Norway-Denmark fast ferry service axed

Norway’s Fjord Line will not be operating its high speed ferry service between the Norwegian port of Kristiansand and Hirtshals in Denmark this summer due to its ongoing dispute with the southern Norwegian port. The port of Kristiansand had demanded that the service, operated by the fast ferry HSC Fjord Cat, should be year-round. Fjord Line pointed out that the fast ferry could not handle the tough winter weather across the Skagerrak, nor could it compete with fellow Norwegian operator Color Line, which introduced the second of two new larger vessels on the same route last year.

A ruling by the Norwegian coastal administration overturned the port’s decision, allowing Fjord Line to use the port’s facilities this summer. However, the port said it would be the summer only, prior to reviewing its decision the passing the matter to the Norwegian Ministry of Fishing and Coastal Affairs. Fjord Line has accused the port of Kristiansand of stifling competition for Color Line, which has a dominant presence at the port.