Norwegian Coastal Voyages’ new Finnmarken entered service this past April. The 15,000-ton, 643-passenger ship was built at Kleven Verft for approximately $100 million.

The maximum capacity is 1,000 passengers including day-passengers traveling between ports along the coast of Norway. Serving as a combined cruise, ferry and cargo vessel, the Finnmarken has a large door on the side of the hull for cargo and car access.

In case of war or a crisis situation, the cargo and car areas can be converted into hospital areas as the ship will then serve for the Norwegian Navy.

The cargo door is from MacGregor. The main engines and generators are from Wartsila, providing a service speed of 18 knots, with side thrusters from Brunvoll and stabilizers by Blohm+Voss. ABB has provided its Power Management System for the ship’s power plant and propulsion system. The heat, ventilation and air-conditioning system is by Novenco and is designed for operation in northern (arctic) waters as well as tropical seas.

The lifeboats are from Umoe Schat Harding, while Viking Life-Saving Equipment has delivered a chute system and rafts. The automated bridge navigation system is Atlas Nacos and Finnmarken can sail her voyages up and down the Norwegian coast on autopilot. The entire voyage is read into the system.

There are two officers on the bridge at all times; one monitors the automation, the other monitors his colleague and provides a visual lookout.

The ship is only operated manually in narrow waters and when docking. The navigation system uses two separate satellite systems based on 12 satellites as well as land stations.

Other suppliers include Mari off for its Hi-Fog firefighting system; Electrolux for the galley; and Norac for panels. Finnmarken is classed with DNV as a car ferry with a “clean design” notation.