Today, Smyril Line officially took delivery of the cargo vessel Akranes from the CIMC Raffles shipyard in Yantai, China.
Akranes is the second of two new Ro-Ro cargo vessels delivered to Smyril Line, marking another important milestone in the company’s ongoing investment in modernising and future-proofing its fleet.
Akranes is scheduled to depart China next week, heading towards Europe.
We are proud to share that Smyril Line has been named Company of the Year 2026 at Industry Day, the annual business event organised by the House of Industry, held at the Nordic House in Tórshavn on Friday, 18 September.
In recent years, Smyril Line has undergone significant development in both its freight and tourism operations. The company has expanded its hotel operations, refurbished Norröna and opened several new restaurants. Smyril Line has also expanded its fleet and is now preparing to welcome two new cargo vessels. At the same time, Smyril Line’s freight operations have grown across the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Denmark and the Netherlands.
“Being named Company of the Year 2026 is a great honour. I would like to thank all our employees, both at sea and ashore, for their professionalism, dedication and hard work. Together, we will continue to develop our tourism and transport services across the North Atlantic,” says Jens Meinhard Rasmussen, CEO of Smyril Line.
Last Thursday, Norröna connected to shore power in Seyðisfjörður for the first time.
The shore power project has been carried out in cooperation with the Municipality of Múlaþing, which has been responsible for the work on shore. The Faroese company ETV has designed and installed the shore power solution on board Norröna.
Both Eyðun Hansen, Managing Director of ETV, and Heðin Mortensen, Chief Engineer on board Norröna, were in Seyðisfjörður when the system was put into operation, and both are very pleased with the result.
Shore power makes it possible for Norröna to switch off its auxiliary engines while berthed in port. Due to the vessel’s long port stay in Seyðisfjörður, this is estimated to save 7-8 tonnes of fuel per week. This corresponds to a reduction in CO₂ emissions of approximately 22-26 tonnes per week.
At the same time, air and noise pollution are significantly reduced, as engine noise, vibrations and certain emissions are eliminated when the auxiliary engines are switched off. This provides better conditions both on board and for people living and working near the port.
“The project demonstrates what can be achieved when authorities, ports, shipping companies and suppliers work together on practical solutions. At Smyril Line, we are very grateful for the excellent cooperation with the Municipality of Múlaþing and ETV,” says Jens Meinhard Rasmussen, CEO of Smyril Line.
Shore power is part of Smyril Line’s efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its operations and to develop sustainable maritime transport in the North Atlantic.
Smyril Line has today taken delivery of its new Ro-Ro freight vessel Skipanes from the CIMC Raffles shipyard in Yantai, China.
Skipanes is the first of two new Ro-Ro freight vessels ordered by Smyril Line as part of a major investment in the company’s fleet and future freight services.
“We are very pleased to have taken delivery of SKIPANES, which will strengthen our freight services in the North Atlantic. This marks a milestone in the company’s history and an important step in the development of our fleet” says Jens Meinhard Rasmussen, CEO of Smyril Line.
Skipanes will now begin its voyage from China to Europe.
2024 has been a landmark year for Smyril Line, characterised by significant investments and strategic decisions aimed at securing the company’s future growth. Through targeted investments and operational improvements, we have strengthened our position in maritime transport and successfully adapted to evolving market conditions. Both our passenger and freight divisions have delivered strong performances throughout the year.
As part of our long-term growth strategy, Smyril Line signed a contract with CIMC Raffles shipyard in China in early 2024 to build two new freight vessels. These vessels, designed with sustainability and efficiency in mind, are scheduled to enter service in mid-2026. This investment reflects our commitment to enhancing service levels while advancing greener energy solutions within the maritime industry.
In May 2024, we commissioned Articon to construct our new headquarters, terminal, and storage facility in Tórshavn. This modern facility, set for completion in 2026, will optimise operations and improve service for both our freight and passenger customers.
