Watch the video: The Samsø Line has launched its newest electric addition to the fleet
Af Benita Dreyer-Andersen
Molslinjen's new electric ferry for the Samsø route, 'Tyrfing', is now afloat.
Over the weekend, the ferry was launched into the water off the Turkish shipyard Cemre, where both the ferry for the Samsø route and a sister ferry for the Alslinjen are being built.
This was announced by Molslinjen, which operates the Samsø line.
To the sound of sirens and blaring ship horns, along with the tunes of Scarlet Pleasure’s “What a Life”, the ferry gently and smoothly slid into the water in the successful launching ceremony.
'Tyrfing' and its sister ship 'Nerthus' are part of the green transition at Molslinjen, where the two electric ferries replace older diesel ferries on the Samsø route between Kalundborg and Ballen and on the Als route between Bøjden and Fynshav.
The names of 'Nerthus' and 'Tyrfing'
The names of the ferries, 'Nerthus' and 'Tyrfing', originate from ancient Nordic tales and are connected to the local areas of Als and Samsø, respectively.
The Als line's ferry, 'Nerthus', is named after an early Nordo-Germanic earth and fertility goddess, as well as a goddess of peace and prosperity. It is believed that Nerthus' chariot lies at the bottom of Hellesøe on Als.
The Samsø line's electric ferry, 'Tyrfing', is named after a magical sword in Nordic mythology that belonged to the legendary king Angantyr and his family. The magical sword was known for always hitting its mark when swung, never rusting, and it could cut through stone and iron as easily as cloth.
Source: Molslinjen
'Tyrfing' is to be deployed on the Samsø line at the beginning of 2025, while 'Nerthus' on the Als line is to be put into operation by the end of the year 2024.
Ready on the quay
Although there are still a few months until the ferries are to be in operation, the Als line is already making preparations at home on the quays in Bøjden and Fynshav.
Since August, only a single ferry has sailed on the route in order to make room and improve the quay facilities for 'Nerthus'.
The well-known 'Fynshav' was thus withdrawn from operation on August 7, and the route is now served by 'Frigg Sydfyn.'
The consequence is naturally reduced capacity and fewer departures during a transition period - at least until 'Nerthus' becomes operational and is put into regular service.
Once 'Nerthus' is operational, increased capacity and higher speed will make it possible to serve the route alone, which eliminates the need for an additional ship during the peak season, informs Molslinjen.
