Norwegian shipping company Torghatten Nord changes shift system to attract crew, despite financial cost and potential drawbacks

Torghatten Nord, a Norwegian shipping company, won a tender over two years ago to operate the ferry route between Nesna and Levang, situated on the coastal route of Helgeland. Despite the route’s popularity among passengers, especially during the summer season, the company struggled to recruit crew members for the ferry.

Previously, the company had a shift system where crew members worked 12 days in a row, working every other day due to rest-time regulations, followed by nine days off. This was challenging for those not living in the area, as they had to stay in lodging on their off-days, away from their family.

Despite efforts to recruit crew members from outside Norway, such as Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands, the company had no success. As a result, Torghatten Nord decided to implement a “North Sea shift” system, with two weeks on the job followed by four weeks off. This change in work schedule immediately attracted interest, with over 70 applications received overnight from all over Norway, for jobs that previously no one wanted.

However, this new shift system, despite its popularity among crew members, also comes with a significant financial cost. Operating with the North Sea shift system requires more crew members, costing the company millions extra annually.

While the new shift system seems to be a successful solution for recruiting crew members, it’s not without drawbacks. The long working period can cause both physical and psychological strain, and it’s often referred to as the “divorce shift” due to the prolonged periods of absence from home. Furthermore, it might not be ideal for younger employees who might start families in the future.

Despite these challenges, the priority remains to ensure that the ferry service continues to operate efficiently, which is crucial for the local communities. The company continues to explore various ways to adapt to the new market dynamics.