Rødne’s purpose-built catamaran will combine battery-electric and diesel propulsion for fjord cruise operations.
Norway’s largest family-owned high-speed passenger boat operator, Rødne Fjord Cruise, has ordered a new purpose-built hybrid sightseeing vessel to support rising demand for fjord tourism in Bergen. The new vessel, to be named Rygerstraum, is being designed specifically for the sightseeing market and will feature large panoramic windows, a spacious passenger lounge and expansive sun deck areas.
“We started offering fjord cruise experiences from Bergen in 2013. It is nice to note that these fjord cruises have become so popular that we need a larger boat to meet the increasing demand, while also contributing to the goals of more sustainable tourism and green transition,” says Lars Rødne, CEO of Rødne.
Scheduled for delivery in Q2 2027, the vessel will feature a hybrid propulsion system combining battery-electric and diesel power and will have capacity for nearly 300 passengers. Rødne plans to operate the boat on battery power when sailing in and out of Bergen Harbor, as well as through Mostraumen and into Modalen, significantly reducing emissions in sensitive and high-traffic areas.
Diesel propulsion will be used for other segments of the fjord cruise route, enabling operational flexibility while lowering the vessel’s overall environmental footprint.
“Rødne is a Norwegian, family-owned company. It is natural for us to choose Norwegian partners with cutting-edge expertise in innovative and environmentally friendly solutions where possible. Ever since our inception in 1956, we have been committed to building stone by stone and renewing the fleet step by step,” says Lars Rødne. “We are committed to year-round tourism, and look forward to welcoming tourists from all over the world aboard the new boat on one of our daily departures from Bergen – all year round!“
The vessel will be constructed at Oma Baatbyggeri AS in Stord, Norway. The yard has specialised in aluminium vessel construction since 1956 and is widely recognized for its work in the development, design and build of lightweight aluminium catamarans.
Using seawater-resistant aluminum provides a durable and fully recyclable hull material while supporting energy-efficient vessel operations through reduced weight and improved propulsion efficiency.
Oma Baatbyggeri is also currently building the all-electric combi catamaran Rygerlys, which is scheduled to enter service on Lysefjorden in summer 2026.
“This is very good news for tourism in Bergen and Western Norway,” says CEO of Fjord Norway, Stein Ove Rolland. “We are seeing strong growth in international guests who want to experience the Norwegian fjords, and the fjord landscape is the main reason why people travel here. The new boat gives guests an even better and more magnificent fjord experience, while reducing emissions. Many foreign visitors associate Norway and Western Norway with nature and sustainability, and investments like this are important to show that the industry is taking responsibility for reducing its climate emissions.”
