The Ombo: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On March 3, 2026, the Finnøy ferry 'Ombo' encountered a technical glitch that forced its removal from service. This unexpected development left the ferry 'Hidle' as the sole operational vessel, starting at 8:23 a.m. To accommodate passengers, an additional sailing was scheduled from Judaberg to Helgøy at 10:20 a.m. Travelers are advised to utilize alternative ferry routes relying on available vessels until further notice.

Following a storm that hit the region on January 24, the ferry 'Ombo' has sustained damage and is currently docked at Bekhus Quay in Stavanger for necessary repairs. As of January 28, the vessel is expected to remain out of service for at least a week. In the meantime, the battery-operated ferry 'Hella' (IMO: 9871268), typically serving the Hella-Vangsnes-Dragsvik route in Sogn, has been redirected to cover the Judaberg-Stavanger route. On January 27, passengers faced additional inconvenience as one departure from Judaberg was canceled due to technical difficulties. Furthermore, the morning departures from Judaberg at 07:50 a.m. and from Fogn at 08:05 a.m. were also canceled to accommodate the ferry's charging needs. Travelers should anticipate further changes to the schedule as 'Hella' manages its charging requirements over the upcoming days.

In a dramatic incident on January 24, 2025, the ferry 'Ombo' was forced out of service following a grounding at the entrance to Eids Sound during a fierce storm that struck at precisely 9:45 PM. The powerful gusts of wind are believed to be the primary factor behind this grounding. Fortunately, the ferry was carrying only four passengers along with a crew of eight, and miraculously, there were no injuries reported. The vessel managed to dock safely, allowing the two vehicles on board to disembark without any issues. However, the 'Ombo' is currently in need of repairs at a nearby shipyard. To assess the damage, divers conducted a thorough inspection of the ship's hull. In response to this incident, operator Norled deployed the ferry 'Hella' at 1:30 PM from Halsnøy, while all subsequent calls at Eidssund were suspended indefinitely. The 'Ombo' is scheduled to sail to Stavanger on January 26, following the necessary permissions granted by the Norwegian Maritime Directorate.