Norwegian state-owned energy giant Equinor has made a new gas and condensate discovery in the Norwegian Sea off the coast of Norway using one of the semi-submersible rigs owned by Transocean Based on the data provided by the Norwegian Offshore Directorate (NOD), the Transocean Spitsbergen rig drilled the well 6406/2-L-2 H in production license 199 in the Haltenbanken Vest Unit in the Norwegian Sea to prove petroleum in Lower Jurassic sandstones in the lower part of the Tilje Formation Equinor spud the well to respective measured and vertical depths of 6,075 and 5,045 meters below sea level terminating it in the Åre Formation in the Lower Jurassic the well encountered a gas/condensate column of about 30 meters in the lower parts of the Tilje Formation with moderate to good reservoir properties While gas/condensate was also proven in the upper parts of the Tilje Formation in a sandstone reservoir with moderate to poor reservoir properties Equinor (operator, 52% ownership interest) and its partners – Petoro (27%), Vår Energi (15%), TotalEnergies EP Norge (6%) – have proven gas/condensate in development well 6406/2-L-2 H, 260 kilometers southwest of Brønnøysund. The well was drilled in connection with the Lavrans discovery With the preliminary estimates placing the size of the discovery in the range of 2-4 million standard cubic meters (Sm3) of recoverable oil equivalent (o.e.), the licensees will consider tying the discovery back to infrastructure being developed for Lavrans – which is a part of the Kristin field The wellbore has been permanently plugged, and the Transocean Spitsbergen rig will continue drilling the production well 6406/2-L-2 AY1H in the same location. Transocean recently picked up another three-well contract extension in Norway at a day rate of $483,000 for the rig with Equinor which is expected to begin in October 2025 in direct continuation of the rig’s current program The 2010-built Transocean Spitsbergen sixth-generation dual-derrick winterized semi-submersible rig capable of drilling high-pressure/high-temperature formations has been in Equinor’s employ for several years The interest in hydrocarbon exploration on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) is still strong judging by the applications 21 companies submitted for production licenses as part of the award in pre-defined areas 2024 (APA 2024) licensing round Daily news and in-depth stories in your inbox The Pioneers of Offshore Engineering GustoMSC part of NOV’s Marine and Construction business is recognized for providing advanced design & engineering consultancy for mobile offshore units and reliable equipment and technical knowledge into realistic & innovative ideas The performance of new and existing jack-ups 2022 Norwegian gov’t agency opens metaverse office in collaboration with EY The Brønnøysund Register Center collaborated with EY to open a virtual office in the Decentraland metaverse to reach its next generation of users News COINTELEGRAPH IN YOUR SOCIAL FEEDThe Brønnøysund Register Center partnered with Big Four accounting firm Ernst & Young (EY) to step into the metaverse with a new virtual office location The center is responsible for managing numerous public registers for Norway along with systems for the government’s digital exchange of information the agency is choosing to create a metaverse location because the “future users of public services are there,” and it wants to connect with the younger generation that utilizes its services The virtual office plans to offer information on crypto reporting to users via the Norwegian Tax Agency and information on how to start an enterprise from experts at the Brønnøysund Registers Andreas Hamnes, a business developer at the Brønnøysund Registers, said if services continue to develop as they do now it will contribute to increased alienation for generations who were “born digital.” Jones continued to say that it’s the next generation that is really building “DeFi-based landscapes,” and they often have no clue or lack knowledge of tax or legal implications “That is why public authorities in Norway want to inform [them] about everything: from how you register a company Related: Crypto ownership among Norwegian women doubles, mirroring global trends This development comes after worrisome claims were made about usership numbers in Decentraland Initial reports claimed that there were only around 40 unique active wallets in the metaverse platform. These numbers were corrected by both DappRadar In the weeks following the incident, developers and investors in the metaverse spoke out with confidence that the metaverse is still very much a major part of the future of the internet 16.1.2025 14:49:58 CET | Havila Voyages | Pressemelding Due to storm warnings with hurricane-force gusts along the Norwegian coast Havila Voyages must cancel several ports in Trøndelag New winter storms are brewing along the Norwegian coast with forecasts for hurricane-force gusts and waves up to 20 meters high northwesterly storms are expected from late Saturday night until Sunday morning along the Finnmark coast there will be changes to the sailing schedule for the coastal cruise ships Havila Capella Havila CapellaHavila Capella is heading south along the Coastal Route and will accelerate its voyage toward Bergen to avoid the worst of the weather The departure time from Molde will be determined during the day on Friday Port calls in Trondheim and Kristiansund are canceled Havila PolarisHavila Polaris is heading north and will cancel its Trondheim port call early tomorrow to cross Folda before the storm intensifies It is also unlikely that the ship will call at Rørvik though Rørvik will be passed around 2:00 PM Friday and Nesna are also expected to be canceled Havila CastorHavila Castor is also heading north on the Coastal Route After Øksfjord late Friday night (January 18) This means that all port calls between Øksfjord and Kirkenes northbound as well as between Kirkenes and Havøysund southbound Havila Castor will resume its schedule from Hammerfest on Monday For updated service announcements from our ships, please visit our website. Any changes will be published there. LenkerSailing ScheduleFølg pressemeldinger fra Havila VoyagesRegistrer deg med din e-postadresse under for å få de nyeste sakene fra Havila Voyages på e-post fortløpende This is no April Fool’s joke – today marks the start of the fjord season for Havila Voyages as Havila Castor visits the UNESCO World Heritage Site Geirangerfjord emission-free and silent is impressed by the commitment to research and collaboration to achieve climate goals in the maritime industry after attending the launch of the LNGameChanger project in Ålesund on Wednesday 26 March 2025 – A Norwegian consortium has teamed up to develop a new solution for decarbonizing maritime transport by capturing and storing CO2 from LNG-fuelled Solide Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) power trains and SINTEF hereby wish to invite the press to a digital press conference about the research project "LNGameChanger" which has the ambition to develop a new solution for decarbonized maritime fuel and propulsion systems including capturing and storing CO2 from LNG-powered ships Havila Voyages (Havila Kystruten AS) reported its fourth-quarter 2024 financial results on Thursday evening marking the third consecutive quarter with a positive operating result and continued revenue growth The company also significantly exceeds the Norwegian authorities' emission requirements for the coastal route I vårt presserom finner du alle våre siste pressemeldinger dokumenter og annen relevant informasjon om oss Even warmth comes second to space in Hølmebakk Architects’ extension for a family whose brief included a need for incremental self-built improvements to their home over time Brønnøysund is a small, coastal village in Nordland on Norway’s western coast, mid-way between Oslo and the northern city of Tromsø. Perhaps in this clime, it’s warmth that would be the priority, but for a local couple with a growing family, their clear need was for extra space at minimal cost. Interested in design, they asked Hølmebakk Architects how they could expand their single- storey 1960s home on the basis that anything proposed would have to be self-built over time The result looks as if a spaceship has landed on the house Hølmebakk ‘s proposal was to replace the existing cold attic with a new semi-climatised space by creating a shed-like form The design was for an entirely independent structure of glulam trusses on columns The theory is that the entire house below can be altered or replaced incrementally over time while maintaining a basic degree of shelter the clients are hard at work inhabiting the semi-climatised loft and creating sub-areas with varying degrees of climatisation while integrating the space more closely with the existing house This compartmentalisation is also a conscious means of keeping the home’s operational costs low Architect Carl-Viggo Hølmebakk called facilitating the practice’s open-minded client’s dream ‘an extremely rewarding privilege,’ adding ‘the architect’s role was important not only to make sure an unconventional building met regulations but to discover new potential in an already established situation.’ Hølmebakk Arkitektkontor with Jan-Carlos Kucharek See more remarkable Nordic projects. Latest articlesRIBAJ Spec: Architecture for Housing and Residential Development Webinar20 May 2025SpecRIBAJ Spec: Architecture for Housing and Residential Development Webinar Chelsea Waterfront integrates public realm and affordable housing to hold out the possibility of an inclusive future Baillie Baillie Architects used contemporary techniques while drawing inspiration from local traditions Sign up to receive regular briefings, updates and our weekly newsletter – all designed to bring you the best stories from RIBAJ.com Sign up to receive regular briefings, updates and our weekly newsletter – all designed to bring you the best stories from RIBAJ.com updates and our weekly newsletter – all designed to bring you the best stories from RIBAJ.com Home - Archive - Onfinal Studio Brønnøysund Airport Released Onfinal Studio has released Brønnøysund Airport (ENBN) Norwegian airport serving the city of Brønnøysund as well as several offshore helicopter services to oil rigs in the Norwegian… as well as several offshore helicopter services to oil rigs in the Norwegian Sea Onfinal Studio’s rendition of this airport includes a detailed representation of the airport, with custom objects and modelling. It is available for €12 on SimMarket ' + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text + ' " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title + " " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text + " situated in the small coastal town of bronnoysund norway will be a new waterfront development designed by fantastic norway architects the large tourist complex will include new pier buildings as well as a water park and public promenade the historical district will be transformed into a waterfront area that will be accessible for locals as well as visiting tourists more: http://fantasticnorway.no related: norwegian cabin by fantastic norway AXOR presents three bathroom concepts that are not merely places of function but destinations in themselves — sanctuaries of style Registration for the Vertical MRO Conference in Kelowna B.C. is now open! Click here to learn more. CHC Group has announced it has been awarded a contract from Wintershall Dea to provide helicopter services in support of the company’s forthcoming drilling program in the Norwegian Sea The program consists of the following wells: “We are excited to work with Wintershall Dea as their aviation partner in these projects,” said Helge Nesvåg “They allow us to continue to build on our decades of experience supporting oil-and-gas customers on the Norwegian Continental Shelf as we continue to evolve our services and technology to best meet their needs.” The operations will begin in the second half of 2019 with flying to the West Mira and Transocean Artic drilling rigs from CHC’s base in Kristiansund flying will also begin to the West Hercules out of Brønnøysund There will be up to four flights per week per rig using a Sikorsky S-92 which has a proven safety and availability record serving a range of customers in the region after reaching more than one million fleet hours of service in 2016 “CHC is proud to offer safe and reliable transportation to customers in and around the Norwegian Continental Shelf,” said Per Andre Rykhus “We look forward to helping Wintershall Dea meet their transportation needs throughout this project and are eager to start flying on their behalf upon project commencement next year.” and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Bell 525 Walkaround: The First Commercial Fly-by-Wire Helicopter Bell 505 Contact seller for price Year: 2022 Click on the button below to send an email to our team and we will get to it as soon as possible Have a story idea you would like to suggest the 670km road to the Artic is a triumph of human ingenuity and perseverance Norway's coastal road from the town of Stiklestad to the Arctic city of Bodø is a 670km journey between two very different worlds It's also one of the most beautiful road trips on the planet At one end is the quiet sophistication of central Norway, with its perfectly manicured meadows and oxblood-red wooden cabins. At the other is the spare, serene beauty of the north: a world of glaciers, ice-bound mountains and empty, far horizons. Connecting the two, the Kystriksveien – a route also known as the Coastal Way or Fv17 – charts a sinuous path along the coast bucking and weaving along rugged contours all the way to the Arctic The Scandinavian nation is blessed with one of the most beautiful yet difficult stretches of coast in Europe Seeming to wrap itself around the country like a protective shield from the freezing Arctic Norway's coastline appears to have shattered under the strain riven as it is with islands and fjords cutting deep fissures inland it seems impossible that a road should exist here at all where Olav's tomb remains – has been a place of pilgrimage ever since Stiklestad was a fitting place for me to begin my journey because the Kystriksveien that unfurls away to the north also goes to the heart of how Norwegians see themselves and their nation countries in Europe overcame such formidable challenges as Norway in settling the land within their borders Where Norway's leaders through the centuries used the story of Stiklestad to unify the country – building a strong national identity around the narrative of a united independent and Christian country that had left behind its medieval past – its road builders and pioneers later stared down a forbidding Arctic and sub-Arctic climate and the challenges posed by a beautiful but inhospitable terrain to chisel out routes like the Kystriksveien "We won the land" is something of a national mantra. Museums across the country construct exhibitions around the phrase telling how Norway was tamed and made habitable "If Mount Everest was in Norway," Stiklestad historian Mette Larsen told me "We would have built a road to the summit." it was difficult to imagine what she meant rural road hugged the water's edge to the provincial town of Steinkjer where Norway narrowed and headed for the Arctic the Kystriksveien cut across an increasingly bare and sparsely inhabited land as the country turned wilder and signs of human presence receded it quickly became clear that to build any roads along this fractured coastline was surely a triumph of human ingenuity and perseverance a bridge across it or a tunnel under it," said Larsen "We have the longest road tunnels in the world We build roads in places that others think are impossible nearly 150,000 prisoners and the unemployed were given the no-less-challenging task of taming the coastline with the Kystriksveien It resembled nothing more than a hunched troll frozen in stone and watching over the town I drove through an elemental landscape of rock and ice The road climbed higher with each passing kilometre and the land seemed increasingly beset with drama all the way into the small town of Sandnessjøen Whereas Brønnøysund was marked by a single Sandnessjøen went seven better: local legend has it that the seven summits of the Syv Søstre (Seven Sisters mountain peaks) are female trolls suffering eternal punishment Stories such as these are as Norwegian as their can-do passion for building impossible roads "We like to work hard," Larsen told me Look at the landscape you're travelling through How could you not believe in trolls and fairies and mysteries These are the stories we tell our children but most of us end up believing them." It was difficult to tell whether she was joking crossing Helgelandsbrua (the Helgeland Bridge) which made possible in five minutes what would otherwise involve an hour-long detour the road meandered across high plateaus denuded of trees Then it descended to the shores of lakes and harbours and fjords There was no bridge and it was impossible to see where it continued on the far side I joined the long line of cars and waited for the ferry Dutch campervanners who were driving the Kystriksveien for the fifth time (Although you can drive the Kystriksveien year-round we couldn't believe how beautiful it was," said Joost "Now we don't feel like it's summer unless we come and drive this road." It's the most spectacular coast in Europe… Every time we drive this road we discover something new"It's the most spectacular coast in Europe," agreed Anneke "Joost didn't want to come the first time Now he's the one who can't get enough of it the boat arrived in its own time and was loaded and unloaded with characteristic Scandinavian efficiency never more than a few metres from the water's edge as if tracing in outline the outermost perimeter of the northern European mainland Beyond the quiet little town of Stokkvågen, the Kystriksveien passed a World War Two-era fort at Grønsvik it felt as if there were nowhere for the road to go its onward path blocked by a sheer mountain wall or a water-filled horizon I discovered that the road builders of Norway had found a solution that carried me further north into a horizon filled with mountains craggy islands rose from the ocean like the last stops on a journey out towards the very ends of the Earth the route crossed a fjord that felt like open ocean the far horizon filling with jagged ridges once described Norway's high country as "palace piled upon palace" Each of the six ferry journeys along the route felt like a rite of passage none more so than the crossing of the Arctic Circle A line on the map shouldn't make a difference in the knowledge that the vast Svartisen icecap lay hidden from view just beyond the wall of mountains Glacier tongues swept steeply down from the heights to the shores of cobalt-blue fjords that were themselves carved by glaciers in aeons past; some of the fjords here are more than 1km deep The wildly beautiful drive was nearly done. Traffic and noise and roadside buildings gathered on the final approach to Bodø. But one more surprise lay in wait: Saltstraumen Looking for all the world like a horizontal waterfall 150m-wide Saltstraumen Strait churns with 400 million cubic metres of water every six hours it resembles a series of giant whirlpools that threatens to suck everything down into unseen depths below the surface of the Earth and looking down on the surging waters from above it was hard not to feel a sense of vertigo I understood why Joost and Anneke return to drive the Kystriksveien over and over again I already knew that once was never going to be enough The Open Road is a celebration of the world's most remarkable highways and byways and a reminder that some of the greatest travel adventures happen via wheels Join more than three million BBC Travel fans by liking us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter and Instagram If you liked this story, sign up for the weekly bbc.com features newsletter called "The Essential List". 