Ferries praised on Norwegian stamps

By Molly Goad

Four Norwegian stamps issued Oct. 7 highlight ferries as “an essential part of Norway’s transport network,” according to a press release from Norway’s Posten. Around 130 ferry services carry 20 million cars and 40 million passengers annually, according to Posten. Each stamp features a ferry with the name of its route along the right side.

MF Ampere, built in 2014, was the world’s first large-size, battery-powered ferry. It can carry up to 120 cars and 360 passengers and crosses the Sognefjord between Lavik and Oppedal.

The next ferry featured is the hybrid MF Svelvik, which operates the shortest ferry crossing in Norway, taking about 5 minutes to cross the Drammensfjord between Svelvik and Verket. MF Svelvik began servicing the route in 2022.

A gas-fueled ferry built in 2012, MF Væroey travels the longest and most exposed route in Norway, Bodoe-Roest-Væroey-Moskenes across Vestfjord. One of four ferries serving the Lofoten Islands, Væroey has room for 390 passengers and 120 cars.

The final ship represented in the set, MS Angvik has been operating since 2005 and travels around the multiple islands that make up the town of Kristiansund. Ferry service in the town began in 1876, allowing the residents to get around the islands. The Sundbaaten ferries have been operating ever since and “are considered to be the heart of Kristiansund,” according to Posten. MS Angvik serves up to 70 passengers.

The stamps were designed by Joern O. Joentvedt and issued in coils of 100 stamps (25 of each ferry). Joh. Enschede printed them by offset. The nondenominated stamps pay the domestic rate (27k) for letters weighing up to 50 grams.

For more information, visit the Posten website.

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