Faroese ferry operator plans new Norrøna vessel for at least €400 million

The Faroese shipping company Smyril Line is preparing to replace its flagship ferry Norrøna with a larger and improved vessel within five to six years, a project expected to cost at least half a billion Danish kroner (€400 million), reports Faroese broadcaster Kringvarp Føroya.

CEO Jens Meinhard Rasmussen confirmed that preliminary work—including concept and design studies—has begun for a potential new passenger and cargo ship. “It’s a major undertaking to replace a vessel like Norrøna,” he said, noting that planning, pricing, and financing must be finalised before a decision is made.

The current Norrøna, launched in 2003, could theoretically remain in service for another 20 years, but Rasmussen stressed the need for long-term planning. “We must know where we stand and how we secure our future,” he said. The new ship would follow the same “hotel-on-a-cargo-vessel” model, optimising passenger and freight revenue.

While Smyril Line has not set a final budget, Rasmussen cited modern vessels of this type costing between DKK 1.5–2 billion (€200–270 million) to build. “This is a huge investment that requires thorough preparation,” he added. The company will receive two new cargo ships this year as part of its fleet renewal.

Demand for Norrøna’s routes has grown in recent years, prompting temporary onboard adjustments. However, Rasmussen said the time has come to explore long-term alternatives: “Eventually, you reach a point where you must consider new possibilities.”