Color Hybrid ferry
Color Hybrid ferry current position
The current location of Color Hybrid ferry is in North Sea (coordinates 59.12604 N / 10.22728 E) cruising en route to NOSAD-SESMD-NOSAD. The AIS position was last reported 4 minutes ago.
Current PositionSpecifications of Color Hybrid ferry
| Year of build | 2019 / Age: 6 |
| Flag state | Norway |
| Builder | Crist (Gdynia, Poland), Ulstein Verft (Ulsteinvik, Norway) |
| Class | cruiseferry (Ro-Pax ship) |
| Ferry route / homeports | Sandefjord-Stromstad |
| Building cost | EUR 120 million (USD 146 million) |
| Speed | 17 kn / 31 km/h / 20 mph |
| Length (LOA) | 160 m / 525 ft |
| Beam (width) | 27 m / 89 ft |
| Passengers | 2000 |
| Crew | 100 |
| Cars | 500 |
| Christened by | Erna Solberg |
| Owner | COLOR LINE |
| Operator | COLOR LINE |
Color Hybrid ferry Review
Review of Color Hybrid ferry
MS Color Hybrid is a Ro-Ro passenger ferry owned and operated by COLOR LINE. The ship has a maximum capacity of 2,000 passengers and 500 cars. Launched in 2019, she currently serves the Norway-Sweden route Sandefjord–Stromstad, with a crossing time of 2.5 hours.
Cabins
As a cruise ferry, Color Hybrid offers air-conditioned cabins with en-suite bathrooms. Bed linens, towels, and toiletries are provided. The ship features wheelchair-accessible cabins (adapted for disabled passengers) and reclining Pullman armchairs.
- All accessible cabins are located close to elevators and feature wider doors, adapted bathrooms (raised toilet seats, grab bars, shower seats, adjustable showerheads), automatic door openers, phones, and linoleum flooring. These cabins are suitable for one wheelchair user and one companion. Guide dogs are permitted.
- All cabins are located above the car decks. Connecting family cabins (max capacity 6 guests) with adjoining doors are available and must be booked by phone (+47 22 94 42 00), no later than four days before departure.
Cabin amenities include LCD TV, minibar, seating area (sofa, table, chairs), bedside cabinets, wardrobe, comfortable beds, vanity table, hairdryer, phone, and an electronic safe.
A limited number of kid beds (for children under 4) are available for booking at the Reception Desk and can be used in all cabins except 3-star double-bed staterooms.
Shipboard dining and entertainment options
Onboard facilities include:
- Taxfree Market (410 m²) offers duty-free alcohol, tobacco, gourmet and fast food, chocolates, and sweets. Open 8:00–9:45 AM and 2:30–10:00 PM.
- Color Shop sells brand-name apparel, children's clothing, electronics, media, watches, jewelry, and accessories. Open 8:30–9:45 AM and 2:30–12:00 AM.
- Perfumes and Cosmetics Shop offers luxury brands (Versace, Prada, Chanel) and wellness products. Open 8:30–9:45 AM and 2:00–12:00 AM.
- Fashionize! features designer accessories (jewelry, sunglasses, scarves). Brands include Sno of Sweden, Modalu, Michael Kors, ADAX. Open 8:30–9:45 AM and 2:00–12:00 AM.
- Fashion Boutique offers premium clothing and accessories. Brands include Moods of Norway, Tiger of Sweden, Guess, Hugo Boss. Open 2:30–12:00 AM.
- Casino offers slots and table games (roulette, blackjack) with bar service. Open from 2:00 PM. Age limit: 18+.
- Teen’s Plaza features a dance floor, gaming consoles (Wii, PS3), karaoke, darts, and snack bar.
- Adventure Planet is a video arcade open 1:00 PM–2:00 AM.
- Aqualand indoor waterpark includes pool, river stream, waterslide, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, and snack bar. Entry for 1 hour. Prices: EUR 8 (adults/children), EUR 4 (kids under 4 with swim diapers). Open 2:00–6:00 PM.
