ferry Marie Curie Fred Olsen
ferry Marie Curie
âš“ The Marie Curie is one of the most modern and capable ferries in the Fred Olsen Express fleet, and the operator's most recent investment in renewing its inter-island links across the Canary archipelago. Built specifically to work in Canary waters, she covers the routes between Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro, offering fast, comfortable connections between the western islands of the archipelago.
The ship was delivered in 2022 and built at the Armon shipyard in Navia (Asturias), as part of Fred Olsen Express's commitment to modernising its fleet with more efficient, more sustainable vessels. Bringing her into service represented a significant investment aimed at improving carrying capacity, passenger comfort and the environmental efficiency of the crossings alike.
A tribute to world science
The ship carries the name of Marie Curie (Warsaw, 1867 – Passy, 1934), the Polish-born, naturalised French physicist and chemist, and the only person in history to have won the Nobel Prize in two different scientific disciplines: Physics in 1903 (shared with Pierre Curie and Henri Becquerel, for the discovery of radioactivity) and Chemistry in 1911 (on her own, for the discovery of polonium and radium).
Marie Curie was a pioneer in research into radioactivity, a term she coined herself, and the first woman to earn a doctorate in science in France. With this name, Fred Olsen Express continues its tradition of naming its ships after important historical figures from science and culture, following in the wake of other ships in the fleet that also bear the names of scientists and thinkers of world stature.
History and background of the ship
The Marie Curie (IMO 9498767) is a latest-generation Ro-Pax ferry belonging to Baleària — not to Fred. Olsen Express — built between 2018 and 2019 at the Cantiere Navale Visentini yard in Porto Viro (Italy). She is the identical sister of the Hypatia de Alejandría and forms part of an eco-efficient series powered by dual-fuel engines running on liquefied natural gas (LNG), which cut COâ‚‚ emissions by 30%. She entered service in July 2019 on the Mediterranean routes from Barcelona and Valencia to Ibiza and Palma de Mallorca.
Over her career she has proved highly versatile, covering the Málaga–Melilla and Algeciras–Tangier Med routes as well as the Huelva–Canary Islands sea bridge. In April 2026 she made her debut on the Cádiz–Canary Islands service, replacing ships that were out of action, and since then she has permanently covered the long-distance Atlantic route linking the port of Huelva with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife — the same route she now works with Fred. Olsen Express under the alliance between the two operators.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Passenger and vehicle ferry (Ro-Pax) |
| Length overall | 116 m |
| Beam | 21 m |
| Service speed | ~26 knots |
| Passenger capacity | 1,000 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~200 cars |
| Propulsion | Diesel engines with controllable-pitch propellers |
| Shipyard | Armon Navia (Asturias, Spain) |
| Year built | 2022 |
| Flag | Spain |
| IMO number | 9876108 |
| Area of operation | Canary archipelago |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz de Tenerife → Santa Cruz de La Palma | ~2 h 30 min | Check timetable |
| Santa Cruz de La Palma → Santa Cruz de Tenerife | ~2 h 30 min | Check timetable |
| Santa Cruz de Tenerife → San Sebastián de La Gomera | ~50 min | Check timetable |
| San Sebastián de La Gomera → Santa Cruz de Tenerife | ~50 min | Check timetable |
| Santa Cruz de Tenerife → Valverde (El Hierro) | ~3 h | Check timetable |
| Valverde (El Hierro) → Santa Cruz de Tenerife | ~3 h | Check timetable |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact times in our search engine.
Sailing between the western Canary Islands: what you need to know
The Marie Curie works the western islands of the Canary archipelago: Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. This is one of the most important domestic sea networks in Spain, both for carrying passengers and vehicles and for supplying goods to islands with fewer air links.
The main port is the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the principal Fred Olsen Express hub in the archipelago. If you are coming from the south of Tenerife (Los Cristianos), bear in mind that Fred Olsen also sails from that port to La Gomera and El Hierro with other ships in its fleet. The port of Santa Cruz is well connected to the north of the island and to the capital, but it lies about 70 km from the southern airport (TFS).
If you are travelling by car, arrive at the port at least 60 minutes beforehand. In summer and over bank holiday weekends, allow 90 minutes and book your ticket as far in advance as you can.
Fares, discounts and how to book
Prices on the Marie Curie vary with the route, the season and the type of accommodation. As a guide, standard seat tickets on short hops such as Tenerife–La Gomera can start from €30–40 per person, while longer routes such as Tenerife–La Palma or Tenerife–El Hierro can range between €50 and €90 depending on the season and how far ahead you book.
Available discounts:
- Canary Islands resident: residents of the Canary Islands are entitled to 75% off the base fare on domestic routes. You must prove residency with a Spanish ID card (DNI) or foreigner's identity number (NIE) plus a certificate of registration (empadronamiento) at boarding.
- Large families: special discounts for families holding an official large-family card (general or special).
- Children: under-4s travel free (without an assigned seat). Between 4 and 12 there is a reduced fare.
- Fred Olsen loyalty scheme: check the promotions and benefits available to regular travellers directly with the operator.
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 | Standard seat |
| With family or a group of friends | Standard seat with table |
| Looking for extra comfort and privacy | VIP / Club lounge |
| On an overnight or long crossing | Cabin (where available) |
| With a pet | Standard seat + pet place |
| With reduced mobility | Adapted accessible seat |
ferry Marie Curie · Accommodations
Standard seat
The most affordable option on the ship. Comfortable seats in the passenger lounge, with access to all the ship's public areas. Perfect for short hops or for travellers who put price first.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to the café and shop
✓ Access to the open deck
✓ Access to every area of the ship
Seat with table
A version of the standard seat with a built-in table for groups of 2 or 4. Ideal for families, groups of friends or anyone who wants to eat, work or keep busy during the crossing.
