Video: Workboat Slams Into Moored Fast Ferry In Norway, Tears Large Gash In Hull

A service vessel struck a moored fast ferry at Frøya island northwest of Trondheim on Friday, tearing a large gash in the ferry’s hull and causing partial flooding before salvage crews stabilized the vessel.

The vessel involved was identified through AIS data as Multi Power, a 27-meter (about 90-foot) workboat operating in the region’s aquaculture sector.

Video from the scene showed the vessel approaching the port side of the fast-ferry catamaran Frøyfart at low speed before making contact at the waterline.

Images obtained by local media showed the collision ripped open part of Frøyfart’s hull, causing water ingress into the port-side catamaran hull.

Damage was also reported to the upper deck, where rails and deck plating near the pilothouse were bent and torn. No injuries were reported.

Trident Aqua Services CEO Arild Aasmyr confirmed there had been contact between the vessels and said the incident had been reported to relevant authorities for investigation.

Following the impact, salvage efforts were launched to keep the 24-meter passenger vessel stable. Reports said another service boat assisted in efforts to control the leak and prevent the vessel from sinking.

By Friday evening, Øya Shipping chairman Vidar Eidsvaag told local media the situation was under control.

Øya Shipping, which owns and operates Frøyfart for charter and adventure trips around the Frøya archipelago, later said an upcoming voyage had been canceled because of the damage.

The timing was particularly difficult as the company had just entered the start of its operating season.

The collision occurred at the fishing harbor at Siholmen on Frøya, an island northwest of Trondheim known as a major aquaculture hub.

Multi Power is part of a fleet supporting that industry and operates under long-term contract service in the region.

The vessel is equipped with twin deck cranes, a deadweight capacity of about 200 tonnes, and diesel-electric propulsion supported by a 270 kWh battery pack.

As of Sunday, AIS data indicated Multi Power was back under way and operating in the island archipelago.

The cause of the collision has not been disclosed, and authorities are investigating how the service vessel struck the stationary ferry while it was moored.

The extent of repair costs has not been made public.

References: fiskerforum, crewmirror