The Real Cost of Shipping a Scaffold Tower by Ferry Between Islands
This is a figure almost no rental company publishes, because most don't offer this service at all. Here we explain, as transparently as possible, what factors drive the price of inter-island scaffolding transport and what timescales to expect.
Which ferry operators handle inter-island cargo
Fred Olsen Express
Naviera Armas
Both offer roll-on/roll-off cargo service (trailers/containers), not just passenger transport. Cost is usually calculated per linear metre of cargo, not by weight.
Factors that determine the cost
Route — Tenerife–Gran Canaria is the most frequent and competitively priced; Tenerife–La Palma or Fuerteventura may run less often
Cargo volume — shipping several towers together lowers the cost per unit
Urgency — booking with lead time is always cheaper than requesting a last-minute slot
Round trip — you also need to budget for collection once the job is finished, not just delivery
Approximate timescales
Ferry slot confirmation: usually 24–48 hours' notice
Sea crossing
Why we always include it in the quote, not as a surprise
Often the problem isn't the cost of transport itself, but the fact that it turns up as a surprise at the end. We calculate it from the very first quote so you know the real total cost of the project before you decide.
