The Landegode Incident: Impacts and Recovery on the Bodø-Moskenes Route

On September 4, 2025, a serious maritime incident occurred involving the ferry Landegode while it was operating the popular Bodø–Røst–Værøy–Moskenes route. At approximately 8 p.m., the vessel, carrying 232 passengers and 13 crew members, allided with the quay at Moskenes. This unfortunate event led to considerable damage at the ferry berth, completely incapacitating the access ramp, and temporarily stranding passengers and vehicles onboard.

Despite the chaos, including overturned motorcycles and a ferry door that fell into the sea, fortunately, there were no injuries reported. Local authorities, including the police, promptly attended the scene for investigations. The captain communicated the damages using the onboard loudspeaker, informing passengers of the situation.

As the ferry attempted to dock again, the severity of the damages became apparent, but the Landegode managed to continue its journey to Svolvær after being approved by the Norwegian Maritime Authority, arriving on September 5 at around 3:30 a.m. This decision sparked relief among the stranded passengers who could finally disembark.

In the wake of the accident, operations at the Moskenes ferry pier were disrupted severely, leading the Norwegian Public Roads Administration to conduct inspections on both the quay and the ferry. Initial evaluations revealed extensive damage that necessitated repairs. The ferry was on a pre-scheduled route for conversion, intending to switch its engine from LNG to biodiesel, complicating matters further. Consequently, all departures marked A in the timetable were canceled, with travelers advised to seek alternative routes through Bognes–Lødingen.

The repair work for the ferry pier commenced quickly after the accident, although the reopening, initially planned for September 9, was postponed to the following day as extensive checks were performed on the damaged facilities. Ultimately, the ferry pier successfully reopened on September 10, with the Landegode resuming normal operations by offering service from Bodø to Moskenes. The restoration of service came as a welcome relief to residents and tourists alike, who had been confronted with increased traffic issues on the alternative routes through Lofoten.

This incident serves as a somber reminder of the vulnerabilities within maritime transport and the potential disruptions accidents can impose on communities that rely on such services. Thankfully, the swift response from authorities and the dedication to repairing both the vessel and the infrastructure allowed the Landegode to continue its vital operations in the region.