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STAVANGER, Norway – Production has started from the Aasta Hansteen gas field in the Norwegian Sea with exports also flowing for the first time through the new Polarled pipeline to Nyhamna this is the deepest offshore Norway to date and involved construction of the country’s first spar platform which is also the world’s largest It is 339 m (1,112 ft) tall and weighs 70,000 metric tons (77,162 tons) and the tow to the field this April was the largest-such operation on the Norwegian shelf since Troll A in 1995 Gas is produced from seven wells connected to three subsea templates and the platform and the 482-km (299-mi) Polarled both have the capacity to accommodate new discoveries in the area and will come onstream toward the end of 2019 Equinor estimates recoverable resources atAasta Hansteen at 55.6 bcm of gas and 0.6 MMcm of condensate The subsea templates were built in Sandnessjøen and the suction anchors for the platform in Mo i Rana, Norway. The platform was hooked up at Stord south of Bergen. Operations will be managed from Harstad, with base services delivered from Sandnessjøen and helicopter services from Brønnøysund. Equinor estimated the overall project cost at around NOK37.5 billion ($4.35 billion) in 2018 terms, NOK2.9 billion ($337 million) higher than the figure cited in the original development plan. The increase is said to be due to weak kroner. Polarled, the first offshore pipeline to cross the Arctic Circle, terminates at the Nyhamna plant where the rich gas undergoes processing, with dry gas forwarded to the UK and continental Europe through Norway’s integrated transport system. To accommodate supplies from Aasta Hansteen and future discoveries in the Norwegian Sea, the plant has been converted and expanded. The pipeline is 36-in. in diameter, with a transport capacity of around 70 MMcm/d. 18 January 202307:30(UTC)Last modified23 January 202311:29The Aasta Hansteen platform in the Norwegian Sea.(Photo: Woldcam / Equinor)Equinor and partners Wintershall Dea and Petoro have made a commercial gas discovery in production licence 1128 estimated at between two and eleven billion standard cubic metres of recoverable gas, or about 12.6-69.2 million barrels of oil equivalent. Exploration wells 6605/1-2 S&A in the Norwegian Sea were drilled by the Deepsea Stavanger drilling rig. The Obelix Upflank discovery was made some 23 kilometres south of the Irpa gas discovery, and 350 kilometres west of Sandnessjøen. This is the first discovery made on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS) in 2023, and the first wells in the Equinor-operated production licence awarded in the APA award in 2020. “We need to find more gas on the NCS. Discoveries near existing infrastructure requires less volume in order to be commercially developed, and can be quickly put on stream with low CO2 emissions. We will together with our partners consider tie-back of this discovery to Irpa, for which we recently submitted a plan for development and operation,” says Grete B. Haaland, Equinor’s senior vice president for Exploration and Production North. Irpa is a subsea development that will be tied back to the Aastad Hansteen platform. Irpa will extend the life of Aasta Hansteen by seven years, and contribute to more activity at the supply base in Sandnessjøen, for the helicopter base in Brønnøysund, and for the operations organisation in Harstad. Partners: Equinor 70 %, Petoro 20% and Wintershall Dea 10%. Equinor Brasil Energia Ltda., a subsidiary of Equinor ASA, has entered into agreements(1) with Brazilian company Prio Tigris Ltda., a subsidiary of PRIO SA (PRIO3.SA) for a sale of its 60% operated interest in the Peregrino field in Brazil. 30 April 2025 Equinor delivered adjusted operating income* of USD 8.65 billion and USD 2.25 billion after tax in the first quarter of 2025. Equinor reported net operating income of USD 8.87 billion and net income at USD 2.63 billion. Adjusted net income* was USD 1.79 billion, leading to adjusted earnings per share* of USD 0.66. 30 April 2025 NYSE: EQNR) will after the annual general meeting 14 May 2025 commence the second tranche of up to USD 1,265 million of the share buy-back programme for 2025 as announced in relation with the first quarter results 30 April 2025 10.6.2024 11:00:00 CEST | The Avinor Group | Press release There has been a notice of industrial action in Avinor AS in connection with main negotiations for NTL members the withdrawal will take effect from Wednesday at 12:00 PM and will affect 140 employees at the following airports:  Significant consequences: “This strike will have significant consequences for the operation of traffic at the affected airports Passenger traffic will come to a halt at several airports The strike may also have ripple effects on traffic operations at airports not directly affected by the strike as well as significant consequences for other sectors says the Chief Executive Officer for Major Airports Division and Airport Director at Oslo Airport He advises all travelers to closely follow information from their own airline regarding possible cancellations and changes in recommended check-in times.  Here are the consequences for each affected airport:   Oslo Airport: The current withdrawal will have little impact on Oslo Airport Planned maintenance and minor work would have to be postponed but it will not affect travelers if the strike becomes a reality.  “There may be consequences for Oslo Airport due to the strike elsewhere operations at Oslo Airport are running almost normally says Airport Director Thorgeir Landevaag”.   the initial consequences will be that only ambulance flights and helicopter traffic to/from offshore can be handled This means that all regular passenger traffic will come to a halt from Wednesday there will be a complete stoppage of all regular air traffic at Bergen Airport the strike will have significant direct consequences as all passenger traffic comes to a halt Travelers who have planned to fly to or from Bergen Airport should consider finding alternative ways to travel says Airport Director Helge Eidsnes”.   which also has offshore helicopter traffic the withdrawal will result in the airport being unable to handle any traffic Personnel critical to keeping the airport open have been withdrawn This means that travelers who have planned to fly to or from Brønnøysund Airport should consider finding alternative ways to travel says Airport Manager Glenn-Robert Johnsen”.   Førde Airport: The withdrawal will result in the airport being unable to handle any air traffic including scheduled flights or ambulance flights There is no offshore traffic from this airport Private aircraft and helicopters will not be affected.  we will have to close for all passenger traffic Personnel critical to this type of operation have been withdrawn This means that travelers who have planned to fly to or from Førde Airport should consider finding alternative ways to travel says Airport Manager Kjell Otto Gjesdal”.   Kirkenes Airport: Kirkenes Airport is a base for ambulance flights and plays an important role in providing access to ambulance aircraft for patient transport.  The initial consequences for Kirkenes Airport will be that the airport will only handle Widerøe flights and ambulance flights on certain days while it will be closed for all traffic in the afternoon and evening.  “We are able to handle Widerøe's traffic and ambulance traffic during the daytime But then we have to close for all traffic in the afternoon This means that travelers who have planned to fly to or from Kirkenes Airport in the afternoon should consider finding alternative ways to travel” says Airport Manager Lars Paulsen”.   Ålesund Airport:  Ålesund Airport serves as a base for air ambulance flights and plays a crucial role in providing access to air ambulances for patient transport Ålesund Airport will only handle air ambulance flights during daytime and will be closed for all traffic in the afternoon and evening.   "We are able to accommodate ambulance traffic until 3:00 PM on Wednesday but then we have to close for all traffic in the afternoon This means that travelers who have planned to fly to or from Ålesund Airport from the potential start of the strike should consider finding alternative ways to travel," says Airport Manager Bent Helge Sjursen.  Kristiansand Airport:  Kristiansand Airport can operate almost normally during daytime the airport can only handle air ambulance flights and smaller Widerøe aircraft.   it will have the most significant impact on travelers in the afternoon and evening This means that travelers who have planned to fly to or from Kristiansand Airport in the afternoons with a different airline than Widerøe should consider finding alternative ways to travel," says airport manager Arne Johan Johnsen.  Is your flight on schedule or canceled? Check the status of your flight here: Avinor and refer to information from your airline.  