Iceland working group starts drafting national ferry strategy

A working group appointed by Infrastructure Minister Eyjólfur Ármannsson has begun work on a new national ferry strategy, mbl.is reports. It is expected to complete its work by 1 December.

According to a statement on the Icelandic government’s website, the group will assess the current state of ferry services and develop a comprehensive policy and action plan for safe and reliable ferry transport in Iceland.

The action plan is expected to include an implementation and cost estimate for renewing the country’s ferry fleet.

“There is an urgent need to formulate Iceland’s first comprehensive long-term policy on ferry transport,” Ármannsson said. “It is important to assess the need for such transport and determine how best to organise it in light of transport needs, safety and the energy transition.”

The group is chaired by Sóley Ragnarsdóttir, who was appointed without nomination. Its other members are Hilmar Stefánsson, nominated by the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration; Jón Gunnar Jónsson, nominated by the Icelandic Transport Authority; and Sunna Þórðardóttir, nominated by the Ministry of Industries.

The members will not receive separate payment for their work.