Despite high inflation, labour strikes, and the introduction of new industry levies, Smyril Line delivered record-breaking financial results in 2024. Smyril Line achieved a net profit of DKK 127 million and an operating profit of DKK 286 million, surpassing 2023 earnings by DKK 5 million.
Based on current developments and outlook, Smyril Line expects continued growth in both passenger and freight transport in 2025. However, our financial outlook remains subject to external factors, including fuel prices, inflation, interest rates, and geopolitical developments. We will continue to focus on operational efficiency, sustainable investments, and customer service excellence to navigate the year ahead.
TRAVELOGUE
The ferry journey from Hirtshals to Tórshavn turned out to be the biggest positive surprise. With two boys just under 10 years old, I was curious how it would go. I’ve always personally enjoyed ferry rides and find something adventurous about them, and it truly turned out to be a fantastic start to our trip. Especially the outdoor hot tubs with views of the endless blue Atlantic horizon, and the lavish buffet, where you can fill yourself with everything from langoustines to roast lamb and homemade salads, were favourites.
The ferry was cosily decorated with historical photos and informative texts on the walls, sparking interesting conversations about alternative ways of living. Passing by the Shetland Islands and small islands off the Norwegian coast, there was a contagious curiosity on deck. People stood with binoculars and camera zoom lenses, excitedly pointing out and discussing what we passed by.
Having lived alternatively in our camper for over a year, we hadn’t had a proper journey like this until now. I think we might have been particularly lucky with the weather—it was a very calm trip all the way.
Travelogue by
Jes Lindrum Brinch
Destination
Faroe Islands
Vehicle
Camper
Time of year
Summer 2024
The 18 manageable islands of the Faroe Islands are indeed stunningly green and wild. However, weather showing them at their best comes and goes. It’s all about being in the right place at the right time here. Therefore, it’s truly perfect to drive around with a campervan between the islands. It naturally allows you to chase the driest weather conditions.
As soon as you leave Tórshavn, you quickly find yourself far away from facilities like food, drinks, and toilets. Regarding the latter, privacy is scarce on the grassy slopes along the roads, making it especially convenient always to have your own toilet.
The roads are fine to drive on. You quickly get used to giving way to sheep and pulling aside for oncoming traffic on narrow roads. Speeds are naturally lower when driving a campervan on winding roads, giving you more time to enjoy the views. In fact, the elevated seating position in the camper offers an even more spectacular view of the coastal cliffs. You can see clearly over guardrails and better down the mountainsides towards the water.
We felt that Eysturoy has it all. Heading north, you find dramatic views with steep slopes and winding roads. To the south, the landscape flattens out, and the atmosphere becomes more rural. However, you don’t really need to choose. Most of the islands are well-connected, making it easy to drive and see several famous beautiful places in a single day. The islands are breathtakingly beautiful in many places, so it’s best to accept you’ll have to prioritise what to visit.
We particularly enjoyed camping in Gjógv. It’s a lovely location with a charming atmosphere. From here, you can easily access the starting point for the hike up Slættaratindur, which, at 880 metres, is the highest mountain in the Faroe Islands. The name means “flat mountain summit,” and it’s featured in the Guinness Book of Records for offering the longest line of sight in the world—550 km all the way to Vatnajökull in Iceland, due to atmospheric refraction effects. We curiously observed those on their way up and had brief chats with hikers coming down. It looked manageable, but the boys were somewhat tired of hiking at that moment, so that adventure is still waiting for us.
Another advantage of Gjógv is that the village reportedly often has sunshine, especially when southern winds pull a blanket of fog over many other interesting spots.
It doesn’t take long to walk through the main street here, and shopping options are limited for a capital city. But there’s everything you need, and in a way, it feels authentic and refreshing that Tórshavn hasn’t become yet another capital designed just for tourists. The SMS shopping centre offers great milkshakes and tasty food. The local swimming pool provides diving boards, ice-cold dips, and optional jacuzzi sessions. Near the town’s beach, there are good fishing opportunities, and when fog or rain settles in, at least three cosy cafés in town offer delicious coffee and cakes.