Subscribe to all the latest releases from The Avinor Group by registering your e-mail address below and Sandnessjøen were transferred to Avinor’s Remote Tower Centre in Bodø 4.2 million travelers used Avinor's airports This is an increase of seven percent compared to March 2024 3.6 million travelers used Avinor's airports This is an increase of 2 percent compared to February 2024 There is a slight increase in the number of domestic travelers "International traffic drives passenger growth Avinor's revenues will exceed NOK 12 billion for the first time The measures decided in the 2025 state budget and the Ministry of Transport's framework decision on take-off and passenger fees for the years 2025-2029 will provide strengthened financial earnings and sufficient flexibility for Avinor in the coming years" 3.5 million passengers used Avinor's airports This is an increase of nine percent compared to January 2024 The largest increase is among international travelers with the number of travelers rising by 13 percent The number of domestic travelers is six percent higher than in January last year In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases documents and other relevant information about us ShareSaveCommentLifestyleTravelA Scenic Road Trip On Norway’s Helgeland CoastByDavid Nikel Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights David Nikel is a travel writer covering cruising and Scandinavia.Follow AuthorJun 26 01:13pm EDTShareSaveCommentThis article is more than 3 years old.The coastal town of Brønnøysund is a highlight along the Helgelandskysten scenic route in Norway Norway’s Helgeland coast is well-known within the country but much less so among international travelers because it offers everything that’s great about Norway—beautiful coastline historic villages and towns—but with far less crowds Most tourists heading north towards Lofoten and Tromsø choose to take time-saving flights Those who do drive tend to take the E6 highway the journey is somewhat dull and it still takes nine hours from Trondheim to Bodø Savvy travelers extend their trip and take the Fv17 instead known as Kystriksveien and the Helgelandskysten scenic route Nature rewards slow travelers with sights including the Seven Sisters mountain ridge the Svartisen glacier and the world’s largest tidal maelstrom at Saltstraumen Helgelandskysten is the longest of Norway’s 18 designated national scenic routes Allow much more time than your initial plans might suggest to complete the route from Holm to Bodø countless picturesque photo stops and many optional side trips well worth taking A scenic spot at Torsvika on Norway's Helgeland coast The ferry crossings—ranging from just 15 minutes up to an hour—provide a natural break from driving and force you to slow down and enjoy your surroundings While there’s no right way to complete the route allow at least a couple days to fully appreciate what this stretch of the Norwegian coastline has to offer the chain of peaks along a busy shipping channel have long been an important landmark for fishermen and tradespeople Today the mountains are a popular hiking destination The island’s biggest town Sandnessjøen is a good place to bed down for the night if you’ll be attempting a hike Just south of the southernmost peak lies historic Alstahaug home to a 12th century stone church and the Petter Dass Museum which celebrates Helgeland’s most accomplished poet the route’s national scenic route status means several rest areas have been built many with fantastic views and interesting architecture The sandy beach at Storvika on the Norwegian Helgeland coast The rest area at Storvika provides restrooms and service facilities for camper vans but it’s the stone bridge most travelers stop for Step over it and you’ll be greeted with an idyllic mile-long sandy beach Ureddplassen is the ideal spot for a picnic The stone terrace is sunken down from the road keeping things quiet for you to enjoy the view of the mountains and open sea The wave-shaped restroom block blends perfectly with the surroundings while a small memorial is a poignant reminder of the many lives lost in this part of the world during World War II the fort’s remains and modern museum provide an educational rest stop approximately half-way along the Helgeland coastal route The Ureddplassen rest stop offers spectacular views of mountains and the open ocean There are many more rest stops along the route Travelers looking to truly immerse themselves in the coastal culture of Northern Norway should consider a couple of side trips notably to the Vega archipelago at the southern end of the route Another optional side trip is to the Torghatten mountain near Brønnøysund Torghatten is known for its distinctive natural tunnel right through the mountain which can be reached on a relatively easy hike Torghatten's distinctive 'hole' draws keen hikers from across Norway plenty of places to stop for breaks and countless opportunities for side trips out to islands makes the southern stretch of the route perfect cycling territory It’s also known among Europe’s long-distance cyclists as part of Norway’s cycle route 1 from Bergen to the North Cape, itself part of the European Atlantic coast route known as EuroVelo 1 Experiencing the inherent rhythm of nature - in the patient passing of moons the stellar rise and fall of seas – makes one wonder how much we miss out on by not being present in nature and in turn As an eloquent yet simple intervention bridging that gap and encouraging us to take out time from our noxious, confining lifestyles to reflect in nature, Norwegian architecture and design practice Snøhetta reveals a unique resting space and tidal installation in Traelvikosen A pacific series of 55 stepping stones placed equidistant and horizontal lead walkers across water onto a sizeable rocky islet residing wise a few metres away from the sandy shore boasting views of the powerful stretching landscape around the steps are designed to remain fully visible at low tide Tides, the second design element making up the installation, symbolises the core concept and unit of time, and its inherent, tangible, and intangible passage of nature, according to the studio's lead landscape architect The Trælvikosen route is purposefully designed to make visitors slow down copiously raising awareness and attention to detail to be immersed in the belly of nature by truly experiencing it than just passing by or watching it from a distance "The experience might also ignite new reflections on nature itself - and how we take care of it for the future,” adds Thea The walkway in its width is comfortable enough for two people to walk past each other Through their program Norwegian Scenic Routes they have established a series of experiences for road travellers offering thought-provoking art in spectacular scenery The selected roads run through landscapes with unique natural qualities and are intended as alternatives to the main roads Hence the initiative has made a wide range of lesser-known areas more available to the public - to explore Snøhetta’s design installation at Traelvikosen is one of eleven new architectural projects opened as part of the new Scenic Route project series.  The square stones consigned within the water offer contrast with their 'modern' The large rock that the stones lead to from the beach enjoys tranquil views towards the famous mountain Torghatten authoring a fluid experience in line with the tidal level from the small details on the shore to the grand views invites for a deeper understanding of time itself and the ever-changing nature The optimum spacing and placement of the granite stones reached this exact number to connect the shore to the islet with solid ground on both ends of the installation Trælvikosen’s sandy bottom holds poetically beautiful, natural elements such as small pyramids of the lugworm, traces of snails moving through the ground, flounders, and round stones in unique formats, as well as the river meandering in an ever-changing trajectory. Within the contextual design these details are all exposed and not tampered with Snøhetta paints us a picture - “The (scenery) changes throughout the day and the same goes for the experience of the surroundings To successfully create the tidal installation Snøhetta carried out substantial testing and thorough research the installation was tested out with four stones resulting in the decision to not cast the foundation opt for crushed stone for stability. Added challenges came in the form of the moody tides themselves as there was only a four-hour window to install the stones before the capricious waters took over the site "If we truly want to take better care of our nature we also need more people to see and learn more about it we wanted to intentionally design the site to ensure visitors were enticed to stay longer than normal as it offers an opportunity to observe the ever-changing rhythms of our nature,” elaborates Hartmann Kvamme For Trælvikosen, a landscape design project, sustainability remained inherent apart from bringing attention to the passage of time the project was meticulously planned and carried out to avoid unnecessary impact or disturbance to the existing natural ecosystem so that machines could get in and out as gently and carefully as possible carved and processed by Evjen Granitt in Bodø before being transported by boat to the site. Displaced topsoil was put back in place co-existing peacefully with the installation we believe that if we are going to be able to take better care of our nature in the future you can indeed discover nature and find your ground,” the firm iterates In more than half a decade of dedicated writing and research fueled by