heretix
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Post by heretix on Aug 2, 2015 8:02:58 GMT -8
As my former thread, ferriesbc.proboards.com/thread/9199/norwegian-ferry-history mostly deals with the past, I'll try to highlight recent developments on the ferry front in Norway here. In the thread mentioned above, I introduced the electric ferry Ampere and mentioned that it had a rough start between Lavik and Oppedal on the Sognefjord: Many days, it lay idle with half empty batteries, as the charging system suffered from malfunctions. Other days, it was unable to charge sufficient amounts of current, with the consequence that it fell behind schedule and had to cancel several roundtrips. The passengers became pretty frustrated and the crew was verbally assaulted once they were allowed on board. But as things improved, so did the foul language. One of the crew members is chief officer Charlotte Låstad, representing the growing number of female emplyees on the Norwegian ferries. The link below takes you to the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation's online newspaper, with two videos (unfortunately only in Norwegian), where Ms Låstad and her colleagues guide you around this innovative vessel. www.nrk.no/sognogfjordane/endeleg-far-du-og-vere-med-batteriferja-1.12230617 |
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heretix
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Post by heretix on Aug 23, 2015 7:51:10 GMT -8
I came across this video on a Facebook group that I subscribe to. Varre Fjell has filmed three sister ferries operating along the coastal highway of northern Norway. Here, you can have a good look at how their mezzanine decks are utilised. I also include the link to his Facebook account for more yummies: www.facebook.com/varre.fjell |
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Post by Ferryman on Dec 29, 2015 22:14:25 GMT -8
This past summer while working aboard a Cruise Ship, I had the opportunity to sail into a few Norwegian Fjords. I know our beloved ex Queen of Chilliwack came from Norway, but there are some pretty smart looking ferries sailing in Norway. Two of the ports I sailed into in Norway were Bergen, Alesund, and Geiranger. These ports had similar terrain to the Northern BC Coast or Alaskan Coastal areas, and I definitely hope to go back someday. One Ferry company that caught my eye, was "Hurtigruten", and their cruise ferries. I saw a couple of different vessels arrive at the ports I went to, and each time they would serenade the village or city with their whistle. The whistle would echo for miles as it bounced off of all the steep mountains, something I wish I could have recorded had I known. I managed to only capture one picture of these ferries, the "Trollfjord" as she was departing Geiranger. Geiranger doesn't have an actual dock for them to arrive at, so they would pull into the bay, and a smaller vessel would come alongside to transport some passengers to/from ashore, and the Ferry would be sailing off once again. Here is the Trollfjord departing Geiranger, Norway. Costa Romantica at anchor in the background.  After searching on youtube, I found a decent compilation of the entire fleet's whistles. Some of them are very similar to our C-Class. Check it out! |
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heretix
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Post by heretix on Dec 30, 2015 10:42:38 GMT -8
Thanks for sharing, Ferryman! The Hurtigruten ships are not typical ferries per se, but rather so-called "coastal steamers", whose main task is to provide the stretch between Bergen and Kirkenes with a daily link for passengers and cargo. However, the newest ships have a car capacity of up to 50 units, loaded/unloaded through a midships side ramp that's lowered down onto a traditional multi-purpose dock. Geiranger is also connected to Hellesylt via a 70 minutes ferry crossing during the summer months, normally operated by the vessels Veøy and Bolsøy, here shown together at Hellesylt.  |
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heretix
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Post by heretix on Jan 5, 2016 2:52:32 GMT -8
I just thought that I would introduce the Utne, the first representative of a new generation of ferries that recently entered service on the route between Utne and Kvanndal in the Hardanger region of Norway. This newest addition to the Norled fleet - belonging to the generation of more environmentally friendly ferries - was appropriately baptised in precisely Utne. –Along with including Fjellstrand Verft, we have developed completely new and world leading technology. It makes it possible to reduce emissions significantly, said Executive Vice President Lars Jacob Engelsen of Norled in connection with the baptismal celebrations. -It provides both quick results in relation to the environment and responsible overall economy, he points. –This is a milestone, not least for people in Utne, who now suddenly get the county of Hordaland’s most modern ferry, says County Mayor Anne Gine Hestetun. Yours truly would like to add that like many new Norwegian ferries, the Utne is provided with two square bow visors that partly overlap the fall gates instead of completely covering them as the custom was with the traditional pointed bow visors, which makes them lighter and thus reduces the need for a powerful lifting gear.   |
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heretix
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Post by heretix on Mar 10, 2016 10:21:20 GMT -8
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heretix
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Post by heretix on Jun 13, 2016 23:40:36 GMT -8
