Norway's coastal communities face a 3 billion kroner question: is saving 11 minutes on a daily ferry crossing worth the cost? In Sunnhordland, a decades-old debate has crystallized around a proposed new ferry quay at Djupavikjo on Stord, a project that would shorten the 40-minute trip to neighboring Kvinnherad to between 25 and 30 minutes. For commuters and businesses, the promise is significant, but the price tag and geological hurdles present a stark dilemma for local and county politicians.
A 'Temporary' Solution That Lasted 23 Years
The current frustration stems from a stopgap measure that became permanent. Nearly 23 years ago, the ferry was moved from Stord's town center to Skjersholmane due to excessive traffic. What was meant to be a temporary fix has persisted, forcing the ferry to sail a long, slow route along the coastline instead of making a direct fjord crossing. This detour has become a daily bottleneck for the interconnected economies of Stord and Kvinnherad. 'We have been sailing along the land for almost 25 years. It is completely meaningless,' said Geir Inge Sjo, a commuter who recently missed his ferry and faced a 50-minute wait.
The prolonged interim period has fueled local exasperation. Paul Karsten Sjo, who caught his ferry, noted the irony, stating, 'It was supposed to be temporary, but it seems to be lasting. I hope they can shorten the travel time.' Another resident, Arnfinn Mølster, expressed deeper skepticism about seeing a change within his lifetime, calling the current trip 'far too long.' This public sentiment has maintained political pressure for a solution, even as numerous alternatives involving new ferry links and bridges have been discussed, studied, and ultimately rejected over the years.
The Costly Proposal and Its Geological Hurdles
The latest proposal, now under fresh scrutiny by Stord and Kvinnherad municipalities and Vestland County, involves constructing a new ferry quay and harbor at Djupavikjo on Stord and another at Bestevika in Kvinnherad. The total saving would be just over 14 minutes, with the Stord side accounting for roughly 11 minutes of that reduction. The estimated cost for the Djupavikjo project alone ranges between two and three billion kroner. A key component is a tunnel to access the new quay, which has raised major red flags in geological reports from 2008 and 2011.
Those studies concluded that tunneling would occur in an area with many residential houses and where there is a risk of low rock cover. The reports warned of a 'significant probability' of blast damage to both buildings and underground installations from vibrations. This presents a formidable technical and social challenge. One official involved in the process, who requested anonymity, questioned the current review, stating, 'As it appears today, it's a castle in the air. It is not very realistic to build a tunnel in this area. So we don't quite see what effect these investigations are supposed to have.'
Economic Drivers and a Novel Funding Idea
Despite the obstacles, the economic argument for a shorter crossing remains powerful. Local industry on both sides of the fjorden is unified in its demand for a faster connection. 'Businesses on both sides of the fjord are very clear that the ferry trip must become shorter. Many companies on Stord have work in Kvinnherad and vice versa,' said Stord Mayor Sigbjørn Framnes of the Frp. The region is a hub for maritime and offshore industries, where time savings translate directly into logistical efficiency and lower costs.
The project's backers have proposed a novel funding mechanism to offset the staggering cost. Parts of the development would be financed through revenues from an inter-municipal port company. Furthermore, the new harbor at Djupavikjo is designed to accommodate larger vessels, including cruise ships, potentially generating additional income. This approach aims to make the business case more palatable for taxpayers and state funding agencies, framing the ferry link as part of a broader maritime development strategy rather than a pure transport subsidy.
The Long Road to a Decision
The path forward is fraught with uncertainty. The municipalities and county are now spending millions more to re-examine an alternative that was previously shelved due to expense and difficulty. This new study will have to convincingly address the persistent geological concerns while refining the cost-benefit analysis. For the thousands of daily users, the debate is a test of political will and fiscal pragmatism in Norway's regionally focused infrastructure planning.
Ultimately, the decision will hinge on whether authorities believe the collective gain for Sunnhordland's economy and community cohesion justifies a multi-billion kroner investment for a time saving measured in minutes. With nearly a quarter-century of waiting, commuters are hoping for a resolution, but the substantial challenges mean the ferry may continue its slow coastal journey for some time to come. The coming months of study and debate will determine if this latest plan is finally the one to reach the shore.