Norwegian ferry operator Fjord Line took delivery of its new 109m long catamaran FJORD FSTR earlier today. The ship, which replaces the former FJORD CAT (now SKANE JET) in the fleet, will soon leave the Philippines for Norway. The journey will be undertaken under the fast ferry’s own power and is expected to take around 4 weeks.
FJORD FSTR is a much larger vessel than the former FJORD CAT. With a capacity of 1,200 passengers and over 400 cars, FJORD FSTR has around twice the capacity of her predecessor. Up to 30 lorries in combination with an unspecified amount of cars can also be carried.
FJORD FSTR has a designed service speed of 37 knots, but she is understood to be capable of 40 kts.
Passengers will be able to sample three different food outlets, lounge spaces, and a large duty free shop on the two hour and fifteen minute crossing on FJORD FSTR between Kristiansand and Hirtshals. A separate children’s play area is also provided on the fast-ferry.
The 250m2 duty free shop is around twice the size of that on FJORD CAT. This shop will stock fresh and frozen food in addition to the usual duty free items.
As an Austal AutoExpress 109 ferry, FJORD FSTR is of similar (but not identical) overall design to Molslijnen’s EXPRESS 4. FJORD CAT was sold to FRS last June. She has since been renamed SKANE JET.
Largest (so far)
FJORD FSTR is the largest ship to ever be delivered by the Austal Philippines facility at Balamban, Cebu at the time of writing. She will lose this record when EXPRESS 5 is delivered to Molslijnen, however. EXPRESS 5 will be the largest vessel (by volume) to ever be built at any Austal facility.
A trimaran for Fred. Olsen Express is also under construction at Balamban. Named BAÑADEROS EXPRESS, she is expected to be launched in the coming days.
‘Fjord FSTR’ Fast Facts
| IMO number: 9837339 | Built by: Austal Philippines, Balamban [PH], #H419 |
| Also known as: N/A | As-built sister-ships: EXPRESS 4 (part-sister) |
| Usual route: Kristiansand – Hirtshals | Current operator: Fjord Line |
| Passenger capacity: 1,200 | Vehicle capacity: 410 cars |