Multi Maritime has used large resources for more than four years in developing new energy efficient zero emission and low emission double ended ferries. We are happy to announce that the efforts have paid off with two building contracts for the new designs. Fjord1 has chosen to use Multi Maritime`s new battery ferry design for the route Anda – Lote as the design was considered the best and most competitive. The concept arrangement and specifications has been further developed in close cooperation with Fjord1. Tersan Shipyard shall build the new MM designs. Multi Maritime will follow this project closely from start to delivery, and shall therefore deliver complete project documentation and drawings including production drawings, for the shipyard. (Source: Multi Maritime's website) www.multi-maritime.no/wp-content/uploads/sites/78/2016/06/Press-release-Fjord1-Anda-Lote_13.06.2016.pdf |
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Post by Kahloke on Jun 14, 2016 6:20:00 GMT -8
Multi Maritime has used large resources for more than four years in developing new energy efficient zero emission and low emission double ended ferries. We are happy to announce that the efforts have paid off with two building contracts for the new designs. Fjord1 has chosen to use Multi Maritime`s new battery ferry design for the route Anda – Lote as the design was considered the best and most competitive. The concept arrangement and specifications has been further developed in close cooperation with Fjord1. Tersan Shipyard shall build the new MM designs. Multi Maritime will follow this project closely from start to delivery, and shall therefore deliver complete project documentation and drawings including production drawings, for the shipyard. (Source: Multi Maritime's website) www.multi-maritime.no/wp-content/uploads/sites/78/2016/06/Press-release-Fjord1-Anda-Lote_13.06.2016.pdfNice looking ferry. Thanks for sharing with us. I may have to make a point of getting on this ferry when we go to Norway. This trip won't be for at least a few years because we have to save up for it, but Norway has been on my bucket list of places to visit for some time, and I do plan on renting a car in Oslo and driving through Norway's Fjord country. I've already kind of figured out my routing based on places we want to see. We could easily incorporate the Lote-Anda crossing on our drive from Alesund to Balestrand. |
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heretix
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Post by heretix on Jun 14, 2016 12:37:31 GMT -8
You seem to be amazingly updated on the Norwegian geography, Kahloke. Otherwise, don't hesitate to contact me for tips or questions. I grew up on the west coast and I was a frequent ferry user during my truck driving years. Re the new ferries planned for Lote-Anda: This crossing is currently served by a 120 car diesel vessel. Due to an incredible traffic increase, the next contract period will double the capacity with 2x120 car battery-powered ferries. The overall design is much the same, though. An increasing number of requests for proposal demand green energy these days, to reduce the emission of dangerous substances. |
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Post by WettCoast on Jun 14, 2016 13:10:37 GMT -8
You seem to be amazingly updated on the Norwegian geography, Kahloke . Otherwise, don't hesitate to contact me for tips or questions. I grew up on the west coast and I was a frequent ferry user during my truck driving years. Re the new ferries planned for Lote-Anda: This crossing is currently served by a 120 car diesel vessel. Due to an incredible traffic increase, the next contract period will double the capacity with 2x120 car battery-powered ferries. The overall design is much the same, though. An increasing number of requests for proposal demand green energy these days, to reduce the emission of dangerous substances. What is the distance from terminal to terminal at this crossing? How much time will be needed for these vessels to travel from terminal to terminal? How long of a crossing might this electric/battery technology be capable of being utilized? BC Ferries should be taking a good hard look at what you are doing in Norway. |
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Post by Kahloke on Jun 14, 2016 15:33:21 GMT -8
You seem to be amazingly updated on the Norwegian geography, Kahloke . Otherwise, don't hesitate to contact me for tips or questions. I grew up on the west coast and I was a frequent ferry user during my truck driving years. Re the new ferries planned for Lote-Anda: This crossing is currently served by a 120 car diesel vessel. Due to an incredible traffic increase, the next contract period will double the capacity with 2x120 car battery-powered ferries. The overall design is much the same, though. An increasing number of requests for proposal demand green energy these days, to reduce the emission of dangerous substances. I may take you up on the tips/questions thing. I love geography - always have. And, yes, I've done quite a bit of research into visiting Norway and Denmark. Google Maps has been a huge help. I love that Google has Streetviewed nearly every road in Norway. I don't know when we will get over to your part of the world, but I am planning it. Due to my wife's schedule (she's a teacher) we can only go in the summer, the most expensive time of year to travel, so that extra cost has to be factored in. Never-the-less, I enjoy planning our vacations. Regarding the new ferries, doubling the capacity on the Lote-Anda route says a lot for the volume of traffic there, that the demand is that high. By the time I actually do get over to Norway, it is likely the new boats will be in service there. |
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Post by northwesterner on Jun 14, 2016 17:34:10 GMT -8
But but but ... for Scandinavia, summer is a huge advantage because of the length of daylight then (and lack thereof the rest of the year). |
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Post by Kahloke on Jun 14, 2016 18:54:49 GMT -8
But but but ... for Scandinavia, summer is a huge advantage because of the length of daylight then (and lack thereof the rest of the year). So true, and that is one big plus for traveling in the summer; that, and the weather tends to be more favorable - at the very least, warmer. |
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heretix
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Post by heretix on Jun 14, 2016 22:22:15 GMT -8
