PRESS RELEASE | Oma’s Hull No. 552 M/F “Vargsund” Delivered to Torghatten

Oma Baatbyggeri AS, located on Stord, delivered newbuild number 552, M/F “Vargsund,” to Torghatten on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.

“The ferries from Oma represent an important step forward for both the environment and the travel experience, and we are proud to contribute with a modern, climate-friendly, and reliable service for passengers on these routes. We now look forward to putting new electric ferries into operation on our first routes in Finnmark,” says Marius Hansen, CEO of Torghatten Nord.

Oma Baatbyggeri AS and Torghatten signed the contract for two catamaran ferries in August 2024. The sister ship to M/F “Vargsund” will be delivered in Q1 2026.

On Wednesday, August 28, 2024, Torghatten and Oma Baatbyggeri signed an agreement to build two electrically powered ferries. The new ferries are just over 49 meters long, 13 meters wide, and will carry 95 passengers and 28 cars. The ferries are built in aluminum.

Torghatten and Finnmark County Municipality have signed a contract covering the operation of two ferry routes in Finnmark. These new electric ferries will operate between Korsfjord and Nyvoll and between Klokkarøy and Kjerringholmen.

Climate-Friendly and Quiet

The ferries are equipped with battery packs that can be charged from the national power grid. In addition, diesel generators are installed as backup (plug-in hybrid/electric). The ferries must meet strict environmental requirements that significantly reduce CO₂ emissions and improve energy efficiency.

The latest technology is being used, which will protect the environment while increasing passenger comfort. The ferry connections will be powered from shore, creating significant environmental improvements, reducing CO₂ emissions, and achieving savings in total energy consumption.

The new ferries have universal design with excellent seaworthiness and are specially designed and equipped to assist people with disabilities. This includes color schemes to support the visually impaired, induction loop systems to assist the hearing impaired, and wide corridors with minimal thresholds to ease movement for people with physical disabilities.

The area

Torghatten’s contract with Finnmark County Municipality covers the ferry routes Korsfjord–Nyvoll and Klokkarøy–Kjerringholmen and has a duration of 10 years.

With these ferries, Torghatten contributes to the renewal and modernization of ferry operations in Finnmark. Finnmark County Municipality appears innovative with a strong environmental focus, and this contract aligns well with Torghatten’s goal of being a leader in environmentally friendly ferry operations.

This contract further strengthens Torghatten’s environmental profile in its newbuild program, after investing in 15 eco-friendly vessels over the past eight years, with more on the way—representing additional investments of over NOK 4 billion.

The Shipyard

For us, this represents hull number 552 and hull number 553. This is a ferry concept that has been further developed based on the yard’s previous hull number 540, delivered in 2019.

The project is exciting for Oma Baatbyggeri because it represents innovation and further development of the yard’s vessel portfolio. Oma Baatbyggeri has gained significant experience in the design and construction of electric fast ferries and car ferries. The first hybrid-electric car ferry, M/F Kinsarvik, was delivered from the yard in 2019.

In terms of employment, this is a very important project for us, as it contributes to a stable activity level. Furthermore, it demonstrates that we, together with our cluster of suppliers, are competitive compared to other European shipyards.

The vessels are built entirely on Stord, and many local suppliers are involved. BOS Power from Bergen is responsible for integrating the electric/hybrid propulsion system and onboard monitoring system. Teca AS, another local company on Stord, is responsible for the electrical installation onboard, while Hardanger-based Fjellstrand AS has contributed with hull and hull section construction for the projects.

In addition, a number of other local suppliers have been involved. It is important for us as a shipbuilder to think sustainably, and in this regard, there is a strong focus on short-distance deliveries wherever possible. As a rule of thumb, each job at the shipyard creates five jobs in the supply chain. In this way, the local and regional ripple effects in Norway are of great significance.

Torghatten is Norway’s leading ferry company, operating 50 ferry routes with a fleet of nearly 90 vessels. Torghatten is headquartered in Brønnøysund and employs 1,700 people across Norway.

Oma Baatbyggeri AS
December 4, 2025