Fjord ferry to be upgraded in Rauma

The scope of work includes major changes to the interior layout, involving conversion of a number of cabin areas to public spaces, and increasing the sizes of the tax-free shop, cafeteria and restaurant areas. The new interior has been designed by Falkum-Hansen Design of Norway. The work will be undertaken by STX Finland’s Rauma yard, and will take four months, starting in December 2013. The contract is valued at about €30 million.

After conversion the Bergensfjord will operate between Sandefjord (Norway) and Strömstad (Sweden), and is scheduled to resume operating in May 2014. The capacity of the ship is currently 900 passengers and 350 cars; after the changes the new capacity will be 1,770 passengers and 370 cars.

According to Fjord Line CEO Ingvald Fardal, STX Finland Rauma was chosen based on quality and price, and experience of similar conversion projects.

”The signed contract is a proof of STX Finland’s strong position as a builder of large passenger ships and demanding conversion projects. This project will give approximately 200 man-years of work”, said STX Finland vice-president Timo Suistio.