her education and experience in architecture ideating as well as aligning and editing content for STIR’s design and architecture verticals She also edits and oversees the day-to-day editorial operations for its launch platform Her keen interest in what demands design and creative plurality at large drives her professional pursuits She often tunes into a variety of media centred especially on maligned women true crime and what we get wrong about history From capturing fleeting moments to uncovering universal truths the 2025 edition reveals the depth of visual storytelling across cultures A case of two cities—both bona fide global cultural capitals—reveals insights on precarity in the creative industries In its fifth collaboration with the luxury brand evokes the experience of "walking on a Parisian street with a focus on the power of the sun to imagine a sustainable future for humanity Exclusive preview for subscribers. Learn More Make your fridays matter. Learn More © Copyright 2019-2025 STIR Design Private Limited Please confirm your email address and we’ll send you a link to reset your password All your bookmarks will be available across all your devices Password must be 8 characters long including one capital letter By creating an account, you acknowledge and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy by STIR Select the Conversation Category you would like to watch Please enter your details and click submit Single account access for STIRworld.com,STIRpad.com and exclusive STIRfri content Verification link sent to check your inbox or spam folder to complete sign up process by Jincy Iype | Published on : Jul 25 The helicopters are type Sikorsky S92 (photo) Statoil needs to have four transport service helicopters in Kristiansund one search and rescue helicopter on Heidrun as well as a replacement helicopter for the rescue helicopter The Kristiansund contract has a duration of five years and seven months The duration of the contracts for Brønnøysund and Heidrun are five years All three contracts have extension options for up to three years Jannicke Hilland, head of Joint operations in Statoil "Our activity level in the Norwegian Sea is high These contracts will help make us more robust in meeting the needs for helicopter services in the area in the years to come," says Jannicke Hilland, head of Joint operations in Statoil "Statoil opted to split the helicopter activity in the Norwegian Sea among three contracts to ensure full competition won the competitions for all three contracts This allows us to achieve economies of scale in the form of reduced costs and future flexibility," says Jon Arnt Jacobsen, head of procurement in Statoil Statoil has reserved the right to adjust the number of helicopters during the contract period Statoil and CHC Helikopter Service have also agreed that Statoil will have the flexibility of moving helicopters between the bases Jon Arnt Jacobsen, head of procurement in Statoil The estimated total value of the contracts is approximately NOK 5 billion including options for extensions and contract expansions The expansion option ensures helicopter resources for potential new platforms in the region The contract award is one of the largest civil sector helicopter awards ever made Four of the helicopters are type Sikorsky S92 three are Eurocopter EC225 and one is a Eurocopter L1 The latter is a search and rescue helicopter and is the same type as the one currently used on Heidrun All of the helicopters will be upgraded to comply with the latest standards before the contracts commence Statoil has helicopter flights from six bases in Norway: Sola There are search and rescue helicopters stationed offshore at Oseberg The flights from Kristiansund will run to facilities including Heidrun Flights from Brønnøysund will include destinations such as Norne Flights to the drilling rigs in the area at any given time will come in addition to this Norwegian state-owned energy giant Equinor has submitted a plan for the development and operation (PDO) of a field in the Norwegian Sea to the country’s Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (MPE) This subsea tie-back will ensure higher production on the FPSO Norne While disclosing that the PDO for the Verdande development has been submitted Equinor explained that the subsea development was expected to secure “important oil volumes” to the FPSO Norne once it comes on stream in the fourth quarter of 2025 Equinor’s executive vice president for Projects remarked: “Verdande will provide important local and regional ripple effects It will also help meet the energy demanded by European customers.” Located in the Norwegian Sea at water depths of 350-380 metres around 300 kilometres south-west of the city of Bodø in North Norway Verdande comprises the Cape Vulture and Alve North-East discoveries These discoveries contain a total of 36.3 million barrels of recoverable oil equivalent The drilling at the Verdande oil development is scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of 2024 and the CO2 intensity of this development is calculated at 1.6 kg CO2 per barrel of oil equivalent the field name comes from Norse mythology and Verdande is one of the three Norns who spin the threads of fate for humans and gods at the foot of Yggdrasil the Verdande development solution – based on technology from similar satellite developments at the Norne field – consists of a subsea template tied back to the FPSO Norne via new tubing The oil will be lifted by a tanker and the gas will be piped via Åsgard Transport to Kårstø Equinor’s data shows that the investments in this project are anticipated to total NOK 4.7 billion (almost $473 million) senior vice president for exploration and production north in Equinor commented: “According to a ripple effect study carried out by Bodø Science Park the national employment effects of the Verdande development are calculated at close to 1,300 full-time equivalents distributed on three years in the development period from 2023 to 2025.” the Norwegian giant outlines that this project will be operated and maintained as “an integrated part of Norne,” including activities at the supply base in Sandnessjøen the helicopter base in Brønnøysund and the use of local companies in engineering services and fabrication in North Norway “Based on the ripple effect study and our own calculations Verdande will be a socio-economically profitable and economically viable project it will contribute to increased energy efficiency for Norne,” highlighted Tungesvik Equinor is the operator of the Verdande licence with a 59.3 per cent interest while its partners are Petoro (22.4  per cent) “Verdande will provide good utilisation of excess capacity on the Norne vessel and its resources contributes to an economic extended lifespan beyond 2026,” added Haaland The Norwegian firm’s production facilities at the Norne field encompass the FPSO Norne and a total of 15 subsea templates including 52 wells (production and injection). This field started production on 6 November 1997. This year, the field celebrated 25 years on stream The submission of the PDO for Verdande comes only weeks after Equinor submitted the PDO for the Irpa deepwater gas project in the Norwegian Sea with a planned investment of over $1.4 billion In addition, the Norwegian player awarded a new contract to Aibel last month for extensive modifications and preparation of the Aasta Hansteen platform for the tie-in of this gas field. The Pioneers of Offshore Engineering GustoMSC, part of NOV’s Marine and Construction business, is recognized for providing advanced design & engineering consultancy for mobile offshore units and reliable equipment. In close cooperation with our customers, we translate experience, science, and technical knowledge into realistic & innovative ideas. The performance of new and existing jack-ups, vessels […] 28 June 202307:30(UTC)Verdande field illustrationThe plans for development and operation of the subsea fields Irpa and Verdande, and the production well Andvare in the Norwegian Sea have been approved by Norwegian authorities. The gas field Irpa will be tied back to Aasta Hansteen, whereas the oil field Verdande and the Andvare well will be tied back to Norne. "We are experiencing a strong demand for oil and gas from the Norwegian continental shelf in the current geopolitical situation. By utilising the Aasta Hansteen and Norne infrastructures, these development projects will quickly bring new production to market with low development costs, while extending the activity on the host platforms," says Trond Bokn, Equinor's senior vice president for project development. The Irpa gas volumes may supply just over 2.3 million UK households with gas for seven years. The gas discovery is located almost 80 kilometres from the Aasta Hansteen field, and the development will extend the field’s productive life by seven years, up to 2039. The discovery also supports the 350 person-years of employment (direct and indirect) associated with the operation of Aasta Hansteen during this period. Irpa, the second subsea field tied back to Aasta Hansteen, will be the deepest field on the Norwegian continental shelf, at 1350 metres. It was recently announced that Westcon Helgeland will deliver large parts of the Irpa subsea facility as a TechnipFMC subcontractor. Momek in Mo i Rana is a subcontractor of Aibel, responsible for modifying the platform for Irpa gas tie-in. Verdande, an oil discovery with some associated gas, will be tied back to Norne. Here, too, the field’s productive life will be extended by several years, which helps support the 900 person-years of employment (direct and indirect) associated with the operation of the Norne field. Equinor, on behalf of the partners, recently awarded a contract to Aibel where most of the work will be performed by Aibel's M&M community in Harstad, which will also use other subcontractors in the north. Aibel will also make modifications to the FPSO related to Andvare, a well that will be drilled as a side-track from one of the existing subsea templates on the Norne field. “For Equinor and our partners, it is important that our activity in the north also has ripple effects here, and the projects will also result in increased and prolonged activity at the logistics base in Sandnessjøen and the helicopter base in Brønnøysund," says Bokn. The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy today celebrated the approval of a number of new projects on the Norwegian continental shelf. In addition to being the operator of Irpa, Verdande and Andvare, Equinor is also a partner in Yggdrasil, Berling, Skarv Satellitter and Symra. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page It may have taken Harald Warholm years of trial and error, but he finally captured the time-lapse he’d dreamt of. The final video, embedded above, shows the sun passing perfectly behind and shining through Torghatten but it took days and days of work over the course of three long years to capture this event which Warholm says only happens twice a year — once in Spring Become a PetaPixel Member and access our content ad-free I'm in my last semester of my bachelor's degree in geology at UiB and I'm one of the two lucky ones who got an internship at Brønnøy Kalk Here they extract marble that will later be turned into Hydrocarb ("liquid marble") protects paper from ink flowing out and making the paper white but mainly based on the variety between being inside and outside as well as the mentioned fields of interest in the job description My expectations were that I would learn a lot of new things and maybe get a clearer idea of what I want to do in the future I hoped to gain a better understanding of different (geological) processes and become more confident in what I know and that I would be able to use the skills I have gained through almost three years at UiB Read more from iEarth here. Offshore helicopter operator CHC Group has been awarded a contract from Wintershall Dea to provide helicopter services in support of its forthcoming drilling program in the Norwegian Sea CHC said on Tuesday that the program consists of the following wells: Brønnøysund – Toutatis project 1-2 months; Kristiansund – Dvalin development project 12 months; Kristiansund – Maria and Bergknapp projects Brønnøysund – Balderbrå and Gullstjerne projects “We are excited to work with Wintershall Dea as their aviation partner in these projects,” said Helge Nesvåg The company said that the operations would begin in the second half of 2019 with flying to the West Mira and Transocean Artic drilling rigs from CHC’s base in Kristiansund flying will also begin to the West Hercules rig out of Brønnøysund “CHC is proud to offer safe and reliable transportation to customers in and around the Norwegian Continental Shelf,” said Per Andre Rykhus “We look forward to helping Wintershall Dea meet their transportation needs throughout this project and are eager to start flying on their behalf upon project commencement next year.” Spotted a typo? Have something more to add to the story? Maybe a nice photo? Contact our editorial team via email is read by over 10,000 industry professionals daily We had nearly 9 million page views in 2018 This makes us one of the world’s most attractive online platforms in the space of offshore oil and gas and allows our partners to get maximum exposure for their online campaigns If you’re interested in showcasing your company, product or technology on Offshore Energy Today contact our marketing manager Mirza Duran for advertising options. after the Australian team put the 29-year-old in prime position to take the stage in Brønnøysund."It's not the normal lead-out train we are also with general classification riders but they did an amazing job," Groenewegen said "It looked like a real lead-out train with Schultzy on the end to bring me in position."I started my sprint really early but I think it was enough It's a nice win for me and for the team We're also good in the classification and now we have a stage win."Stage 1 winner Axel Zingle (Cofidis) finished in the bunch Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España.Get the latest with our sport podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.Watch on SBS SportSport News By 2007-11-02T10:28:00+00:00 The world's only certificated global navigation satellite system (GNSS) precision approach system guided its first passenger-carrying aircraft to touchdown on 29 October at a remote airport in Norway A Bombardier Dash 8-100 of SAS subsidiary Widerøe carried out the inaugural approach to Runway 04 at Brønnøysund Already approved by the Norwegian civil aviation authority and certificated by the European Aviation Safety Agency the system will be installed at 24 of Norway's local airports where terrain or steep glideslopes make the installation or use of instrument landing systems impossible the SCAT-1 programme manager at the country's airports and air navigation service provider Avinor the system is a local area differential GNSS precision approach system with ground-based augmentation that can provide descent to a Category 1 decision height provided all the other requirements for Cat 1 - for example runway and approach lighting standards - are also met At the remote runways for which Avinor has commissioned the system but SCAT-1 is replacing the non-precision step-down approaches previously required says that the impetus to improve approach safety became irresistible following the controlled flight into terrain accident to one of the airline's Dash 7s on approach to Brønnøysund in May 1988 that killed all 36 on board The new system is more accurate than an ILS with both vertical and horizontal trajectory GNSS-determined Avinor says work to develop a GNSS-based precision approach system began in 1997 trials and winning institutional approval took far longer than expected Universal Avionics' GLS-1250 GNSS twin receivers/processors are at the heart of the on-board system which is totally integrated with the aircraft's flight management system The airport-located ground station that provides signal corrections and integrity assurance to the aircraft system by VHF datalink was developed by Norway-based Park Instruments SCAT-1 trials with ground-based augmentation systems (GBAS) were run by the US Federal Aviation Administration working with Continental Airlines in the 1990s but abandoned when the FAA decided that wide area augmentation systems could produce Cat I approaches more cheaply The US agency and postponed its GBAS programme known as LAAS (local area augmentation system) looks likely to be the first into the field with a GBAS that will meet International Civil Aviation Organisation standards for a precision GNSS approach certificated for general public transport use Qantas first flew a GBAS GNSS approach on a trial basis at Sydney airport in November last year and trials continue with a target for certification to ICAO Annex 10 standards by the end of 2008 and this has the potential to achieve Cat II or Cat III decision heights The SCAT-1 system needs special approval for individual installations and Avinor's system has been approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency Flight International's David Learmount witnessed two night SCAT-1 approaches to Runway 04 at Brønnøysund about 12h before the official inaugural flight from the jump seat of a Widerøe Bombardier Dash 8-100 He describes what he saw arriving at Brønnøysund from Widerøe's main base at Bodo: flying the Avinor SCAT-1 system looks like flying an ILS The difference is how the approach path is defined and the aircraft's position relative to it is tracked both laterally and vertically by GNSS and the Brønnøysund GBAS installation This invisible path starts at a predetermined height directly above the runway threshold and extends to a range of about 20nm [37km] At Brønnøysund the glideslope is 3.9° and the approach azimuth is aligned with the runway at 037° "The pilot flying tuned in to the Brønnøysund SCAT-1 approach designated by a four-digit number on the approach plate Upon acquiring the GNSS signals corrected by the Brønnøysund GBAS the system annunciator displayed 'DGPS' in green and the pilot followed the same flight instrument guidance he would follow for an ILS to intercept the approach from the left and began descent on intercepting the glideslope at the final approach fix The instrument guidance was rock steady - no twitches - and when the runway lights appeared the aircraft was perfectly aligned Boeing 747 operators are being instructed to carry out prompt elevator checks after a 747-8 freighter was flown without balance weights after maintenance The US FAA states that the 747-8F was flown with a right-hand outboard elevator which had been received and installed without the weights US carrier JetBlue Airways has shed innovation arm JetBlue Ventures to aviation investment group Sky Leasing in a bid to focus more on “core airline operations”.  The Trump administration’s “skinny” 2026 budget request includes $308 million of proposed cuts to the Essential Air Service (EAS) programme that subsidises regional airline flights to rural communities throughout the USA.  