You seem to be amazingly updated on the Norwegian geography, Kahloke . Otherwise, don't hesitate to contact me for tips or questions. I grew up on the west coast and I was a frequent ferry user during my truck driving years. Re the new ferries planned for Lote-Anda: This crossing is currently served by a 120 car diesel vessel. Due to an incredible traffic increase, the next contract period will double the capacity with 2x120 car battery-powered ferries. The overall design is much the same, though. An increasing number of requests for proposal demand green energy these days, to reduce the emission of dangerous substances. What is the distance from terminal to terminal at this crossing? How much time will be needed for these vessels to travel from terminal to terminal? How long of a crossing might this electric/battery technology be capable of being utilized? BC Ferries should be taking a good hard look at what you are doing in Norway. The distance between Lote and Anda is about 4 kilometers, with a sailing time of approximately 12 minutes. Currently, ferry company Norled is testing out the battery ferry Ampere between Oppedal and Lavik, where the sailing time is 30 minutes, which is the longest crossing proposed for this solution so far (see my earlier post in this thread). |
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heretix
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Post by heretix on Oct 14, 2016 15:22:45 GMT -8
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heretix
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Former sailor, commercial driver and logistics administrator
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Post by heretix on Oct 14, 2016 15:30:19 GMT -8
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Neil
Voyager 
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Post by Neil on Oct 15, 2016 10:55:32 GMT -8
Fascinating stories, heretix... thanks for those. Norwegians are coming up with some pretty innovative ideas to deal with transportation in a challenging environment.
I notice the ship tunnel is only 23 metres wide. That certainly wouldn't accommodate British Columbia's bigger ferries, so I'm assuming that even your larger Hurtigruten vessels must be somewhat narrower. |
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heretix
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Post by heretix on Oct 15, 2016 11:11:39 GMT -8
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heretix
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Former sailor, commercial driver and logistics administrator
Posts: 72
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Post by heretix on Oct 20, 2016 10:09:46 GMT -8
Update: Hurtigruten has named their first two ships in the new class. Read more here. |
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Post by Starsteward on Oct 22, 2016 12:55:26 GMT -8
Update: Hurtigruten has named their first two ships in the new class. Read more here. Kudos to Hurtigruten for naming their two new ships after persons of notable fame. Naming a vessel after such notable adventurers is one of the finest tributes that can be bestowed on pioneers that have brought much enlightenment to those of us who benefit from their sacrifices. Naming new vessels is often seen as a tricky exercise in many maritime jurisdictions, British Columbia being a prime example, given the mishmash of vessel names in the BC Ferry fleet. The States of Alaska and Washington have a mandated formula for choosing vessel names which at least has some consistency. |
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heretix
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Post by heretix on Oct 23, 2016 5:37:09 GMT -8
If I have understood it correctly, Alaska names their vessels after glaciers; and Washington after famous native tribes and words from their languages. Hurtigruten is also a bit schizophrenic: While most of their ships are named after the regions they sail through, like Lofoten, Vesterålen and Nordkapp, some have names of natural phenomena like Nordlys, Polarlys etc, while others are called after famous people, like Kong Harald and Richard With, the man that founded the company. When MRF and FSF merged into Fjord1, all new vessels got names ending with -fjord. But now, I noticed that they have reverted back to place names, as the next ferry is called Hornelen after a mountain near the route she is intended to have during her fist years. www.multi-maritime.no/mf-hornelen-delivered-to-fjord1/ |
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heretix
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Post by heretix on Nov 1, 2016 14:46:29 GMT -8
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heretix
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Post by heretix on Nov 21, 2016 10:31:09 GMT -8
Rolls-Royce to test autonomous shipping in Norwegian fjordsPOSTED BY: JOSEPH TATONE 2. OCTOBER 2016 Rolls-Royce believes autonomous ships could come into use by 2020, and will use the Norwegian fjords as a testing ground for the new Norwegian technology which it hopes to launch globally. – Technology for remote controlled solutions on shipping already exists, the question is how far we can go in the direction of unmanned vessels, and the types of ships this is most suitable for, says Jann Peter Strand, product manager for automation and control at Rolls-Royce Marine. He is among the speakers at the launch of the Norwegian Forum for Autonomous Ships on the 4th of October. Rolls-Royce in Norway already deliver solutions today for monitoring ships from shore and remote service missions on board. The company is also involved in development projects in this area in Norway, Finland and Singapore. – We gather knowledge in many areas. While the technology is developed largely in Norway. It is very gratifying when we see that the Norwegian research and the authorities are hopeful that we can test our solutions in Norwegian waters, said Jann Peter Strand of Rolls-Royce. Source: Rolls-Royce / Norway Today 
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