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| Fjord Link | |
|---|---|
| Name | Fjord Link |
| Type | Ferry operator |
| Founded | 1990s |
| Headquarters | Stavanger |
| Area served | North Sea, Norwegian fjords |
Fjord Link
Fjord Link is a Norwegian ferry operator providing high-frequency roll-on/roll-off passenger and vehicle services across fjord crossings and coastal routes. It connects ports and urban areas in Rogaland and Hordaland and collaborates with regional authorities such as Rogaland County Municipality and Vestland County Municipality for integrated transport planning. The operator interfaces with national bodies including Statens vegvesen and maritime regulators like Norwegian Maritime Authority.
Fjord Link operates a network of ferry crossings that link urban nodes such as Stavanger, Haugesund, Bergen and regional hubs including Sandnes, Bryne, and Karmøy. The company serves commuters, freight hauliers, and tourists accessing destinations such as Preikestolen, Kjeragbolten, and the Lysefjord corridor while coordinating with transport systems like Kolumbus (public transport), Tide Buss, and Vygruppen. Fjord Link participates in regional initiatives involving Nord-Jæren development, integrates timetables with SAS and Widerøe, and aligns operations with maritime standards from Det Norske Veritas (DNV).
Fjord Link emerged from consolidation during the 1990s municipal restructurings that also affected operators like Norled and Hurtigruten affiliates, following public tendering frameworks overseen by Ministry of Transport. Early contracts involved municipal ferry concessions awarded by Rogaland County Municipality and collaborations with shipping companies such as Fjord1 and Boreal Norge. The operator expanded service coverage in the 2000s amid infrastructure projects including the Ryfast subsea tunnel and the Hordfast proposals, adapting fleet composition similar to contemporaries like Torghatten Nord.
Fjord Link’s route network includes short-crossing ferry terminals at ports like Skudeneshavn, Karmøy kommune, Haugesund Airport, Karmøy, and longer intercity links terminating near Bergenhus Fortress and port facilities at Stavanger Airport, Sola. Infrastructure interfaces include linkspans and terminals compatible with standards from International Maritime Organization conventions and harbor authorities such as Port of Bergen and Port of Stavanger. The operator coordinates with projects like E39 corridor planning and connects to fixed links including Stord Bridge, the Kleppervik Tunnel, and planned schemes discussed by Statens vegvesen.
Services include vehicle ferries, passenger-only fast craft, and seasonal tourist sailings to attractions such as Preikestolen, Kvinnherad fjord tours, and links supporting events like Stavanger International Jazz Festival and the World Petroleum Congress. Operational partnerships extend to logistics firms like Bring (company) and freight handlers at Port of Haugesund. Scheduling systems integrate with ticketing platforms used by Kolumbus (A/S), and the operator employs navigational technology from suppliers akin to Kongsberg Gruppen and propulsion consultancy similar to DNV GL. Emergency coordination protocols reference agencies such as Norwegian Coastal Administration and Joint Rescue Coordination Centre of Southern Norway.
The fleet comprises conventional diesel ferries, hybrid-electric vessels, and high-speed catamarans similar in concept to craft built by yards like Fosen Mekaniske Verksteder and Ulstein Group. Vessel classes echo standards set by Classification Society practices from Lloyd's Register and Det Norske Veritas (DNV), and ship procurement has mirrored public tenders involving shipbuilders such as Vard (shipbuilder) and Fincantieri. Crewing follows certification paths overseen by Norwegian Maritime Authority and training institutions such as University of Stavanger and maritime academies in Ålesund.
Ticketing offers single-ride fares, commuter passes, freight tariffs, and seasonal tourist tickets, with integration into regional fare systems like Kolumbus (public transport) and interoperability with nationwide schemes by Entur. Pricing tiers include motor-vehicle classes consistent with tariff models used by Fjord1 and concessionary rates for holders of cards from municipal councils such as Stavanger Municipality. Digital sales utilize systems comparable to platforms from TicketCo and mobile payments coordinated with banks like DNB ASA.
Safety management aligns with the International Safety Management Code and national oversight by Norwegian Maritime Authority, with incident reporting coordinated through the Norwegian Accident Investigation Board for Transport. Environmental measures include adoption of low-emission technologies following incentives from Enova SF and pilot projects in line with the European Green Deal objectives and fuel strategies promoted by International Maritime Organization. Emission reductions target sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides consistent with Norwegian Emission Control Area obligations and collaborate with research partners such as SINTEF and Institute of Transport Economics (TØI) for impact assessment.
Category:Ferry companies of Norway