✓ Shared table for 2 or 4 people
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to the café and the open deck
✓ Sockets for chargers (depending on position)
VIP lounge · Club
A restricted-access lounge with roomier seats, a quieter atmosphere and a separate level of service. The choice for anyone after more privacy and comfort during the crossing.
✓ Exclusive access to the VIP lounge
✓ Wider, roomier seats
✓ Quieter, more private atmosphere
✓ Dedicated onboard service
Open deck
An open-air area available to every passenger. Perfect for taking in the volcanic Canary landscape and the Atlantic views during the crossing. Passengers' favourite spot on a clear day.
✓ Free access for every passenger
✓ Panoramic views over the Atlantic
✓ Standing area with railings
ferry Marie Curie · On-board services
Café and catering
The Marie Curie has an onboard café with a wide choice of food and hot and cold drinks, available throughout the crossing. The onboard shop sells snacks, drinks, souvenirs and travel goods. A good place to refuel, particularly on the longer crossings such as Tenerife–La Palma or Tenerife–El Hierro.
Open deck and Atlantic views
One of the great attractions of the Marie Curie is her open deck, from which passengers can take in spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the volcanic scenery of the Canary Islands during the crossing. On clear days you can often pick out the silhouette of Mount Teide and other volcanoes from the deck. It is the favourite spot of many passengers, especially on the stretch between islands.
Travelling with a dog on board
Fred Olsen Express accepts pets on the Marie Curie. Animals must travel in the designated pet area or in the vehicle parked on the car deck, according to the specific conditions of each route and the rules in force. You must book a pet place when you buy your ticket and check the terms of carriage beforehand. Animals must carry valid health documentation.
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
As a newbuild delivered in 2022, the Marie Curie complies with the European accessibility rules currently in force for passenger ships. She has access ramps, internal lifts, adapted seats for passengers with reduced mobility and dedicated wheelchair spaces. We recommend telling Fred Olsen Express when you book about any specific assistance you need, so that you are properly looked after at boarding, during the crossing and on disembarking.
Frequently asked questions about the Marie Curie
Which routes does the Marie Curie ferry operate?
She works inter-island routes in the western Canary Islands: Santa Cruz de Tenerife–Santa Cruz de La Palma, Tenerife–San Sebastián de La Gomera and Tenerife–Valverde (El Hierro), among other combinations depending on the Fred Olsen Express schedule.
How long does the Marie Curie take from Tenerife to La Palma?
The Santa Cruz de Tenerife–Santa Cruz de La Palma crossing takes roughly 2 hours 30 minutes. Check the exact time in our search engine, as it can vary by season.
How long does the Marie Curie take from Tenerife to La Gomera?
The Tenerife–San Sebastián de La Gomera crossing takes roughly 50 minutes. It is one of the shortest Fred Olsen Express crossings in the archipelago.
Does the Marie Curie carry cars?
Yes. She has a car deck for roughly 200 vehicles alongside 1,000 passengers. If you are travelling by car, get to the port at least 60 minutes beforehand (90 in high season).
What accommodation does the Marie Curie offer?
The Marie Curie offers a standard seat in the passenger lounge, a seat with table (for groups and families), a VIP lounge with more comfort and privacy, and an open deck available to every passenger.
Is there a Canary Islands resident discount?
Yes. Residents of the Canary Islands are entitled to 75% off the base fare, on production of a Spanish ID card (DNI) or foreigner's identity number (NIE) plus a certificate of registration (empadronamiento). It is the biggest discount available on these routes.
Are pets allowed on the Marie Curie?
Yes. Fred Olsen Express accepts pets on board. Animals must travel in the designated area or in the vehicle on the car deck. You must book a pet place when you buy your ticket and carry valid health documentation for the animal.
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. The Marie Curie complies with the accessibility rules in force and has ramps, lifts and adapted seats. We recommend telling Fred Olsen Express when you book so that the right assistance can be arranged.
How much does it cost to travel on the Marie Curie?
Short hops such as Tenerife–La Gomera can start from €30–40 per person. Longer routes such as Tenerife–La Palma or Tenerife–El Hierro range between €50 and €90 depending on the season. Canary Islands residents pay 75% less. Compare real-time prices here.
How early should I get to the port?
By car: at least 60 minutes beforehand (90 in high season or over bank holiday weekends). As a foot passenger: 30–45 minutes is usually enough. In July and August it is worth allowing extra time.
Which port in Tenerife does the Marie Curie sail from?
The Marie Curie sails mainly from the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, in the north of the island and the principal Fred Olsen Express hub in the archipelago. It is about 70 km from the southern airport (TFS) and well connected to the Tenerife capital.
When was the Marie Curie built, and at which shipyard?
The Marie Curie was built in 2022 at the Armon shipyard in Navia (Asturias, Spain). She is one of the most modern ships in the Fred Olsen Express fleet, designed specifically for the Canary inter-island routes.
Why is the ship called Marie Curie?
Marie Curie (1867–1934) was a Polish-born, naturalised French physicist and chemist, the only person to win the Nobel Prize in two different disciplines: Physics (1903) and Chemistry (1911). Fred Olsen Express keeps up its tradition of naming its ships after important historical figures from science and world culture.
Is there a café on board the Marie Curie?
Yes. The Marie Curie has a café serving food and drink, hot and cold, throughout the crossing, plus an onboard shop with snacks, drinks and travel goods.
