PRESS RELEASE Oma`s Hull No. 554 M/S “Rygerlys” Delivered to Rødne

Rødne takes delivery of new fully electric combi-catamaran from Oma

Rødne Trafikk took delivery on Friday 4 September 2026 of brand new M/S ”Rygerlys” from Oma Baatbyggeri AS shipyard in Stord township. The vessel - newbuild number 564 - will serve the Lauvik-Lysebotn route under a 10-year contract with Rogaland County’s public transport company Kolumbus AS.

The new combi-catamaran combines high efficiency, flexibility and sustainability. The vessel is 46 meters long, 11 meters wide and has a service speed of 19 knots. It can carry cars, trucks and cargo as well as up to 97 passengers.

M/S Rygerlys is designed for high comfort, with a modern, fully electric propulsion system that allows it to operate emission-free along the entire route. The delivery is an important step toward more sustainable maritime transport, and underscores the maritime industry's role in the green transition.

“We are very pleased by our cooperation with Oma and the delivery of the new vessel. Choosing a local Norwegian shipyard with Norwegian subcontractors gives us the security and predictability we depend on,” says Lars Rødne, CEO of Rødne. “This is also very important after the handover. Proximity to the shipyard, short distances and easy accessibility give us confidence in safe operation and high regularity. This benefits both the company and the traveling public.”

A Norwegian collaborative project

The vessel, made from recyclable and seawater-resistant aluminium, was built by Oma Baatbyggeri at its Stord shipyard in close cooperation with about 20 Norwegian subcontractors. Several local companies played key roles during construction. Teca AS in Stord was responsible for installing the electrical, radio and navigation systems. Servogear from the town of Bømlo supplied the vessel's propeller and gear systems, while Fjellstrand in Hardanger helped in building hull sections. Brunvoll from Tokke in Telemark County was responsible for integrating the electric hybrid propulsion system and the vessel's monitoring system. In addition, a number of other, mainly Norwegian, suppliers were involved.

“This is our first delivery to Rødne, and we greatly appreciate the trust they have shown us. The project is a good example of the value creation that occurs when Norwegian shipping companies choose Norwegian shipyards and Norwegian suppliers. Contracts like this provide work for a large number of companies and skilled workers throughout the supply chain. The delivery is important not only for Oma and Rødne, but also for the maritime cluster, the centers of expertise and employment along the coast. We are proud to have delivered Rygerlys to Rødne and look forward to a good, long-term partnership" says Gunnar Jan Oma, CEO of Oma.

Rygerlys is now in Forsand for a period of commissioning. It will test the both charging infrastructure at Forsand and the wharfs it will use in Lysefjord to ensure that the vessel meets all requirements for safety, quality and regularity before it enters service.

“Rygerlys is an important contribution to emission-free public transport in Rogaland, and will serve the route in the Lysefjord for ten years. We are happy with the new vessel, and the fact that it contributes to more sustainable maritime transport in the region,” says Kolumbus CEO Christina Stangeland.