Page 41: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (January 2014)

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At the end of 2013 the sistership Ber- gensfjord will be placed into the same service allowing the company to offer daily departures throughout the year on the Bergen / Stavanger / Hirtshals /

Langesund routes.

The design of Fjord Line’s two cruise ferries grew from a close collaboration between Bergen Group Fosen and Fal- kum Hansen Design. The concept for the ferries combines daytime and night operation with certain decks, 6 and 7, serving as common areas that are charac- terized by intimacy and fl exibility, while other decks, 8 and 9, are clearly defi ned as locations for cabins in standard and more luxurious versions. The design and interior support the special logistical considerations of 24 hour a day opera- tion and food services. For passengers,

MS Stavangerfjord and MS Bergensf- jord should appear as nothing less than a fl oating dream.

The architect fi rm Falkum Hansen

Design specializes in the design of pas- senger ships. The basis of the thinking behind the interiors of Fjord Line’s ships has been a desire to create a distinc- tive signature, a brand that makes these cruise ferries stand out from other ships in the same category. The vision was to create a ‘Lifestyle Liner’ based on the values associated with intimacy, signa- ture, maritime and liner.

The hulls of both the new cruise fer- ries are designed in a way that reduces water resistance and increases stability.

This contributes to greater comfort on board in high seas and reduced fuel con- sumption. The wave-neutralizing effect is enhanced by a large bulb at the bow of the ships.

The length of the ships will result in the crossing between Norway and Den- mark being much smoother than normal.

In the North Sea, the average length of three waves together is 65m. The cruise ferries are 170 meters long so they will fl oat on three waves instead of dipping down between the second and third wave. This will contribute to a much more comfortable trip. “We are very pleased with the uncomplicated handling of this advanced propulsion.”

Chief Engineer John Tolle and his crew in the engine control room of the RoPax ferry Stavangerfjord.

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