Rødne Fjord Cruise invests in large new hybrid vessel for Bergen

Rødne has ordered a new, purpose-built, hybrid sightseeing boat to meet increasing demand for fjord cruises from Bergen. The new, state of the art boat, to be called “Rygerstraum”, is specially designed for tourism, with large, panoramic windows, a spacious cabin and ample room on its sun decks. The new boat will have a capacity of nearly 300 passengers.

“We have offered fjord cruises from Bergen since 2013. We are pleased to note that these cruises have become so popular that we need a bigger boat to meet increasing demand, while also working toward our goals of sustainable tourism and a green transition,” says Rødne Managing Director Lars Rødne.

Delivery in early 2027

The new boat is to be delivered in the second quarter of 2027 and will have a hybrid propulsion system with both electric and diesel engines. The boat will run on batteries in and out of Bergen harbor and through Mostraumen straits to Modalen, significantly reducing emissions. It will run on diesel for parts of the fjord cruise.

"When the necessary infrastructure and technology are in place, Rødne will upgrade the boat to pure battery power. Then it will be fully electric, like the Stavanger-based “MS Rygerelektra” that has brought tourists to Lysefjord since 2020," says Lars Rødne.

The new catamaran will be built at the Norwegian shipyard Oma Baatbyggeri AS in the town of Stord. Oma has built boats in aluminum since 1956 and is a leader in innovation, development, design and construction of lightweight aluminum catamarans. Seawater-resistant aluminum is a strong and recyclable material that provides energy-efficient operations. Oma is currently building the all-electric combi catamaran, "Rygerlys", which will go into service in Lysefjord during the summer of 2026.

“Rødne is a Norwegian, family-owned company, so it is natural for us to choose Norwegian partners with cutting-edge expertise in innovative and environmentally friendly solutions whenever possible. Ever since we were founded in 1956, we have built up and renewed our fleet one step at a time,” says Lars Rødne. “We are committed to year-round tourism and look forward to welcoming tourists from all over the world on board the new boat on our daily departures from Bergen - any time of year!”

Greener fjord experiences and major ripple effects

“This is very good news for tourism in Bergen and Western Norway,” says Fjord Norway Managing Director, Stein Ove Rolland. “We see strong growth among international guests wanting to enjoy the Norwegian fjords. It is the fjords themselves that draw international travelers. The new boat gives guests an even better and more magnificent fjord experience, while reducing emissions. Many foreign visitors associate Norway and Western Norway with unspoiled nature and sustainability, so investments like this are important to show that the industry takes responsibility for reducing its climate emissions.”

Illustration of the boat should be credited to Oma Baatbyggeri and may be used freely.

Photos should be credited to Rødne/Tom Gulbrandsen and may be used freely.

Facts about the new boat:

Investment: 140 million NOK

Built according to the HSC-2000 code

Length: 39 meters

Width: 10.6 meters

Number of passengers: 282

Maximum speed: 25 knots

Battery capacity: 225 kWh

Facts about Rødne

Rødne is Norway's largest family-owned express boat company. The company consists of three business areas: Rødne Trafikk and Rødne Ambulanse deliver scheduled and ambulance services to island communities on the west coast of Norway. Rødne Fjord Cruise offers fjord experiences from Stavanger, Bergen and Tromsø to companies, locals and tourists from all over the world.

The company was founded in 1956 to offer school and other transport between the islands of Sjernarøyane, where the company has its headquarters.Rødne currently has 165 permanent employees and has a clear goal of being a leader in environmentally friendly boat transport

Facts about Oma Baatbyggeri

Oma Baatbyggeri AS is a family-owned shipyard established in 1909, based in Leirvik on Stord. With over 70 years of experience in using aluminum, the company has developed into a leading player in the design and construction of lightweight catamarans. The shipyard is known for combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, and delivers vessels that are optimized for low energy consumption, high operational reliability and demanding maritime conditions. The company specializes in the passenger and car ferry segments, and in recent years has delivered a number of hybrid and all-electric vessels to both public and private operators. With a strong focus on sustainability, innovation and quality, Oma Baatbyggeri has consolidated its position within green maritime technology and forward-looking solutions for public transport at sea.