Rødne Trafikk took delivery on Friday 4 September 2026 of brand new M/S ”Rygerlys”from Oma Baatbyggeri AS shipyard in Stord township. The vessel – newbuild number 564 – will serve the Lauvik-Lysebotn route under a 10-year contract with Rogaland County’s public transport company Kolumbus AS.
The new combi-catamaran combines high efficiency, flexibility and sustainability. The vessel is 46 meters long, 11 meters wide and has a service speed of 19 knots. It can carry cars, trucks and cargo as well as up to 97 passengers.
M/S Rygerlys is designed for high comfort, with a modern, fully electric propulsion system that allows it to operate emission-free along the entire route. The delivery is an important step toward more sustainable maritime transport, and underscores the maritime industry’s role in the green transition.
“We are very pleased by our cooperation with Oma and the delivery of the new vessel. Choosing a local Norwegian shipyard with Norwegian subcontractors gives us the security and predictability we depend on,” says Lars Rødne, CEO of Rødne. “This is also very important after the handover. Proximity to the shipyard, short distances and easy accessibility give us confidence in safe operation and high regularity. This benefits both the company and the traveling public.”
A Norwegian collaborative project
The vessel, made from recyclable and seawater-resistant aluminium, was built by Oma Baatbyggeri at its Stord shipyard in close cooperation with about 20 Norwegian subcontractors. Several local companies played key roles during construction. Teca AS in Stord was responsible for installing the electrical, radio and navigation systems. Servogear from the town of Bømlo supplied the vessel’s propeller and gear systems, while Fjellstrand in Hardanger helped in building hull sections. Brunvoll from Tokke in Telemark County was responsible for integrating the electric hybrid propulsion system and the vessel’s monitoring system. In addition, a number of other, mainly Norwegian, suppliers were involved.
“This is our first delivery to Rødne, and we greatly appreciate the trust they have shown us. The project is a good example of the value creation that occurs when Norwegian shipping companies choose Norwegian shipyards and Norwegian suppliers. Contracts like this provide work for a large number of companies and skilled workers throughout the supply chain. The delivery is important not only for Oma and Rødne, but also for the maritime cluster, the centers of expertise and employment along the coast. We are proud to have delivered Rygerlys to Rødne and look forward to a good, long-term partnership” says Gunnar Jan Oma, CEO of Oma.
Rygerlys is now in Forsand for a period of commissioning. It will test the both charging infrastructure at Forsand and the wharfs it will use in Lysefjord to ensure that the vessel meets all requirements for safety, quality and regularity before it enters service.
“Rygerlys is an important contribution to emission-free public transport in Rogaland, and will serve the route in the Lysefjord for ten years. We are happy with the new vessel, and the fact that it contributes to more sustainable maritime transport in the region,” says Kolumbus CEO Christina Stangeland.
Photo should be credited to Rødne and may be used freely.
For more information, please contact:
Rødne CEO Lars A. Rødne mobile: +47 982 41 501
Oma CEO Gunnar Jan Oma mobile: +47 469 31 288
Facts about Rødne
Rødne is Norway’s largest family-owned fast ferry company. The company was founded in 1956, and is celebrating 70 years on the fjord. Today, Rødne consists of three business areas: Rødne Trafikk and Rødne Ambulanse, which provide public transport and ambulance services to island communities along the west coast. Rødne Fjord Cruise offers fjord experiences from Stavanger, Bergen and Tromsø to companies, local residents and tourists from all over the world. Rødne has a clear goal of being a leader in environmentally friendly boat transport.
The company today has 165 permanent employees. The head office is on the island of Sjernarøy in Rogaland.
Facts about Oma Baatbyggeri
Oma Baatbyggeri AS is a family-owned shipyard established in 1909, based in Leirvik in Stord Municipality. Its 70 years of experience working with aluminium has made the company a leading player in the design and construction of lightweight catamarans. The shipyard is known for combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, and delivers vessels optimized for low energy consumption, high operational reliability and demanding maritime conditions. The company has specialized in the passenger and car ferry segments, and has in recent years delivered a number of hybrid and fully electric vessels to both public and private operators. With a strong focus on sustainability, innovation and quality, Oma Baatbyggeri has cemented its position within green maritime technology and forward-looking solutions for public transport at sea.
