Fjord Line doubles the capacity on the fastest route between Norway and Denmark
After three years of solid growth on the route between Kristiansand (Norway) and Hirtshals (Denmark), the Norwegian shipping company Fjord Line invests in a new high speed catamaran ferry. The investment will improve the Fjord Line offerings in regard of higher capacity, increased comfort, more departures and a stretched sailing season compared to the present service, the company announces in its press release.
The Australian shipbuilder Austal Ships Pty Ltd has been commissioned to build the ship, which will represent a new technological standard and provide clear environmental gains on the route. The vessel will be ready to enter into revenue service from the 2020-season.
The new ship will be able to carry 1,200 passengers and more than 400 cars - almost double from today's capacity. The tax-free shop on board will be twice as large compared with today’s vessel and guests will be able to choose from three exciting food concepts on their journey.
Fjord Line will still keep investing in today's catamaran, HSC Fjord Cat, towards the summer season 2020, to ensure a continued competitive product on the Skagerrak corridor.
From 2014 to 2016, Fjord Line grew with 26,000 passengers and 7,400 cars on the route between Kristiansand and Hirtshals. In 2016, the shipping company transported 213,000 passengers on the route, divided into 576 sailings.
Technical information about the ship (HSC Fjord Cat in brackets)
Length 109m (91m)
Width 30.5m (26m)
Depth under the waterline 3.8m (3.8m)
Passengers 1,200 (676)
Passenger vehicles 410 (200)
Freight >500LM (lane meters) (0 m)
Speed 40 knots (40 knots)
Crossing time 2h15min (2h 15min)
Facts about Fjord Line:
Fjord Line is a modern shipping company that offers safe and comfortable maritime transport between Norway, Denmark and Sweden. The shipping company is growing rapidly as a result of new ships and an expanded offerings for passengers and freight operators.
In addition to passenger traffic, Fjord Line offers freight carrying capacity for all types of freight vehicles and goods, and handled by the shipping company's freight departments in Norway and Denmark.
Fjord Line was started in 1993 and currently has about 750 FTE’s. Of them, 300 are employed in the shore organizations in Bergen, Stavanger, Egersund, Langesund, Kristiansand, Sandefjord, Strömstad and Hirtshals, while 450 are seagoing. The n:o of FTE’s increases with 150 during the busy summer months.