The Bjarkøy hybrid ferry (yard number B620/1), built at Remontowa Shipbuilding for the Norwegian shipowner Torghatten Nord, has commenced sea trials.
This is one of the project milestones, directly preceding the vessel’s delivery to the shipowner. The ferry’s name refers to the island of Bjarkøy in northern Norway, emphasising the local nature of the routes operated by Torghatten Nord and the vessel’s strong ties to the region in which it will operate.
The ferry had been ready to set sail since mid-January 2026. However, the start of sea trials was delayed by unfavourable weather conditions and a permanent ice cover on the harbour channel reaching up to 50 cm locally.
Until 24 February, for the same reason, it was not possible to open the Gdańsk Shipyard bridge, which is the only access route to the Remontowa Shipbuilding water area.
However, this time was not wasted – the shipyard continued outfitting and preparatory work, carrying out some tasks usually performed after SATs before the vessel sets sail. Currently, all essential work has been completed, and only organisational and tidying-up activities related to the handover of the ferry to the shipowner are underway.
During sea trials, all key equipment and systems are tested under operating conditions. Among other things, the vessel’s technical parameters, including speed and manoeuvrability. The operation of propulsion and on-board systems is also verified.
These tests will confirm the ferry’s readiness for safe and effective operation for several decades to come.
The ferry is being built to a concept design by Norwegian Ship Design Company AS, supported by Remontowa Marine Design & Consulting, part of the Remontowa Holding group, which provided the detailed and workshop documentation.
Photos: Sławomir Lewandowski / PortalMorski.pl