Bergfjord and Hav Frakt detained after three-ship collision off Ålesund
The Dutch-flagged Bergfjord took water through a damaged bow in Valderhaugfjorden; the tanker Xanthia sailed on
Three short-sea ships collided in Valderhaugfjorden near Ålesund on Norway's west coast just after 01:30 on Monday 5 October. All three were damaged, and two have been detained until they are repaired.
The Dutch-flagged general cargo ship Bergfjord, an 88-metre vessel, suffered heavy damage to her bow and was taking on water there; she was ordered to dock. The Faroe Islands-registered Hav Frakt, also 88 metres, was damaged and ordered to dock as well. The third ship, the tanker Xanthia, was inspected by DNV surveyors, who found her hull sound, and she was allowed to continue to Finland for further inspection.
Two of the ships were heading north through the fjord and the third was heading south. Residents ashore reported being woken by the impact. About 30 crew were aboard the three ships; none was injured and no evacuation was needed. The rescue service sent a boat, the navy sent the frigate Fridtjof Nansen and a rescue helicopter was overhead.
The Norwegian Maritime Authority detained Bergfjord and Hav Frakt. Police said visibility was poor and it was dark, and three crew members have been placed under suspicion of careless navigation under the Ship Safety Act. Investigators said there was no indication of intoxication; breath tests were taken, electronic data is being reviewed and the crews are being interviewed.
It is not yet clear which ships struck first or how three vessels came to be involved in a single collision. The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority is reviewing the information and will decide whether to open a full investigation.
This story is part of the Maritime Briefing of 6 October 2026.
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