Read Authentic Ratings for the Vikingen

The 'Vikingen', which serves the Sandnessjøen - Bjørn (Dønna) - Løkta route, encountered unexpected technical difficulties on September 10, 2025. As a result, the ferry was forced to suspend its operations on the B-route indefinitely. Currently, the vessel remains docked in Sandnessjøen while maintenance crews work to resolve the issue.

On the afternoon of November 26, 2016, the ferry 'Vikingen', while navigating from Ranavik to Skjersholmane, encountered engine failure in the scenic Bømla Fjord. Following the activation of multiple alarms, the main engine was shut down, leaving the vessel adrift for a brief period near Eldøyane. Fortunately, the weather conditions were favorable, allowing for a swift response. At 3:15 p.m., tug assistance successfully guided 'Vikingen' into the port of Skjersholmane. Once docked, passengers and vehicles were safely disembarked. Subsequently, the ferry was transported to a repair yard for necessary maintenance. In the interim, the ferry 'Hardingen', previously stationed in Sunde, was dispatched to serve as a temporary replacement for the routes affected. For more details, refer to the Norwegian report featuring additional photos: http://www.sunnhordland.no/nyhende/vart-slept-inn-til-skjersholmane-1.2200487.

On January 10th, the ferry 'Vikingen' experienced an engine failure and ran aground at Årsnes in Ytra Hardanger around noon. A coordinated rescue effort commenced at 4:30 p.m., as the tug 'Eide Wrestler' and the Coast Guard cutter 'Njord' successfully pulled the vessel free and towed it back to the ferry dock. By 6:30 p.m., all vehicles were safely disembarked from the ferry. In a careful assessment of the situation, a diver conducted a hull inspection, supported by the Coast Guard, to determine whether 'Vikingen' could continue directly to the repair yard in Halsnøy or required immediate repairs at the location. Fortunately, no signs of hull leakage were found. During the salvage operation, the ferry 'Hordaland' inadvertently bent a railing, but despite thick smoke emanating from the engine, there were no signs of fire. Investigators noted that there appeared to be nothing unusual in the engine room, indicating that further disassembly of the motor would be necessary to ascertain the underlying cause of the failure. At the time of the incident, 'Vikingen' was carrying a crew of six and 34 passengers, all of whom were promptly transferred to the Rosendal Fjord Hotel following the grounding. To ensure continued service on the Årsnes-Varaldsøy-Gjermundshamn route, the ferry 'Stallovarre' was dispatched and expected to arrive from Stavanger by January 12th. Stay updated with the latest developments in maritime incidents through these Norwegian news reports: [Grenda](http://grenda.no/ferja-er-komen-laus/), [BA](http://www.ba.no/nyheter/steike-meg-der-rok-slepetauet/s/5-8-249681), and [BT](http://www.bt.no/nyheter/lokalt/Ordforar-kallar-inn-til-krisemote-etter-ferjetrobbel-3519129.html).

On January 10, 2016, at 11:55 a.m., the ferry 'Vikingen' encountered a mechanical failure and subsequently ran aground at Årsnes in Ytre Hardanger. Initially, there was considerable smoke and poor air quality following the grounding, which triggered panic among those on board; however, the situation eventually stabilized. A total of 40 individuals, including 34 passengers, were evacuated from the ferry, who had remained in the lounge after the incident. The 'Vikingen' services the Årsnes - Varaldsøy - Gjermundshavn route in the Ytre Hardanger region. A tugboat arrived at the scene around 3 p.m. after an earlier rescue attempt by the ferry 'Hordaland' was unsuccessful. Fortunately, the 'Vikingen' was found to be stable on the ground and showed no signs of leaking. For more information, refer to the Norwegian report with accompanying photographs from sources such as Aftenposten and Grenda.