FlightGlobal is the global aviation community’s primary source of news analytics and advisory services to connect the aviation community globally and help organisations shape their business strategies identify new opportunities and make better decisions faster Site powered by Webvision Cloud member-first insights and commentary on the global aviation industry Widerøe flight 710 flew into the well-known Torghatten mountain Today, Torghatten is known as a tourist destination. The iconic ‘mountain with a hole' near Brønnøysund in Northern Norway is popular with hikers and passengers on passing Hurtigruten vessels But back in May 1988, the mountain gained fame as the site of one of Norway's worst air accidents The small propellor aircraft descended four nautical miles too early on approach to Brønnøysund airport This mistake caused the aircraft to fly straight into the fog-covered Torghatten The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority has never been able to find the reason why the pilots started the descent so early Torghatten is a small mountain (technically a granite dome) on Torget island in Northern Norway It's located approximately 9 km (6 miles) south-west of Brønnøysund Airport The mountain is well-known throughout Norway for a natural tunnel through its centre the tunnel is also possible to reach on foot via a prepared hiking trail Anyone who has flown Widerøe in Norway will be familiar with the fleet of propellor planes used on short routes Many flights call at multiple destinations On 6 May, 1988, Widerøe flight 710 took off from Trondheim Airport (TRD) at 7.23pm on a flight to Bodø Airport (BOO) Brønnøysund (BNN) and Sandnessjøen (SSJ) on the way The aircraft in use was a de Havilland Canada DHC-7-102, known as a Dash-7. It was one of the predecessors to the Dash-8 aircraft used by Widerøe on shorter routes today it had flew for 16,934 hours and 32,347 cycles A flight cycle is the number of complete flight segments On the initial leg from Trondheim to Namsos The crew allowed a passenger to use the jump seat in the cockpit but the passenger in the jump seat was allowed to remain there the passenger held several conversations with the captain the captain informed the first officer that they would descend to 1,500ft at Torghatten—which is 846 feet high—and then down to 550ft the aircraft descended to 550 feet four nautical miles too early With their view of Torghatten obscured by fog the pilots did not realise the problem until it was too late A last minute attempt to lift the plane over Torghatten failed and the aircraft smashed into the hillside 560 feet above sea level The tip of the starboard wing hit the mountain first followed by an engine The aircraft's body was broken in two and both wings caught fire Much of the remainder of the aircraft fell down the mountainside wreckage was found as far as 100 metres (330 feet) below the impact point In Norway, the Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (Statens havarikommisjon) is responsible for investigating air accidents Investigators found the cause of the crash to be the early descent no specific reason for the early descent was found There were no technical faults with the aircraft and the pilots had full control at the time of the accident several regulations and procedures were not complied with and several errors were discovered on Widerøe's maps it was found to be within the limits allowed for instrument landings The investigators also noted the passenger in the jump seat may have distracted the captain It could have also disrupted communication between the two pilots a retired police officer reported that the passenger sat in the jump seat had taken a mobile phone on board mobile phones were fitted with a 15-watt transmitter and powerful battery Investigators looked into whether electronic interference could have affected the flight instruments but concluded that there was no evidence to support such a theory The commission recommended that the Civil Aviation Administration change flight paths to increase the minimum altitude required at Torghatten the then prime minister Gro Harlem Brundtland attended a memorial service a memorial plaque was unveiled at the site several more memorial services have been held Brønnøysund Airport was upgraded with the SCAT-I satellite-based landing system Such a system would have prevented the 1988 incident Read more: Norway's Deadliest Air Accidents In 2018, a documentary film shown on NRK shed new light on the incident. Producer John Arvid Berger told iTromsø that it was important to remember such a tragedy that affected so many people in Northern Norway parts of the story of the event are relatively little known and there are many pieces that have not yet been put together,” he added Originally from the UK, David now lives in Trondheim and was the original founder of Life in Norway back in 2011. He now works as a professional writer on all things Scandinavia Life in Norway is published by Words of Norway AS Are you curious about the Norwegian coastal voyage Join me as I share the final part of the full 11-night roundtrip experience in the winter This is a continuation of my daily diary from my winter trip on the brand new Norwegian coastal cruise ferry If you have no idea what I'm talking about, head over here to read the first part! Since writing that, I've also published this companion video which you can check out if you prefer watching to reading The first part of this diary dealt with the northbound leg of the Norwegian coastal route It's considered by many to be the “best” of the two one-way options because there are more port calls of a longer duration I'd been told by several of the crew that they prefer the southbound route for the scenery Having experienced bad weather and no northern lights on the northbound leg As I wrote about briefly at the end of part one day seven started badly for me as I was kept awake the movement of the ship meant I couldn’t fall asleep so I went for a walk around the ship and chatted to the few crew working night shift I did eventually get some sleep and awoke to yet more fantastic Arctic scenery on approach to Kirkenes the end of the line for those doing the northbound voyage Many people staying on the ship for the southbound leg headed to the Kirkenes Snow Hotel for one of several excursions packed with winter fun Aside from the amazing sculptures inside the snow hotel I published my best photos from this excursion over on Forbes so do check that article out to see just how spectacular it was On the way back we had a short photo stop to see Kirkenes and our ship from an elevated vantage point it soon became clear the ship had taken on new supplies as we had the third new lunch and dinner menu of the trip featuring Arctic cuisine including reindeer and cloudberries We also emjoyed another food event out on deck we finally saw some fantastic northern lights I immediately felt sorry for the 50 people or so who left the ship earlier in the day The aurora display lasted a long time but I only saw it at its very best for about two or three minutes which just goes to show the patience you need to have when aurora hunting Despite strong winds and plummeting temperatures I went out on deck to greet one of the passing Hurtigruten ships in the morning Something I like about the coastal route is all ships regardless of whether they are operated by Huritgruten or Havila The morning gave us another chance to see the beautiful port of Havøysund If there's one word to sum up the few hours there The temperature in Hammerfest was only -6°C but the super strong wind made it feel much colder Having been to Hammerfest before and realising we docked at a temporary quay on the other side of the bay I stayed out for just 15 minutes for some photos I soon returned to the warmth of the ship for a fantastic fish-based lunch including a lovely I had the main dining room mostly to myself I had a late night planned as I needed to stay up to welcome some friends on board In Tromsø I made the most of my time by watching the picturesque sail-ins to Øksfjord and Skjervøy In the evening, I chose to visit Hildring, the fine dining restaurant on the Havila Polaris On my voyage there was a “fish menu” and a “meat menu” it's possible to visit twice and not eat the same food Once again I enjoyed a fixed five-course menu you’re not missing out too much if you stick to the main dining room because the food there is so good it's definitely worth giving Hildring a try at least once especially if you have a visit there included in your package Later that evening the excursion team hosted a trivia night, something that proved very popular. Being a Norwegian experience, they–of course–used Kahoot Although they weren't as strong as the night before they peeked in and out of a cloudy sky creating an experience I hadn't seen too often before and leading to some fantastic photo opportunities The outside decks were surprisingly busy as many people prepared for a midnight walk We picked up a lot of local passengers here including my friends who would stay on for the rest of the trip back to Bergen I gave them a very quick tour of the ship before bidding them goodnight I skipped my early fixed time for breakfast and instead chose a sweet pastry (or two!) from the cafe later in the morning to start my day The fact these are included in the meal package—along with select meals from the cafe—is a big benefit for voyage travellers I’d warned my friends in advance that day 9 was the very best scenery on the entire voyage so they should be prepared to be out on deck most of the day I’d go as far as to say with the snow cover and the fantastic light conditions throughout the day this ranked among the best scenery I’d ever seen in Norway The Risøy channel is a very narrow shipping lane marking the entrance to the Vesterålen archipelago and one that demanded standing out at the front