Don’t miss out on strolling through the old town, feeling the sense of history in the narrow alleyways among colourful wooden houses. Start your walk, for example, at Undir Ryggi, where several houses have grass roofs, and it feels as if time has stood still.
Being prepared for weather changes is crucial for a good experience. Clothing layers come on and off constantly throughout the day, so wearing multiple layers along with always having a hat is advisable. Naturally, waterproof outer layers and footwear are essential. Wool was also a natural choice because it remains warm even when damp. Wool was present in socks, hats, and base layers close to the skin.
We prioritised campsites that were sheltered and relatively close to places we wanted to visit. This made it easier to take advantage of weather breaks. All the campsites we visited had friendly owners, making arrival coordination easy. They typically offer similar basic amenities, but especially the larger site in Vestmanna offered good shelter, was central for excursions, and had a comfortable common room. It was also reasonably priced.
Tunnels save a lot of travel time. Thanks to recent new tunnels, seven of the islands and about 90% of the population are now connected by land. It’s easier than ever to experience a lot with a campervan. The natural scenery on the islands can be quite similar, but specific areas highlight distinct variations, like travelling from the flat landscapes of Sandoy to the dramatic northern parts of Eysturoy. The journey from Tórshavn to the northern islands in the east also offers beautiful encounters with varying atmospheres and views.
The Faroe Islands have excellent roads, and even with a campervan, it’s easy to drive on small winding roads along the coast, out to tiny villages, as well as on main roads. Allow yourself some nights on the intimate campsites right by the sea, where you can enjoy the ocean air alongside morning coffee, freshly baked croissants from your Omnia oven, and where the ever-changing light provides natural entertainment. Expect simple facilities, firm ground at campsites, and minimal opportunities to purchase items you might suddenly need. However, being prepared makes arriving with your campervan feel liberating, as you typically bring along everything you need. Try, for example, the campsite at Høgni in Æðuvík, located right by the sea.
There’s a good chance of running into the same fellow campers across different sites and in small villages. The authentic small campsites provide great opportunities for greeting each other and sharing tips and stories. For example, we repeatedly encountered a Chinese campervan that had travelled all the way from Beijing, engaging in interesting conversations each time we met.
Have a great trip.
On the quiet paths around Iceland and the Faroe Islands – a journey full of energy and breathtaking nature, to people who have touched my heart.
It was a huge surprise when earlier in the year I won a trip for two to the Faroe Islands with Smyril Line.
TRAVELOGUE
It was a huge surprise when earlier in the year I won a trip for two to the Faroe Islands with Smyril Line. The journey was the prize in a Facebook contest. Encountering the majestic landscapes and the welcoming people was a dream come true.
The adventure began in late June 2022 on board Norröna in the tranquil waters of Hirtshals Port, Denmark, where my travel companion and I were roomed in an elegant luxury cabin. After a leisurely stroll around the ship we could look forward to an exquisite three-course meal at the gourmet restaurant Munkastova. Satiated and happy we walked back to the cabin where we crawled into bed and let the waves gently lull us to sleep.
The seawards approach to the Faroe Islands was indescribably beautiful and idyllic. On the first evening we walked along the waterfront from Tórshavn Camping with its sublime view of Nólsoy Island. The next day we loaded up the camper with food and beverages and a journey of freedom and spontaneity could begin. We took it one day at a time and let the weather guide us to our experiences.
Travelogue by
Mette and Ole
Destination
Faroe Islands
Vehicle
Camper
Time of year
Summer
We visited places like the charming village Gjógv at the tip of the second-largest island in the archipelago, Eysturoy. The cosy hamlet looks like a postcard with its brightly coloured houses surrounded by cliffs. Another picturesque experience was the boat trip to the Vestmanna Bird Cliffs where we weaved in and out between steep looming cliff faces and deep grottoes carved by the surf over millions of years. We were lucky to spot northern fulmars, puffins and other marine birds on the cliff ledges.
