Havila Polaris ferry accidents and incidents

24 July 2024Structural and Technical Issues

On July 24, at 13:18 Norway time (11:18 UTC), off Stranda's coast, Havila Polaris reported significant overheating in the portside propulsion system. The ship was en route to Geirangerfjord Cruise Port, operating on the northbound route Bergen-Kirkenes

Although there was no fire, the overheating activated the automatic cooling systems, spraying foam in the affected areas.

No injuries among passengers were reported, two crew suffered minor smoke inhalation.

The ferry reached and docked at Geirangerfjord/Stranda Port under its own power. All passengers (397) and 30 of the crew (68 total) were safely evacuated/disembarked ashore and gathered at Stranda Port's cultural/reception center.

Havila Polaris received temporary sailing permission from DNV/Det Norske Veritas (Norway-based international registrar and classification society) and Sjofartsdirektoratet (Norwegian Maritime Authority) to return to Alesund for inspection.

2019Structural and Technical Issues

Havila Polaris ship's construction was started at Barreras Shipyard (Vigo, Spain). However, in August 2019, due to financial difficulties, the shipyard suspended all works on both Havila Kystruten-owned newbuilds (Polaris and Pollux) and in late-November 2019 cancelled both orders. In late-December, both unfinished hulls were towed to Tersan Shipyard (Yalova, Turkey). The Turkish shipyard was already building Havila's other 2 ships (Capella and Castor), and all 4 ferries will be delivered by 2021-Q4.