My friend in Norway sent me this, lets hope it comes to fruition. It's been on Norwegian TV too, so fingers crossed.
A rough translation of the above reads, The company Bergan cruise line hope to start a ferry service from Bergan to Stavanger to Newcastle. They're working on raising 21 Billion NK for the project, which they hop to get up and running in 2026
This could be very useful for you guys. Years ago after delivering a yacht to Flöm, Sognefjorden it was still possible to take the Bergen-Newcastle ferry. Added bonus on that trip was the train ride from Flöm to Bergen.
Direct ferry link between UK and Norway could be set for return A ferry link between Bergen, Stavanger and Newcastle could return after Bergen Cruise Line announced it would begin raising the funds to bring the route back. Published: 7 July 2022 11:00 CEST A ferry route between Newcastle and Norway could return by 2026. Pictured is a ferry in Norwegian waters. Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash Since 2008 there has not been a ferry link between England and Norway after the old ferry between Bergen and Newcastle stopped operating. Now, however, the route could be set for a return from 2026 after Bergen Cruise Line announced it would raise capital to fund a new ferry between Bergen, Stavanger and Newcastle. “We will re-establish an all-year direct high quality, cost-efficient, low emission cruise-ferry route between Norway & England,” Bergen Cruise Line said in a press release. The company has said it would offer departures three times a week during peak season and twice-weekly trips throughout the low season. Beginning in Bergen, the ferry would stop in Stavanger before continuing to Newcastle in the northeast of England. According to Bergen Cruise Line, the ferry would be more than 200 metres long and have the capacity for 2,380 passengers. In the autumn, the firm would begin the process of raising 2.1 billion kroner for the project. Several companies have tried to bring the route back before. Both in 2013 and 2016, projects were launched to bring the ferry between Norway and England back, but to no avail. Bergen Cruise Lines (BCL) is developing the next generation cruise ferry concept reconnecting UK with the Norwegian west coast. The BCL concept is a large cruise ferry of 210 x 31 meters with the capacity of 2 380 passengers and 200 crew combined with a large car deck and cargo capacity. A concept designed for maximum capacity utilization in high and low seasons combined with extensive onboard cruise offerings and revenues. This leading edge cruise ferry concept is being developed by a highly experienced team with expertise in all aspects of designing and operating this type of ship. The team also has in-depth knowledge and experience with the planned UK - Norway route and market. The ship will be built at a highly competitive cost level by a leading shipyard. The BCL team is co-operating with Fosen Yards and other premium suppliers ensuring solutions and quality adapted to the European market. The investment estimates are a total of 2 230 MNOK (ship building cost 2 100 MNOK) with 635 MNOK share equity and aiming to exceed 15% ROI.