of the ship to watch I assume the ship was mostly sailing on battery power at this point as it was mostly silent creeping along at a very slow pace to ensure it stayed within the lane a sound lined by steep mountains that looked absolutely incredible in its winter coat The last time I sailed through the Raftsund it was a few weeks earlier in the year than this and the difference having just a little more light made was incredible On my Hurtigruten trip four years ago, I took a bus tour of Vesterålen Our bus crossed the bridge into Sortland as the ship sailed underneath and it was super fun to stand at the front of the ship in the bright sunshine as we passed underneath the bridge and the bus In between yet more fabulous coastal scenery, we made a few short port calls giving me time to briefly explore Sortland, known as Norway’s blue town Both towns were a joy to explore with all the fresh snowfall underfoot the region’s speciality stockfish was presented at another food event but it was not as popular as previous dishes it was soon time to make our return trip to Svolvær I joined an organized tour of Lofotpils a local brewery that has gone from strength to strength A short brewery tour soon gives way to the best part the brewery is just a two-minute walk back to the ship The only downside to a wonderful day was the worsening weather meaning there was no chance for my friends to see any northern lights although I did stay up to see the atmospheric approach to Stamsund a port we’d been forced to miss on the northbound leg because of the stormy weather After the visual assault on the senses followed the brewery tour the previous day although it was clear when we crossed the Arctic circle in the morning far more interesting than sailing past the globe monument was a truly bizarre sight There looked to be a small building being towed by a boat I had to go fetch someone to double check my mind wasn’t playing tricks on me there really was a barn being towed by boat After a good few hours relaxing on the ship we arrived into Brønnøysund for a two-hour stop Most people seemed keen to get off for a walk or a play in the snow I persevered and took a walk around the town and along the harbour we made our way to the observation lounge for the evening Although there’s not usually entertainment on the coastal ships and it was a nice way to spend the evening I know there is a very small crew on the coastal ships but one or two additional events like this or the trivia night would make a real positive difference for roundtrip passengers Perhaps such events are less needed in the summer when the endless days keep the scenery lit up all through the evening It was an early start in Trondheim my home town and an important cargo stop for the route But the reason I was up early wasn't about the cargo It was to welcome my husband who joined me and my friends for breakfast locals being able to use this route as a local cafe or floating restaurant is one of the things I love most about the service I’m a creature of habit when it comes to breakfast so it was fun for me to see what some of the other breakfast options were That was especially true as my friends both had the Havila Gold package which comes with additional premium menu options in the main dining room Many people took the chance to visit Trondheim despite the early port call (6.30am-9.30am) because we'd missed the port on the northbound leg There was even a bus sightseeing tour that included a visit to Nidaros Cathedral But having lived in Trondheim for more than 10 years a tour of the town was not something I needed As we left Trondheim, we passed the northbound Hurtigruten ship Nordkapp and so we did the obligatory salute. Moments later on the other side of the ship we passed Munkholmen Several hours at sea followed so it was a chance to relax and hear from the expedition team once again We also spent some time on the outside decks where the final food presentation of the voyage was made so we were able to thoroughly enjoy arguably the best sail-in experience of the trip This was the last realistic opportunity to leave the ship took full advantage even though the stop was just one hour and I'd visited the town several times before it was time to turn my thoughts to packing I was up early on the final day of the voyage to finish packing as suitcases had to be left for collection by 9am so I headed outside to take in the beautiful snowy scenery we spent the final few hours on board sitting in the cafe chatting It was a much more interesting day for scenery than I remembered from last time and I spent a lot of time heading out on deck for yet more photos Even though we were the last deck to be called it took just 15 minutes after docking for us to be at the luggage belt waiting for our bags We have had some of the worst weather Norway has seen in decades and I've gotten to know a wonderful ship and wonderful people and some great winter experiences including some northern lights People often wonder if they'll get bored on a trip like this There's so much to see out of the windows even in the winter and when you get to go ashore But whether a winter trip is for you is a different question But it also had northern lights and sensational winter landscapes If you take a trip in the winter on the coastal voyage it's bound to be completely different from my experience That's what I love about sailing in Norway at this time of year Have you taken the southbound coastal route I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences down in the comments A UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its cultural landscape the Vega archipelago is not frequently visited by international tourists Here's your guide to this off-the-beaten-path destination Many first-time visitors to Norway chalk up the big sights and the aurora borealis and scenery of Lofoten in the north Very much off-the-beaten path in terms of international tourism, Vega is actually well-known within Norway due to its UNESCO World Heritage status and cultural importance for eider down harvesting Perhaps the best introduction to Vega is to explain why UNESCO chose to recognise it It says Vega is representative of “the way generations of fishermen/farmers have maintained a sustainable living in an inhospitable seascape near the Arctic Circle based on the now unique practice of eider down harvesting.” the islands off the west coast of Norway contain several nature reserves and important wetland areas Vega attracts keen birdwatchers together with those simply wanting to relax and get away from it all let's put Vega on a map. As you can see the islands aren't exactly close to many of Norway's big tourist sites hence the relatively low numbers of international visitors While it is a stop on Norway's coastal ferry Brønnøysund is otherwise a long way from everywhere It's a 373 km drive from Trondheim and even farther from Bodø Vega is the name of the 6,500-island archipelago and it's also the name of the local municipality Gladstad village is the capital of the municipality It is about 11 miles west of mainland Norway with Igerøya and Ylvingen islands in between Gladstad does have the 803-metre-tall mountain Trollvasstinden in its southwest The archipelago is best known for its eider farms In a tradition dating back hundreds of years farmers on the islands create cosy shelters for the population of eider ducks who come to nest you'll learn fascinating insights into the lives of these fishermen-farmers and the eider ducks that provide the warm While the islands are undoubtedly beautiful and hold important cultural heritage is there must to do there for the curious international visitor Visit the world heritage centre: Open from mid-May to mid-September Vega's world heritage centre gives visitors a good grounding in what makes the islands unique Dive into the history and culture of the islanders on an audio tour or opt for a personal tour to get even more information learn even more about the eider down industry by taking a guided tour of one of the local farms Vegatrappa: This wooden staircase leads from the beach all the way to the top of the mountain Ravnfloget Those who tackle the almost 1,500 stairs are rewarded with wonderful views of the ocean and the islands On the way up there are picnic areas with fire pits Via Ferrata: A fun challenge for keen climbers Strap into a harness and enjoy this alternative way to the top of Ravnfloget trips on the via ferrata must be booked in advance Vega by kayak or cycle: With more than 6,000 islands hiring a kayak is the best way to discover the beaches The church replaced several previous churches believed to date back to at least the 15th-century Vega doesn't have huge infrastructure for tourists there are a couple of good accommodation options It should go without saying that these need to be booked well in advance The unique, simple wooden cabins at BaseCamp Vega offer outside patios and a buffet breakfast. For a large family or group, the villa at Rorsundet Brygge is a great option with wonderful water and mountain views getting to Vega requires the use of the public ferry service There is an express passenger ferry service from Brønnøysund to Rørøy on Vega island An additional car ferry service running several daily departures connects Horn with Igerøy island which is linked to Vega island by road bridge There are also ferries available from Sandnessjøen possibly a better option for those travelling down from the north Timetables vary by season and fares change, so for the latest information check the webpage of the local tourist office Have you ever been to Vega or are you planning a trip Let us know your experiences in the comments