On the very edge of the Faroe Islands lies the village Gásadalur, where we experienced the imposing waterfall Múlafossur, which tumbles straight off the cliffs into the ocean. An exceptional nature experience! Afterwards we had our lunch at Café Gásadalsgarður, which once a year is transformed into a slaughterhouse. The great Faroese food was enjoyed in beautiful surroundings with a view of the western island Mykines. Another place with magical panoramic views across Vágar and Vestmannasund is the mountain Sornfelli. It was the best view from a parking lot ever. But the fog caught up with us before sunset, so we drove along the stunning meandering road down the mountain again before nightfall.
The Faroe Islands doesn’t merely offer stunning nature, but also impressive architecture, churches and cultural experiences. We visited the ruins of the cathedral in the old bishop’s seat, Kirkjubøur, as well as Christian’s Church in Klaksvík, where you can take in Joakim Skovgaard’s altarpiece, which has travelled from Viborg Cathedral, Denmark, to the National Gallery of Denmark until it found a home in the Faroe Islands. The church’s old baptismal font is a gift from Denmark.
We had an entirely unique experience when we drove through the Eysturoy Tunnel, which is an 11-kilometre-long subsea tunnel. Listening to the soundtrack from the tunnel’s opening all the impressions melted into a sensory explosion of music, lighting and dancing figures.
Tórshavn is a town in dazzling colours with charming grass-thatched wooden houses, old warehouses, a marina and the Nordic House, which is a Nordic culture centre beautifully located among rolling green hills. If you would like to explore the culinary options there is a plethora of choice in Tórshavn. One evening we dined at Katrina Christiansen, a cosy Faroese tapas restaurant located in a 17th century timber house. Another evening we ate at Víngarðurin, which doubles as a restaurant and a gallery. In both places the food was top notch. Overall the Fare Islands has a tranquil atmosphere and unique nature, and we experienced the marvellous hospitality everywhere. The crossing back to Denmark was great too. Dead calm seas again and plenty of time to enjoy the amenities, seascapes, food and atmosphere on board.
Thank you for making a dream come true!
On the quiet paths around Iceland and the Faroe Islands – a journey full of energy and breathtaking nature, to people who have touched my heart.
The ferry journey from Hirtshals to Tórshavn turned out to be the biggest positive surprise.
MV Lista, will commence operations on Monday, 27 January, on the route between Rotterdam, Tórshavn, and Þorlákshöfn.
MV Lista was built at Odense Staalskibsværft A/S in Denmark in 2011. The vessel is 193 meters long and 26 meters wide.
Today marked a significant milestone with the first groundbreaking at Molin in Tórshavn, where Smyril Line and Tórshavn Municipality, together with the Port of Tórshavn, will build a new port terminal and headquarters for P/F Smyril Line.
This joint project, set to be a state-of-the-art facility at Molin in Tórshavn, will be 8054 square meters in size and includes a passenger terminal with a gangway and check in, expanded warehouse, and office spaces for Smyril Line as well as facilities for customs.
Articon, Henning Larsen Architects, LBF Consulting Engineers, PBC, and Verk.fo are jointly responsible for the project, which is expected to be completed in the summer of 2026.
Smyril Line and Articon have made an agreement to build a terminal. The new terminal will also include a warehouse and offices. The building will be situated on the harbor in Tórshavn.
Smyril Line needs larger storage and office facilities, and Tórshavnar Havn (Port of Tórshavn) requires a better and larger terminal than the old one. Therefore, a collaboration agreement has been made.
With this project, Smyril Line and Tórshavnar Havn aim to secure their future operations and provide better services.
The new terminal, including storage and office spaces, will cover a total area of 7,389 square metres. The project also includes a customs building, a gangway, and check-in areas, bringing the total area to 8,054 square metres.
The work is expected to be completed in the summer of 2026.
The advisors on the project are: Henning Larsen Architects, LBF Consulting Engineers, PBC, and Verk.fo.
