Read Authentic Ratings for the Basto-Iv

On May 22, 2017, the popular Horten-Moss ferry route in the Oslo Fjord experienced significant disruptions as two ferries, the 'Bastø IV' and 'Bastø VI', encountered technical difficulties. This unforeseen situation arose while the Oslo Fjord tunnel was closed, leading to extensive queues at the Moss quay and waiting times extending to at least one hour for passengers seeking to board the alternative Bastø Fosen ferries. The 'Bastø IV' suffered from an oil leak in its main engine, prompting the cancellation of its scheduled departures at 6:45 a.m. from Horten and 7:30 a.m. from Moss. Fortunately, the leakage occurred internally, preventing any environmental impact. As a result, the 'Bastø IV' was temporarily sidelined in Moss for maintenance. Meanwhile, the 'Bastø VI' faced its own challenges, with issues relating to its propeller connection, further complicating the situation for travelers on this crucial ferry route.

On the morning of March 16, 2017, ferry operator Bastø Fosen reported a technical malfunction that has sidelined the 'Bastø VI' from its regular routes. Announced at 9 a.m., this unexpected issue has resulted in decreased ferry capacity on the crucial Moss-Horten route, affecting commuters and travelers relying on this service.

In a significant development for Norway's maritime transport, Bastø Fosen has proudly taken delivery of the Bastø VI, now recognized as the country's longest ferry, measuring an impressive 142.9 meters. This new addition came as part of a contract necessitating increased capacity on the Horten – Moss ferry route, awarded by the Norwegian Road Administration in 2017 for a duration of 10 years. Bastø Fosen, which also ordered two additional ferries from Sefine Shipyard, responds to the needs of this high-demand ferry line. CEO Øyvind Lund articulated the importance of this new contract, stating, "The recent tender mandates a significant upgrade in capacity. We're introducing six ferries, each designed to carry a minimum of 200 passenger vehicles (PBE)." The Horten – Moss ferry line is known as the busiest in Norway, underscoring the need for these more capable vessels. The latest ferries from Turkey are intended to replace older vessels that had been operational until December 31, 2016, which only offered a capacity of about 112 PBE. Lund highlighted the new ferries' compliance with environmental Tier III standards, illustrating a commitment to sustainability alongside improved service capabilities. As Bastø Fosen continues to enhance its fleet, the Bastø VI stands out as a landmark achievement for the company and the future of ferry transport in Norway.