The agreement covers the 1989-built RoPax ferry MERCANDIA IV, which normally serves as the fourth ferry on Molslinjen’s (Øresundslinjen’s) route across the Øresund between Helsingør and Helsingborg. MERCANDIA IV is one of the British-built, diesel-electric double-ended ferries of the so-called “Superflex” class, developed by the former Danish company Vognmandsruten for operation across the Great Belt during the 1980s.

Samsø Rederi will use MERCANDIA IV as a replacement vessel for its regular conventional double-ended ferry, PRINSESSE ISABELLA. Previously, Samsø Rederi had chartered ANE LÆSØ from the Danish municipal ferry operator Læsø Færgen.

However, ANE LÆSØ has a significantly lower capacity than PRINSESSE ISABELLA, which has caused considerable inconvenience for the residents of Samsø - particularly as passenger numbers on Samsø Rederi’s services have increased substantially in recent years.

MERCANDIA IV has a capacity approximately twice that of ANE LÆSØ, providing a much more suitable replacement during the period in which PRINSESSE ISABELLA is unavailable.

© Shippax