March 26 Fjord Line to reflag MS Oslofjord to NOR register from DIS

This is a vessel operating between Norway and Sweden with 90% Norwegian passengers, thus changing to Norwegian flag is a natural step in adapting to local market demands. “We are extremely happy with our Danish crew onboard and hope to find viable solutions together with the trade unions, should this intention eventually be acted upon”, says Rickard Ternblom, CEO of Fjord Line

The Fjord Line stalwart MS Oslofjord, ex MS Bergen, has sailed for the company almost uninterrupted since it was built in 1993, first flying the Norwegian flag, later shifting to a Danish flag and is now planned to switch back again. Since June 20^th 2014 when the route Sandefjord-Strömstad was inaugurated, MS Oslofjord has serviced the route, although extensively converted from its origins.

Following a board decision, the company now intends to switch flags from the Danish DIS to the Norwegian NOR flag. “This contemplated change relates to a service that caters for a passenger mix made up of 90% Norwegians”, Rickard Ternblom explains. In addition, the NOR-flag has become increasingly interesting in the last couple of years.

The reception of the Sandefjord-Strömstad route has been formidable and passenger numbers reached an all-time-high in 2018 with some 459.000. “The strong numbers can be attributed both to good and relevant customer offerings, but not the least, by our distinct service profile where our crew stands out and really creates the difference”, says Rickard Ternblom and continues, “we believe we can gain an even stronger foothold in the local marketplace by this move”.

“Further analysis work is now needed to determine whether the intention we today state should materialize as a firm decision down the road”, says Ternblom.

For the time being this decision only applies to the MS Oslofjord plying the route Sandefjord-Strömstad and the remaining fleet is to continue on DIS.

For further inquiries, please contact

Rickard Ternblom, CEO Fjord Line AS
cell: +47 952 09 388

About Fjord Line:

Fjord Line was established in 1993 and is today Norway’s second largest passenger ferry shipping company servicing the international market between Norway, Denmark and Sweden. The company caters both for passengers and freight and holds a market share of about 22%. Fjord Line operates four vessels with a fifth newbuilding coming into service in 2020. The total passenger numbers on our five routes amounts to some 1,4 million and the number of employees is around 700.