Norway Ferry Strike May Spread

Three of the popular cruise-ferries that ply Norway's coastal route from Bergen to Kirkenes are targeted to be pulled out of service if a ferry strike spreads. The vessels will be affected by a strike that started over the weekend and is gradually spreading around the country. The Norwegian officers' union recently warned that the strike will spread from midnight on May 20. The three vessels in the so-called Hurtigruten, or "Coastal Voyage" line, include the MS Nordkapp, MS Lofoten and MS Trollfjord. The strike would disrupt sailings just as the busy summer tourist season is getting underway. Several other local ferries and fast ferries along Norway's coast will also be idled, including the key Halsa-Kanestraum ferry crossing on the E39 highway between Molde and Trondheim. In Oslo, two more ferries on the route over the Oslo Fjord to Nesodden were to be idled from Saturday. They included MS Prinsen and MS Bamse Brakar. That would further disrupt service for thousands of commuters. (Source: Aftenposten)