Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Baldur

On May 17, 2019, the 'Røst' ferry sustained significant damage after colliding with the quay in Skrova while docked. This unfortunate incident caused the vessel to be taken out of service for repairs. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported among passengers or crew, but the ship suffered considerable damage, particularly to its inner bow port. The 'Røst' is currently undergoing repairs at Lofoten Sveiseindustri and remains out of operation until further notice. Reports indicate that a sailor was at the helm during the incident, conducting maneuvers as part of training for a substitute role. Approximately three meters from the dock, the vessel was traveling at a speed of about 0.5 knots. Despite the captain's instructions to reduce speed further, the sailor accelerated the pitch, leading to the ship colliding forcefully with the quay. This incident has brought to light ongoing concerns regarding crew staffing levels on the ferry. Back in 2013, the ship's operator submitted a request to the Norwegian Maritime Directorate (NMD) to decrease the crew size from seven to four members, which was met with immediate rejection. A subsequent request in 2014 also faced the same outcome, noting that the proposed staffing was inadequate for ensuring passenger safety in emergencies like fires or evacuations. Despite these setbacks, the company continued to advocate for reduced crew levels. In spring 2018, the operator submitted a third application. The NMD eventually approved this request, citing various technical improvements and rescue equipment enhancements installed in 2016 and 2017. A new staffing certificate was issued in the summer of the same year, allowing the 'Røst' to operate on its Skrova route with only four crew members, despite being permitted to carry up to 144 passengers. Recent developments have seen the Norwegian Sea Officer Association voice serious concerns over this reduction. They filed a complaint with the NMD, urging a reevaluation of the decision and advocating to restore the crew size back to seven. They argue that had the original staff levels remained, the ferry would have had personnel adequately certified to handle this incident. The ferry returned to service on June 13, 2019, amidst rising tensions regarding crew safety protocols and operational standards. For further details, you can read the Norwegian report with photos: https://www.an.no/lofoten/ferge/ulykke/kapteinen-sa-stopp-matrosen-ga-full-gass-sa-smalt-det/s/5-4-1024519.

On July 30, 2018, the ferry 'Røst' was removed from its operational route after divers from the lifeboat 'Sundt Flyer' discovered a significant leak related to the vessel's propeller. The issue necessitated immediate repairs at a nearby yard. In the interim, the ferry 'Hamarøy', which typically operates the Lødingen - Bognes route, has been deployed to substitute for the 'Røst' as it awaits repair at the dock in Svolvær. To see the Norwegian report with accompanying images, visit the link: https://www.lofotposten.no/skutvikferga/skrova/samferdsel/mf-rost-ma-pa-verksted/s/5-29-402215.

On January 21, 2018, the ferry 'Røst' was taken out of operation by Torghatten Nord due to unforeseen technical difficulties. To ensure continued service, the ferry 'Stetind' was dispatched from Sortland to replace it on the Svolvær-Skrova route, starting in the evening. Earlier on that day, the 'Øykongen' was activated to assist with passenger transport between Svolvær and Skrova. However, it's important to note that the 'Øykongen' was unable to accommodate vehicles. The 'Øykongen' maintained its schedule until the arrival of the 'Stetind' to resume normal ferry operations.