Direct UK to Norway Ferry Hopes Rekindled After 18-Year Absence
There is renewed optimism that a direct ferry link between the United Kingdom and Norway could be reinstated, nearly two decades after the popular service was discontinued. The route, which previously connected Newcastle upon Tyne with the picturesque Norwegian city of Bergen, ceased operations in 2008 due to financial pressures.
Historical Service Axed Amid Economic Challenges
The DFDS Seaways ferry from Tyneside to Bergen was terminated after becoming a loss-making venture. At the time, John Crummie, the UK managing director for DFDS Seaways, cited dramatically increasing oil prices, overcapacity in the travel marketplace, and a general economic slowdown as the primary burdens on the service. This decision marked the end of a maritime connection that had operated in various forms for over a century, linking Newcastle to multiple Scandinavian and European ports including Oslo, Stavanger, and Hamburg.
Local Leadership Pushes for Revival
The potential revival of this sea-travel route has been spurred by the upcoming launch of new direct flights from Newcastle to Bergen this April, operated by budget airline Jet2. In response, Newcastle's council leader, Karen Kilgour, has committed to exploring all possible avenues to restore the ferry service. During a council meeting held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Kilgour emphasised the fond memories shared by residents of both cities and the strategic importance of maintaining strong international partnerships.
"While at this point operators consider the route is not economically viable, we will continue to work with partners and our friends in Bergen to explore all ways of bringing it back," Kilgour stated. "Bergen remains a strategic partner in our international work and we intend not only to maintain but to deepen that relationship in the months ahead."
Operational Hurdles and Advocacy
Despite the enthusiasm, several practical challenges must be addressed. One significant obstacle is the need for a larger passport control office at the Bergen port to accommodate ferry passengers. Additionally, it remains unclear which ferry operator would be responsible for managing the route, as DFDS, while still fully operational, has not confirmed its involvement.
Councillor Greg Stone, a long-time advocate for the ferry's return, has called for concrete action beyond supportive rhetoric. "Warm words is one thing but we need to make it a reality," Stone remarked. "I know there are costs involved in doing that but I hope the council will continue that work, redouble that work, and work potentially with the mayor [Kim McGuinness] to look at what we can do to restore the physical ferry link."
Deep-Rooted Cultural and Economic Ties
The connection between Newcastle and Bergen extends beyond mere transportation, rooted in a rich history of cultural exchange and economic collaboration. Since World War II, the Norwegian city presented Geordies with a Christmas tree each December as a symbol of peace and goodwill, a tradition that has only recently ceased due to environmental concerns. Furthermore, King Olav V of Norway inaugurated Newcastle's Civic Centre in 1968 and signed the Twin City agreement, cementing a bond that has made Britain a primary recipient of Norwegian foreign investment in industrial, shipping, commercial, and financial sectors.
Bergen's Allure as a Tourist Destination
Norway's appeal as a tourist hotspot is undeniable, with the country recording 17.4 million overnight stays in the first half of 2025 alone. Bergen, often referred to as the 'Gateway to the Fjords', captivates visitors with its colourful wooden houses, mountainous backdrop, and scenic train rides. The city's UNESCO World Heritage site, Bryggen, features narrow streets dating back to the 12th century, once central to the Hanseatic League's trading empire. Today, its restored wooden buildings house artisan shops, restaurants, and studios, while nearby Mount Fløyen offers dense forests and winding trails accessible via a funicular from the city centre.
The revival of a direct ferry service would not only enhance travel options but also strengthen the enduring relationship between these two historic cities, offering a seamless and scenic gateway to Norway's natural wonders and cultural treasures.
