The group has been tasked with analysing the current state of ferry services and developing a comprehensive strategy and action plan for safe and reliable ferry transport in Iceland. The action plan is expected to include an implementation schedule and cost estimate for renewing the ferry fleet. The working group was appointed in accordance with Action 1.11 of the parliamentary resolution on Iceland’s transport plan for 2026–2040.

“There is an urgent need to develop Iceland’s first comprehensive long-term strategy for ferry transport. It is important to analyse the need for such services and determine how they can best be organised with regard to transport requirements, safety and the energy transition,” said Minister of Infrastructure Eyjólfur Ármannsson.

Emphasis is being placed on ensuring close consultation with stakeholders. Municipalities that depend on ferry services were therefore specifically asked to appoint contact persons. The working group will consult these representatives and give them an opportunity to comment on its draft conclusions before the final report is submitted to the minister.

Iceland has four domestic ferry routes, all of which are publicly subsidised. Two with larger car and passenger ferries: One operates between Stykkishólmur and Brjánslækur in the southern Westfjords, calling at Flatey. The route is served by the 1991-built, 2,036 GT ferry BALDUR, which was acquired second-hand from Norway’s Torghatten in 2023.

The other with larger car and passenger ferry tonnage operates between Landeyjahöfn and Vestmannaeyjar in the Westman Islands and is served by the 2019-built, 3,270 GT battery-hybrid ferry HERJÓLFUR.

The further two routes with smaller tonnage operate between Dalvík and Grímsey, and between Árskógssandur and Hrísey.

© Shippax