A public address system that ensures clarity and reliability at sea, for one of the most advanced ferries of the moment.

A few months ago, the Fred Olsen shipping company contacted the commercial team of OPTIMUS in the Canary Islands to commission the public address and voice alarm system for its new and impressive ferry.

Today, they are proud to present a success story for a unique ship: the installation of an advanced public address and voice alarm system on the Benchijigua Express ferry, operated by Fred Olsen Express between the Canary Islands. This impressive 127-meter trimaran, built by Austal in Australia, is one of the longest in the world and a benchmark in maritime transportation.

OPTIMUS COMPACT System: The chosen technology for the HSC Benchijigua Express

To ensure infallible communication and a rapid response in any situation, the Benchijigua Express has been equipped with an OPTIMUS public address and voice alarm system based on the COMPACT platform, designed to comply with EN 54 standards and adapted to the demanding requirements of the maritime sector.

The installed system comprises two COMPACT matrices and two COMPACT-E expansion units, providing a scalable and reliable infrastructure to cover the entire vessel. Sound distribution is managed through eight UMX-2SA audio cards and sixteen UMX-MC6 control modules, enabling precise zoning of up to 96 speaker subzones to ensure each area of the ferry receives messages with the highest precision.

With a total power of 8000 W RMS, the speaker distribution and zoning guarantee uniform coverage and excellent intelligibility in any operating condition. Additionally, to manage live announcements and emergencies, the system includes three DC-700ETH/T network microphone consoles, allowing messages to be broadcast from different points around the ship and ensuring efficient communication between the crew and passengers.

Thanks to this implementation, the Benchijigua Express has a robust, reliable, and maritime-ready public address and voice alarm system that meets the demands of modern maritime transport. This solution enhances on-board safety and ensures that every announcement—whether in an emergency or for information—reaches all areas of the ferry clearly and accurately.

The public address and voice alarm system integrates seamlessly with the advanced engineering of the Benchijigua Express, enabling safe and efficient operation, even in the most demanding conditions.

Pleased with the result, the Fred Olsen shipping company has decided to continue trusting OPTIMUS technology for its upcoming ferries, with solutions that are already under development.