The Ombo: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

**Title: Technical Issue Grounds Finnøy Ferry 'Ombo'** On March 3, 2026, the Finnøy ferry 'Ombo' was temporarily removed from operational service due to a technical malfunction. As a result, only the 'Hidle' ferry remained active from 8:23 a.m. to accommodate passengers. To address the disruption, an additional sailing was added from Judaberg to Helgøy, scheduled for 10:20 a.m. Travelers are advised to utilize an alternate ferry route for the time being, until further notice is provided regarding the status of 'Ombo'.

After the 'Ombo' was damaged during a storm on the evening of Jan 24, the ferry remaine stationary at the Bekhus Quay in Stavanger for repairs as of Jan 28 and will be out of service for at least a week. The battery ferry 'Hella' (IMO: 9871268), which normally operates on the Hella-Vangsnes-Dragsvik route in Sogn, has taken over as a replacement on the route Judaberg-Stavanger. On the morning of Jan 27, one departure from Judaberg was also canceled due to technical challenges, and in addition, the departures from Judaberg at 07.50 a.m. and Fogn at 08.05 a.m. were canceled due to the need for charging. Moire departures may be affected by the ferry's charging needs.

On Jan 25, 2025, the 'Ombo' has been taken out of service due to a grounding incident at the entranced to the Eids Soudn during a storm on Jan 24 at 9.45 p.m. The cause was a strong gust of wind. There were four passengers and a crew of eight on board, but there were no injuries. The ferry docked without any problems, and the two cars on board drove ashore. The ship, howevver, must be repaired in a shipyard. Divers inspected the ship's hull. The operator Norled inserted the 'Hella' at 1:30 p.m. from Halsnøy. Calls at Eidssund were cancelled until further notice, The 'Ombo' sailed to Stavanger on Jan 26, after it had received permission from the Norwegian Maritime Directorate.