LNG fueled cruise ferry hit by another delivery delay

MAY 17, 2013 — Norway’s Bergen Group Fosen shipyard has notified Fjord Line that there will be another delay in delivery of the Stavangerfjord, the first of two LNG-fueled cruise ferries on order at Fosen for Fjord. The shipbuilder says it needs more time for testing of engines and other equipment before the ship can be delivered.

Fjord Line AS has therefore decided to postpone the ship’s first sailing from June 21 to July 14. Originally the first sailing had been scheduled for May 29. That date was pushed back in April when Bergen Group Fosen first revealed that it was running into problems (see earlier story).

The two 170 m, 1,500 passenger, 600 vehicle ferries were originally ordered with dual-fuel engines. However, last July Bergen Group received a contract modification to deliver the two ships single-fuel LNG engines.

Though the ship’s first sailing has been pushed back, the naming ceremony will take place as planned on Thursday, June 6.

Bergen Group Fosen and Fjord Line say that “in the near future” they will consider the necessity of a later delivery date for the second cruise ferry.