About the business

Norway Yacht Charter is the largest operator of fjord cruise boats and sightseeing boats in the Oslo Fjord, with a history dating back to the end of the 19th century. Today we offer both charter, sightseeing and ferry trips in the Oslo Fjord.

Some of our most popular activities are two-hour fjord sightseeing, a 50-minute mini-cruise and a three-hour evening cruise with a prawn buffet included. A large part of the business also consists of ferry operations between Rådhusplassen and Bygdøy ("Bygdøy Ferries").

We are an attractive choice for both tourists and local guests who want to experience the Oslo Fjord, and have around 500,000 passengers on board our boats every year. On an ordinary summer day, around 70 employees are at work, and the company is one of Oslo's largest employers of summer jobs for young people.

Over the past few years, several providers of fjord sightseeing on the Oslo Fjord have appeared. We are the original developers of this product, and have been showing guests the pearls of the fjord since 1946! Despite increased competition, we are still unique through our focus on Norwegian history and traditions at sea.

Dating back to the early and mid-20th century, our traditional sailing vessels are carefully maintained to serve as living historical heirlooms. These ships are not just means of transport, but authentic examples of Norwegian maritime history, which you can experience while enjoying the beautiful fjord landscape.

History

In 2000, a partnership was entered into between Norway Yacht Charter (NYC), Båtservice Sightseeing AS and Skibs AS Bygdøfergene. The Bygdøy ferries had operated its ferry route between Rådhusplassen and Bygdøy since 1898. Båtservice Sightseeing AS had operated its sightseeing business since 1946. NYC now took over the day-to-day running of the business in these companies, in addition to continuing with the rental of vessels for corporate and private events. With our long history, we have been an important part of the harbor scene in Oslo for the past hundred years.

We are today the largest operator of fjord cruise boats and sightseeing boats in the Oslo Fjord, in addition to operating the Bygdøy ferries.

The vessels consist of old sailing vessels measuring between 20 and 35 metres, exclusive entertainment ships, and sightseeing boats.

The boats are used by companies and private groups, by Norwegian and foreign tourists, and for social gatherings in connection with conferences in Oslo. Through joint services, we can look after up to 600 guests.

We arrange between 200 and 250 closed parties a year, and have many loyal customers who use us year after year.

Environment and sustainability

Norway Yacht Charter AS is ISM-certified (International standard for safety management for the operation of ships and prevention of pollution) and follows the guidelines described in the ISM code. This involves, among other things, that we shall:

1. Ensure safe practices when operating ships and a safe working environment.
2. Establish protection against all identified risks.
3. Continually improve the skills of personnel ashore and on board with regard to safety management, including improving on emergency situations that include both safety and environmental protection.

The security system also ensures:

1. That mandatory rules and regulations are followed.
2. That account is taken of the applicable norms, guidelines and standards recommended by the organisation, administrations, classification societies and organizations in the shipping industry.

The company is audited every year by the Norwegian Maritime Directorate (Sjøfartsdirektoratet) in accordance with these guidelines.

We are proud partners with the Oslofjorden Friluftsråd, which works with measures to protect the environment and species diversity in the Oslofjord.

We are also in the process of becoming certified as an Environmental Lighthouse Company (Miljøfyrtårn).

We use an average of only 0.29 liters of diesel per passenger per cruise, which is the lowest measurement that has been made among fossil companies in the Oslofjord. The low emissions come from the boats running at a slow pace on low-sulphur diesel to reduce emissions. Therefore, our sailing ships are a sensible choice for the environment.

Furthermore, we can document that the diesel consumption on our Bygdøy ferries corresponds to the average diesel consumption of 18 passenger cars per year. We are therefore helping to relieve road traffic in the center of Oslo, and offer a more environmentally friendly offer to guests traveling to and from Bygdøy.

Standard tours depart and arrive at Rådhusbrygge 3 (in front of the City Hall), and passengers are advised to use public transport to get to us.