Herjólfur seeks state funding for two spare motors

The operator of the Herjólfur ferry has asked Iceland’s parliamentary budget committee for 65 million Icelandic króna to buy two spare electric motors, mbl.is reported. The company says the purchase would improve the ferry’s reliability and reduce the risk and cost of prolonged disruption to services.

Herjólfur ohf. operates the ferry, which is owned by the Icelandic state. One of its motors suffered a serious failure last spring, and repairs took nearly three and a half months. For most of that time, the ferry sailed at reduced power and speed, making it harder to reach Landeyjahöfn in challenging conditions. It was also unable to maintain its full summer schedule.

To limit disruption to transport between the mainland and the Westman Islands, the transport minister arranged for the Baldur ferry, which serves Breiðafjörður, to be stationed in the islands until repairs were complete. Herjólfur’s letter says Baldur’s absence caused significant disruption to ferry services in Breiðafjörður and difficulties for residents and businesses there.

The two motors on Herjólfur are different, so the company says it needs two separate spares. Because manufacturing takes about nine months, the company ordered them after discussions with representatives of the Road Administration and the transport ministry. Delivery is expected in February 2027.

The letter puts the cost of Baldur’s service in the Westman Islands this summer at more than 200 million króna, compared with an estimated 65 million króna for both replacement motors. Herjólfur ohf. has paid a 30 per cent deposit but says it cannot cover the remaining cost without state funding. If funding is not secured, the company says it will have to cancel the purchase.