Albayzin was designed and built by Bazan, a shipyard established in 1947 and Spain’s premier shipbuilder. At the time of delivery, Albayzin was one of the most expensive fast ferries ever built, reportedly costing around USD$25 million.
Bonanza Express, a 96 metre wave piercing catamaran, was delivered in 1999 under a bareboat charter contract to Fred Olsen S.A. and it has remained on charter and in continuous ferry service ever since.