Stavangerfjord

A regular sight in and around Bergen are Fjord Line's cruise ferries Stavangerfjord and Bergensfjord. Operating between Norway and Denmark year-round on the Bergen-Stavanger-Langesund-Hirtshals route, these ships now constitute the only regular international ferry service from the city.

The following photos were taken as Stavangerfjord approached Bergen on Saturday afternoon.

Fjordline Cruise Ferry MS Stavangerfjord in Bergen, Norway
MS Stavangerfjord heads towards Bergen on her regular service route
Built in Gdansk, Poland, in 2012, Stavangerfjord entered service the following year. With a length of 170m and a gross tonnage of around 25,000 she can accommodate up to 600 vehicles and 1,500 passengers, with a minimum crew of 70.

Fjordline Cruise Ferry MS Stavangerfjord in Bergen, Norway
MS Stavangerfjord underway
Stavangerfjord is notable as being the world's first cruise-ferry powered entirely by LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas). This technology has been used on large ships before, but it did initially throw up a few challenges, and Stavangerjord's timetables during 2013 had to be modified to account for unexpected difficulties with refuelling.

Fjordline Cruise Ferry MS Stavangerfjord in Bergen, Norway

Fortunately, after a necessary change of regulations by the Norwegian authorities, these issues were resolved, and both Stavangerfjord and Bergensfjord (which entered service in February 2014) now operate the route as originally planned.

Fjordline Cruise Ferry MS Stavangerfjord in Bergen, Norway
The large doors in Stavangerfjord's stern are used to load the vehicle decks
In her role as a cruise-ferry, Stavangerfjord is popular with passengers booking short 1- or 2-night round trips to Denmark, with the sailing acting as a short cruise, taking advantage of the on board bars and restaurants as well as stocking up on duty free items and purchases made in Denmark, which can offer considerable savings on Norwegian prices.

Fjordline Cruise Ferry MS Stavangerfjord in Bergen, Norway
Stavagerfjord approaches the Sotra bridge on her way into Bergen
Stavangerfjord has a very attractive design, with her sleek lines and low profile making her considerably more handsome than many other cruise ferries, which often have boxy, unattractive profiles.

Fjordline Cruise Ferry MS Stavangerfjord in Bergen, Norway
The skies clear as Stavangerfjord approaches the Sotra bridge
Take a look round Stavangerfjord's cabins and public spaces with our full interior photo tour.
Location: Bergen, Norway

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