Average age of ferries is 30+

A new analysis confirms what has long been obvious to some: the current fleet of ferries is outdated, and new ones should be built immediately.

National transport company Strandfaraskip Landsins is in dire need of a replacement ferry. But, according to analysis firm Knud E. Hansen, one such ferry would not go a long way towards meeting current demands.

New ferries are needed for five services to outlying islands: Nólsoy, Kallsoy, Fugloy & Svínoy, Hestur and Skúvoy, says analyst Thormund Johannesen.

“The ferries currently in operation on these routes are massively out of date and nowhere near meeting modern requirements,” he says.

“Strandfaraskip Landsins ought to start formulating a long-term plan to replace the current fleet immediately.”

As the maintenance costs for the current fleet continues to grow as the ferries get older, it makes good sense to start investing in a new fleet, he says, adding that five new ferries would cost around DKK 280 million, which is less than the cost of building a new sea research vessel.

Translated by prosa.fo.