Read Authentic Ratings for the Huftaroy

On May 1, 2019, disruptions plagued the E39 ferry service between Halhjem and Sandvikvåg, leading to the cancellation of several trips. The morning saw the halt of four scheduled departures, attributed to mechanical issues with the 'Huftarøy', a recently introduced ferry in the fleet. Later in the evening, Torghatten Nord made an announcement regarding further cancellations: the 6:30 p.m. departure from Halhjem and the 7:20 p.m. service from Sandvikvåg could not be operated as technical complications persisted with the 'Huftarøy'. The ferry was temporarily docked at Rubbestadneset for repairs. In response to the situation, the 'Fanafjord' was deployed as a substitute ferry to ensure that travelers were not left stranded.

The ferry operations linking Halhjem and Sandvikvåg have faced significant disruptions beginning April 3 due to technical difficulties encountered by the vessel 'Huftarøy' (IMO number not specified). The ferry was subsequently taken to a maintenance facility in Ølensvåg for repairs, arriving there at 3:15 PM. As a result of these issues, multiple departures scheduled for April 5 were canceled, including those from Sandvikvåg at 8:30 AM, 11:50 AM, and 3:10 PM, as well as sailings from Halhjem at 7:40 AM, 11:00 AM, and 2:20 PM. To mitigate the impact on travelers, the ferry 'Tranøy' was brought in as a substitute, though it operates at a reduced speed of 16 knots, making it a slower alternative for passengers.

The Halhjem-Sandvikvåg ferry service experienced a significant disruption when the 'Huftarøy', one of its two new vessels, ran aground on the night of March 12. The grounding incident, which occurred at Sandvikvåg, involved the ferry making contact with the seabed with one of its propellers, necessitating immediate removal from service. This unfortunate event led to the cancellation of the 02:30 and 05:30 departures from Sandvikvåg, where cars and passengers were safely disembarked after the accident. On March 13, the 'Huftarøy' embarked on a southward journey to Haugesund, assisted by the tugboat 'BB Server.' After a careful transit, the ferry reached Horten on March 16 at 8:30 a.m. To ensure continuity of service, the ferry 'Flatøy' was rerouted from Brevik in Telemark to operate as a replacement during the disruption. The 'Huftarøy' resumed its service on March 25, setting sail for Rubbestadneset. This grounding incident highlights the challenges faced by maritime operators, but the swift response ensured passenger safety and service continuity.