The Vollsoy: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On March 23, 2026, the 'Vollsøy', which operates the Mekjarvik-Kvitsøy ferry service, encountered technical difficulties, resulting in the cancellation of its scheduled sailings. The affected departures included the 11:03 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. trips from Mekjarvik, as well as the corresponding return journeys from Kvitsøy. To mitigate the impact on passengers, a fast boat was deployed, with the first replacement departure leaving Mekjarvik at 1:00 p.m.

On December 10, 2025, the ferry 'Vollsøy' encountered a technical issue with its bow thruster, necessitating its docking at the Mekjarvik quay for repairs. This unforeseen malfunction prompted Boreal, the operating company, to temporarily suspend the Mekjarvik–Kvitsøy route until further notice. As a result, passengers are advised to prepare for delays and consider alternative travel arrangements. In an effort to mitigate the disruption, a fast boat service will be introduced, with the first departure from Mekjarvik scheduled for 2:20 p.m. A subcontractor has been enlisted to address the repairs on the 'Vollsøy' to restore its operation as soon as possible.

On the morning of October 26, 2023, the ferry 'Vollsøy', which operates on the Mekjarvik–Kvitsøy route, encountered engine troubles, forcing the cancellation of crucial sailings. The affected departures included the 10:10 a.m. from Mekjarvik and the 10:50 a.m. from Kvitsøy. Fortunately, the vessel was able to resume service, departing from Mekjarvik at 11:40 a.m. However, by 12:35 p.m., Boreal, the ferry operator, announced that while the 'Vollsøy' was back in operation, additional cancellations could not be ruled out. As a contingency, the ferry 'Peter Dass' was brought in to service the Mekjarvik-Kvitsøy route starting from 11:40 a.m. on October 28. According to Boreal, the 'Vollsøy' was temporarily removed from service for comprehensive investigations into the technical issues. Notably, this setback follows a recent five-month repair period for the 'Vollsøy' after it suffered a fire in its engine room. The duration of this latest service interruption remains uncertain.

The 'Vollsøy', a key vessel serving the ferry route, has been out of service since September 4, docked at Metjarvik in Stavanger for repairs. During this downtime, the reserve ferry 'Petter Dass' has been deployed on the crucial Mekjarvik to Kvitsøy route. However, this alternative service has faced multiple delays, much to the dismay of passengers. The engine troubles, which were first identified on August 14, have proved to be more severe than initially diagnosed. Boreal, the ferry operator, remains optimistic that the issues will be addressed promptly, allowing 'Vollsøy' to return to service soon.

On August 14 at 2:30 p.m., the ferry 'Vollsøy', operating on the Mekjarvik-Kvitsøy route, encountered significant engine issues, leading to a cancellation of its scheduled service. At 4:30 p.m., Boreal, the ferry operator, announced that a fast boat from Kvitsøy would replace the 'Vollsøy' and maintain the regular timetable for the remainder of the evening. The problem was traced to a malfunction in one of the ferry's engines. Technicians from the engine supplier boarded the vessel to commence troubleshooting, with repairs still underway as of August 15.

On May 6, 2025, an incident occurred aboard the 'Vollsøy', the ferry operating between Mekjarvik and Kvitsøy, when a fire broke out in the engine room's generator. The event unfolded in the afternoon at Mekjarvik port, prompting a swift response from local emergency services. Fortunately, all crew members were accounted for, and no injuries were reported despite significant black smoke emanating from the vessel's engine room. Firefighters quickly boarded the ferry with smoke divers, while police patrols arrived shortly after 2 p.m. Fire trucks were on site moments before 2:30 p.m., when the blaze was successfully extinguished. Authorities are investigating the incident, which is believed to have been caused by a technical malfunction. As the ferry was currently docked for maintenance, the extent of the damage remains unclear. For further details and photos, visit: https://www.aftenbladet.no/lokalt/i/zAJ4rO/roeykutvikling-i-ferje-i-mekjarvik.

On the morning of March 21, 2017, the ferry 'Fjordveien' was forced to suspend operations on the Mekjarvik-Kvitsøy route due to engine malfunctions. The vessel has since been docked in Mekjarvik for necessary repairs and troubleshooting. Initially, ferry service was maintained by a speedboat, but late last night the 'Hamarøy' ferry was deployed as a replacement for the 'Fjordveien'. While specific timelines for the main engine repair remain unclear, estimates suggest that it could take approximately a week to address the issues. Additionally, the 'Stord', which typically serves as a backup for the Mekjarvik-Kvitsøy route, is currently engaged on the Lauvvik-Oanes route, due to the 'Finnøy' being out of operation for routine maintenance.

On January 13, 2014, the ferry operations connecting Mekjarvik and Kvitsøy faced disruptions due to technical difficulties experienced by the vessel 'Fjordveien'. An express ferry did depart from Mekjarvik at 10:50 a.m., adhering to its scheduled timetable. However, ongoing repairs on 'Fjordveien' may lead to potential delays in service. Passengers are advised to stay informed about the situation as the ferry service works to resolve these issues.