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19th to 21st of May 2026
19th, 20th & 21st
MAY 2026

- CONFIRMED DATES -

Barreras looks for a shipyard to build one of the two ferries signed with a Norwegian shipping line

The delivery period finishes in 2021 – They have 125 meters and a combined price of around 200 million – They are subject to funding

The shipyard from Vigo Hijos de J. Barreras was awarded with the construction of two ferries in a public tender in Norway along with Havila Shipping assembly plant, who will be responsible for the construction of the other two. The delivery period is fixed in 2021 and having in mind the current workload of the factory, its leaders are looking for a shipyard to subcontract the construction of one of them. The vessels are 125 meters long, 20 meters deep and will have capacity for around 700 people. Their combined price is around 200 million and their entry into force now depends on closing the financing. The president of Barreras, José García Costas, has explained to FARO the contract “was signed months ago” and that for the time being “it is in the air”, but also explained they are “moving” and “seeking out alternatives” for the construction. 

Last March, the Transport Minister of Norway, Ketil Solvik Olsen, signed the renewal of the contracts for the maritime routes by the fjords of this country. Until then they were in hands of Hurtigruten, but in this occasion – and for the sake of increasing competition – the Government decided to divide the routes in three packages. In such way, Hurtigruten stays with seven vessels and Havila other four, which will be of new construction. 

Some sources of the sector explain Barreras participated in the tender with the own shipping line, “The ships will be built partly in Norway and partly abroad”, commented Per Sӕvik, owner of the brand, following the outcome of the results. This way, two ferries will be built in the Scandinavian countries – in Havyard, factory in the hands of Havila – and the other two will be responsibility of the shipyard from Vigo. 

With the design by Harvyard Design, the vessels are expected to be propelled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and to be as environmentally respectful as possible. According to the requirements of the Norwegian Ministry, the new vessels must emit 25% less of CO2, what will require a reconversion of the other company’s seven vessels. 

According to the sources consulted within the sector, from Barreras they have already established contact with other factories of the estuary of Vigo to find out if they can assume the construction of the ferry. García Costas had already announced in his last speeches he had the intention of “announcing several vessels soon”, beyond the ferry of Armas (subject of coming into force and lacks the last details) and the ultrapremium cruise for Ritz-Carlton. As he confirmed, he does not plan to announce this contract during Navalia, the exhibition that will take place between 22nd and 24th this month. 

On the other hand, the president of the shipyard specified that “to this day” the 190 meters-long ferry of Armas has not come into force yet. “This is the contract that is more closely to be materialized”, explained. 

Source: Faro de Vigo