Fjord Line orders Austal Ro-Pax

After three years of solid growth on the route between Kristiansand, Norway, and Hirtshals, Denmark, Norwegian shipping company Fjord Line is investing in a new high speed catamaran ferry.

Austal has been commissioned to build the ship, which will enter into revenue service from the 2020-season. The existing vessel, HSC Fjord Cat, will continue on the route until then.

The new vessel will be able to carry 1,200 passengers and more than 400 cars, almost doubling existing capacity. With a speed of 40 knots, crossing time is estimated at two hours and 15 minutes.

From 2014 to 2016, Fjord Line grew by 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.