Maritime Analysis
Technical Troubles Plague the <a href='/ships/vollsoy-9237993'>Vollsoy</a>: A Timeline of Challenges
By VesselRate AI Editor
May 25, 2026
The Vollsoy, a ferry serving the crucial Mekjarvik-Kvitsøy route, has faced a cascade of technical difficulties over the past few months that have disrupted its services and raised concerns among commuters.
The saga began on August 14, when the Vollsoy suffered engine trouble, compelling the operator Boreal to cancel its 2:30 p.m. sailing and implement alternative transportation with a fast boat from Kvitsøy. Despite the intervention, ongoing troubleshooting efforts by service personnel from the engine supplier revealed the issues were more serious than initially thought.
By September 4, it became evident that the damage was extensive enough to necessitate docking the Vollsoy at Mekjarvik in Stavanger. During this time, Boreal deployed the reserve ferry, 'Petter Dass,' to maintain connectivity on the route, although this arrangement resulted in frequent delays. Operators remained hopeful that the Vollsoy would be back in service soon.
Just as the situation seemed to be stabilizing, the Vollsoy was again taken out of service on October 26 due to further technical trouble. This forced the cancellation of morning sailings, although the ferry reportedly resumed operations by 12:35 p.m. Yet, Boreal indicated that cancellations might recur later that day. Following this, the reserve ferry stepped in again, conducting service starting from 11:40 a.m. on October 28.
Regrettably, this recent setback comes mere months after the Vollsoy had just returned to operational status after an extended five-month repair period due to an engine room fire. With each technical issue compounding previous troubles, the ferry’s future reliability remains uncertain, leaving both operators and passengers in a state of concern over the disruptions to this key maritime connection.
The saga began on August 14, when the Vollsoy suffered engine trouble, compelling the operator Boreal to cancel its 2:30 p.m. sailing and implement alternative transportation with a fast boat from Kvitsøy. Despite the intervention, ongoing troubleshooting efforts by service personnel from the engine supplier revealed the issues were more serious than initially thought.
By September 4, it became evident that the damage was extensive enough to necessitate docking the Vollsoy at Mekjarvik in Stavanger. During this time, Boreal deployed the reserve ferry, 'Petter Dass,' to maintain connectivity on the route, although this arrangement resulted in frequent delays. Operators remained hopeful that the Vollsoy would be back in service soon.
Just as the situation seemed to be stabilizing, the Vollsoy was again taken out of service on October 26 due to further technical trouble. This forced the cancellation of morning sailings, although the ferry reportedly resumed operations by 12:35 p.m. Yet, Boreal indicated that cancellations might recur later that day. Following this, the reserve ferry stepped in again, conducting service starting from 11:40 a.m. on October 28.
Regrettably, this recent setback comes mere months after the Vollsoy had just returned to operational status after an extended five-month repair period due to an engine room fire. With each technical issue compounding previous troubles, the ferry’s future reliability remains uncertain, leaving both operators and passengers in a state of concern over the disruptions to this key maritime connection.
Based on these news reports:
- Engine Malfunction Halts Vollsøy Ferry Service (2025-08-19)
- Major Engine Damage Discovered on the 'Vollsøy' Ferry (2025-10-13)
- Engine Issues Ground Ferry 'Vollsøy' on Mekjarvik-Kvitsøy Route (2025-10-28)