger ferry with which Fred Olsen strengthened its link between mainland Spain and the Canary Islands, working mainly out of the port of Huelva towards the Canary archipelago. She is a ro-pax vessel with a great deal of freight capacity — the feature that sets her apart from the operator's other ferries — combining goods transport with passenger berths, which makes her a particularly popular choice with hauliers and professional drivers who need to move commercial vehicles and rolling freight between the mainland and the Canaries.
The Caroline Russ was built at the Volkswerft Stralsund shipyard (Germany) and carries the name Caroline Russ, in keeping with the Fred Olsen tradition of naming its ships after members of the Russ-Olsen family, historically linked to the Norwegian operator. The ship joined the Fred Olsen fleet to meet the growing demand for rolling freight between the mainland and the islands, a sea corridor of enormous logistical importance for supplying the archipelago.
History and background of the ship
The Caroline Russ (IMO 9197533) is a steel-built Ro-Ro freight vessel constructed between 1997 and 1999 at the German J.J. Sietas Schiffswerft yard in Hamburg, yard number 1188. Delivered in June 1999 to the Ernst Russ group, she spent her early years in the North Sea and the Baltic, chartered by European logistics operators to move trailers and containers in bulk, with occasional services in the Caribbean and North America. In October 2016 she was chartered by Stena Line on the Rotterdam–Killingholme route, and in 2019 she went on to work for P&O Ferries on the freight-only Calais–Tilbury service.
Fred. Olsen Express brought her in on charter to strengthen its inter-island freight division in the Canaries, acting as a "lorry of the seas" on the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria–Santa Cruz de Tenerife logistics route and keeping food and goods flowing during demand peaks or while the trimarans were in dry dock. Once her contracts in the archipelago ended, she returned to the international charter market. She now sails under the Portuguese (Madeira) flag on logistics services, calling frequently at Mediterranean ports.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Ro-pax ferry (rolling freight and passengers) |
| Length overall | 199.9 m |
| Beam | 26.6 m |
| Draught | 6.5 m |
| Service speed | ~20 knots |
| Passenger capacity | ~390 people |
| Freight capacity | ~2,400 lane metres of rolling freight |
| Propulsion | Diesel engines |
| Freight decks | Several ro-ro decks |
| Cabins | Yes (inside and outside) |
| Shipyard | Volkswerft Stralsund (Germany) |
| Flag | Bahamas |
| IMO number | 9214215 |
| Operating company | Fred Olsen Express / Fred Olsen S.A. |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Approx. duration | Indicative frequency* |
|---|---|---|
| Huelva → Tenerife (Santa Cruz) | ~42 h | Weekly |
| Huelva → Las Palmas (Gran Canaria) | ~36 h | Weekly |
| Tenerife (Santa Cruz) → Huelva | ~42 h | Weekly |
| Las Palmas (Gran Canaria) → Huelva | ~36 h | Weekly |
* Indicative times and frequencies, subject to season, availability and operational changes. Confirm the exact times in our search engine.
The port of Huelva: how to get there and what to bear in mind
The Caroline Russ sails from the port of Huelva, on the Atlantic coast of Andalusia. Huelva is Fred Olsen's main mainland departure point for the Canaries, and it is geared above all to rolling freight: lorries, semi-trailers and commercial vehicles that keep the archipelago supplied. If you are a haulier or a professional driver, this port offers facilities well suited to loading heavy freight quickly.
Driving to the port of Huelva from Seville is roughly 80 km (about 50 minutes). From Madrid the distance is around 620 km (about 5.5 hours). We recommend arriving at least 2 hours beforehand if you are carrying commercial vehicles or freight, and 60–90 minutes beforehand if you are travelling as a passenger.
Do bear in mind that this route involves more than 36 hours at sea, so booking a cabin is strongly advised, particularly if you are travelling with family, with older passengers or with small children.
Fares, discounts and how to book
Ticket prices on the Caroline Russ vary with the accommodation you choose, the season and how far ahead you book. Seats are the cheapest option, while cabins are essential on a long crossing like this one.
Available discounts:
- Canary Islands resident: 75% off the base fare, on production of a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento). It applies both to the passenger ticket and to private vehicles.
- Large family: official reduction according to category (general or special), on production of the relevant card.
- Children: reduced fares by age band. Check the conditions when you book.
- Hauliers and freight: dedicated rates for commercial vehicles, semi-trailers and rolling freight. Contact Fred Olsen directly for freight terms.
You can compare prices and real-time availability directly on I Love Ferry.
Which accommodation should you choose for your trip?
| If you are travelling... | Recommended accommodation |
|---|---|
| Alone or as a couple, looking for the best price | Reclining seat |
| With family or children | Outside cabin (2–4 people) |
| Looking for maximum rest and privacy | Outside cabin with window or porthole |
| As a professional driver or haulier | Inside cabin (a proper night's rest) |
| On a tight budget, overnight | Shared inside cabin |
| With a pet | Pet-friendly cabin (check availability) |
ferry Caroline Russ · Accommodations
Reclining seat · Standard
The cheapest option on board. Reclining seats in a shared lounge with access to all the ship's facilities. On crossings of more than 36 hours it is worth pairing this with a cabin for a proper rest, especially if you are travelling as a family.
✓ Reclines, with headrest
✓ Access to every area of the ship
✓ Shared rest area
✓ The most affordable way to make the crossing
Inside cabin · With bunks
A cabin without a window, with bunks for 2 or 4 people. Ideal for professional drivers and hauliers who need proper rest on long crossings. Private bathroom and air conditioning included.
