Fjord Line’s Second Ferry Passes Tests

Fjord Line’s second environmentally-friendly cruise ferry was tested recently in the Trondheim Fjord.

Fjord Line's Second Ferry Passes Tests

Interior fitting and finishing work on the new MS Bergensfjord, being built by the Bergen Group, has proceeded faster than expected. “As a result we have used the last five days to test the gas engines and other equipment to ensure they are operating properly,” says CEO Ingvald Fardal. He reports that the ship sailed at 22 knots on the first day of the test.

Fjord Line started sailing with the first of the two new cruise ferries, MS Stavangerfjord, in July last year. When MS Bergensfjord is put in regular service in the spring, the company will have two modern ferries on the routes between Bergen, Stavanger and Hirtshals, and between Hirtshals and Langesund.

The ships are identical and the lessons we learned when MS Stavangerfjord was put into operation came in handy during the running in of all the technical equipment on MS Bergensfjord. Work at the shipyard has gone very well in the fall, so we have plenty of time to ensure that all equipment is working and that all operational procedures are in place before the first passengers are welcomed aboard,” says Ingvald Fardal.

Most environmentally friendly in world

MS Bergensfjord, like its sister ship, is equipped with engines powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). LNG engines reduce NOx emissions by 92 percent compared to engines powered by traditional heavy fuel oil. Emissions of sulfur are eliminated completely, while particulate emissions are reduced by 98 percent. Last but not least, the technology Fjord Line uses reduces emissions of greenhouse gases (CO2) by 23 percent.

The new ships are 170 meters long, perfectly designed to handle North Sea waves and provide passengers with a smooth and stable voyage. Each ship has space for 1 500 passengers, 306 cabins and a vehicle deck for up to 600 cars, trucks and cargo.

 

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Press Release, January 15, 2014