The Norwegian ferry operator Fjord Line (Fjord Line) has officially transitioned to full domestic control. Two family-owned companies, Kontrari AS (Kontrari AS) and West Coast Invest AS (West Coast Invest AS), have acquired the remaining shares from the investment firm Ferd AS (Ferd AS). This strategic move, finalized in early 2026, ensures that one of the most significant maritime transport providers in Norway (Norge) and Denmark (Danmark) remains under local ownership.
A strategic consolidation of shares
Following the agreement, Kontrari AS and West Coast Invest AS will each hold a 50 percent stake in the company. Ferd AS, which had been a majority owner since 2015, decided to exit the partnership after a decade of stabilizing the business. Consequently, the company is now entirely owned by two regional entities with long-term interests in the shipping industry.
The transition began in 2023 when the Bergen-based West Coast Invest AS first entered the ownership circle. Subsequently, the two remaining partners decided to consolidate their positions by buying out Ferd’s shares. Although the specific financial details of the transaction were not disclosed, the move signals a strong commitment to the Scandinavian maritime sector.
Fleet modernization and environmental sustainability
Fjord Line maintains vital transport corridors between the Norwegian cities of Bergen, Stavanger, and Kristiansand, and the Danish port of Hirtshals. To remain competitive, the company recently underwent a significant fleet modernization. This process included the conversion of its cruise ships to dual-fuel engines, allowing them to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG).
In addition to technical upgrades, the operator optimized its routes by moving its primary call to Kristiansand. These changes were implemented to improve operational efficiency and reduce the environmental footprint of its maritime operations. As a result of these strategic shifts, the company reported a return to profitability in 2024.
The regional impact on the Nordic maritime sector
The change in ownership reflects a broader trend of regional consolidation within the Nordic countries. Kontrari AS, based in Egersund, now shares its headquarters’ location with the ferry operator, strengthening the local economic bond. Meanwhile, West Coast Invest AS provides extensive expertise in shipping and commercial property from its headquarters in Bergen.
Brian Thorsted Hansen, the CEO of Fjord Line, noted that the company is now “well-equipped” for the future. The new owners intend to focus on sustainable growth and stability. Furthermore, this transition ensures that the company can continue to provide essential services for both passengers and freight between Norway (Norge) and the European continent without the volatility of external investment shifts.