✓ Individual bunks (2 or 4 berths)
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
✓ Wardrobe and storage space
Outside cabin · With porthole or window
A cabin with sea views through a porthole or window, available in 2- or 4-berth layouts. The best choice for families and travellers who want to enjoy the Atlantic scenery on the long crossing to the Canaries.
✓ Porthole or window with sea views
✓ Bunks or single beds (2 or 4 berths)
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
✓ Ideal for families and couples
Superior cabin · Premium
The highest category of cabin on the Caroline Russ, with more space, better fittings and a position on the upper decks. Recommended for anyone after maximum comfort on a long-distance Atlantic crossing.
✓ More space inside
✓ Located on the upper decks
✓ Full private bathroom
✓ Better fittings and finishes
ferry Caroline Russ · On-board services
Café and catering on board
The Caroline Russ has a café and catering service to look after passengers during the 36-hour-plus Atlantic crossing. The food on offer includes hot meals, sandwiches, snacks and a wide selection of cold and hot drinks. As this is a long-distance voyage, the catering services run in several sittings so that the offering fits the rhythm of day and night.
Rest areas and public lounges
For a crossing lasting more than a day and a half, the Caroline Russ has public lounges where passengers can relax, watch television or simply enjoy the voyage across the Atlantic. These areas complement the cabins and are especially welcome during waking hours.
Travelling with pets
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Caroline Russ has adapted entrances and spaces for passengers with reduced mobility. We strongly recommend contacting Fred Olsen well in advance to confirm the availability of adapted spaces and to arrange personal assistance both at boarding and during the crossing.
The Huelva–Canary Islands sea corridor: why it matters
The route the Caroline Russ works between Huelva and the Canary Islands is one of the most strategically important sea corridors for supplying the archipelago. The Canary Islands depend heavily on seaborne freight from the mainland for their everyday supplies, and ro-pax vessels like the Caroline Russ are key links in that logistics chain.
Unlike short-hop ferries, on a crossing of more than 36 hours across the Atlantic sea conditions can be very different from those in the Mediterranean. At almost 200 metres long, the Caroline Russ rides more steadily than smaller vessels, though on days of strong Atlantic wind you may well feel the swell. If you are prone to seasickness, take preventive medication and choose a cabin on the ship's middle decks.
Travel tips: a long-distance Atlantic crossing
- Book a cabin whenever you can: for more than 36 hours at sea, a cabin is money well spent if you want to arrive rested.
- Bring your own entertainment: books, headphones, a tablet or a laptop are all well worth packing to fill the hours at sea.
- Warm clothing: even in summer, the open deck can be cold in the Atlantic wind. Always take a jacket.
- Seasickness tablets: the Atlantic can be rougher than the Mediterranean. If you are prone to it, take your medication before boarding.
- Sort out your pet's paperwork: if you are travelling with an animal, make sure all the veterinary documentation is in order for the crossing.
- Arrive in good time: especially with a commercial vehicle, loading formalities can take a while. Allow a generous margin.
Frequently asked questions about the Caroline Russ
Which routes does the Caroline Russ ferry operate?
She works the Huelva–Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Huelva–Santa Cruz de Tenerife routes for Fred Olsen, on a weekly frequency. It is a rolling-freight and passenger service linking mainland Spain with the Canary archipelago.
How long does the Caroline Russ take from Huelva to the Canary Islands?
The Huelva–Las Palmas de Gran Canaria crossing takes roughly 36 hours. To Santa Cruz de Tenerife it is around 42 hours. Durations can vary with the weather.
Does the Caroline Russ carry lorries and industrial freight?
Yes. The Caroline Russ is a ro-pax vessel specialising in rolling freight, with roughly 2,400 lane metres of capacity. She carries lorries, semi-trailers and commercial vehicles. For professional freight terms, contact Fred Olsen directly.
Are there cabins on the Caroline Russ?
Yes. She has inside and outside cabins with a private bathroom. The outside ones have a porthole or window with Atlantic views. On crossings of more than 36 hours, booking a cabin is strongly advised.
Is there a Canary Islands resident discount on the Caroline Russ?
Yes. Residents of the Canary Islands are entitled to a 75% discount on the base fare, on production of a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
Are pets allowed on the Caroline Russ?
Fred Olsen allows pets to travel. You must book a pet place when you buy your ticket, as places are limited. Check the specific conditions when you book.
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
The Caroline Russ has adapted entrances and spaces for passengers with reduced mobility. We recommend contacting Fred Olsen in advance to confirm the availability of adapted spaces and to request assistance at boarding.
How early should I get to the port of Huelva?
With a commercial vehicle or freight: at least 2 hours beforehand. With a private car or as a foot passenger: between 60 and 90 minutes. In high season it is worth allowing more time.
Which accommodation is best for such a long crossing?
For more than 36 hours at sea we always recommend a cabin. Outside cabins are ideal for families and couples. Inside cabins offer the best value for professional drivers who need genuine rest.
Is there Wi-Fi on board the Caroline Russ?
Fred Olsen offers connectivity on board its ships, although signal quality can vary out on the open Atlantic. Check the specific connectivity arrangements for the Caroline Russ with the operator before you board.
Is there a restaurant and café on the Caroline Russ?
Yes. The ship has a café and catering services with hot meals, snacks and drinks. Service runs in several sittings to suit the rhythm of a long-distance crossing (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
How do I get to the port of Huelva from the main cities?
From Seville: roughly 80 km (50 minutes by car). From Madrid: roughly 620 km (5.5 hours by car). Huelva also has coach connections from Seville. See all the options in our search engine.