- Kid’s Corner is a play area (ages 2–6) adjacent to Mama Bella Pizzeria, with toys and cartoons.
- Golf Simulator (putting green) offers virtual play. Price: EUR 35/hour. Open 7:00 AM–9:00 PM. Equipment available at Spa reception.
- Color Spa and Fitness Center features a full gym, spa treatments, saunas, jacuzzis, wellness bar. Entry: EUR 28 (spa+fitness), EUR 17 (fitness only). Open 7:00 AM–9:00 PM. Age limit: 16+.
- Show Lounge offers live performances by 2Entertain. Show themes change by route and include "Paradise" and "Cool Britannia" (45 min each). VIP seating available. No smoking allowed.
- Grand Buffet Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with hot/cold dishes and a kid’s Captain Buffet. Table reservations available.
- Oceanic Restaurant offers an à la carte menu with seasonal specialties.
- Manhattan Restaurant (open 6:00–10:00 PM) offers 5- or 7-course gourmet dinners with premium wines.
- Mama Bella Pizza Ristorante serves Italian cuisine. Open 1:00–11:30 PM. Take-away available. Adjacent Bella Bar serves wine and snacks.
- Monkey Pub (from 1:00 PM) offers live music, beers (bottled/draught), and snacks.
- Sports and Burger Bar (1950s-themed) is open 1:00–6:00 PM, with direct Sun Deck access.
- Tapas Bar open 1:30–10:00 PM. Take-away available.
- Cafe Oriental (open 6:00–9:45 AM and 11:00 AM–5:00 PM) serves coffee, soft drinks, sandwiches, pastries, ice cream.
The Navigation Bridge is located on Deck 12 forward; the sundeck is aft on Deck 13. The ship also features a large Conference Center (1,600 m²) and Exhibition Center (1,400 m²).
WiFi is available at an additional cost. Access codes are sold at the Reception Desk. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. For 2-day cruises, the minimum age is 20. Foot passengers must arrive 1 hour before departure.
Ferry cruise bookings require a 20% deposit, with the balance due 40 days prior to departure.
Pets on the ship
Pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) are allowed onboard with both car and foot passengers but are not permitted on passenger decks.
Car passengers may leave pets in their vehicles or the onboard kennels (free of charge; pre-booking required). Foot passengers must transport pets in a cage or carrier, which must remain closed for the entire trip.
Color Line complies with the PETS (Pet Travel Scheme), allowing pet travel between EU countries without quarantine.
- Pets are not permitted on 2-day Kiel–Oslo cruises.
- Valid documentation is required for all pets.
- Check-in must be completed at least 2 hours before departure. Transport cost: EUR 12 (in vehicle), EUR 18 (in kennel). Pre-booking required due to limited kennel availability. Passengers may visit their pets during the voyage, but pets are not allowed in public areas or cabins.
- Leaving dogs in vehicles during summer is discouraged due to heat.
- Pet visiting hours: 5:00 PM, 8:30 PM, 7:15 AM.
Guide dogs travel free and are allowed throughout the ship, including select cabins and public spaces, with proper documentation.
Pet cages are available in two sizes: 1.0 × 0.9 × 0.7 m and 0.9 × 0.7 × 0.6 m.
Car decks
Passengers are not allowed to stay on the car deck during the voyage. Car decks, engine rooms, technical areas, and watertight doors are monitored by CCTV.
Vehicles must have proper documentation and insurance. Bringing the car’s technical data sheet helps during boarding. Vehicle model, length, and height must be specified during booking. Car passengers must arrive at the port 2 hours before departure.
Car deck safety procedures:
- Passengers with disabilities or needing assistance should visit the Information Desk.
- Apply handbrake, place the vehicle in park or 1st gear, switch off ignition, alarm, electrical systems, and headlights. Turn off gas cylinders and lock the vehicle.
- Bring only essential hand baggage and valuables.
- Note your vehicle’s location and stairway/garage number.
- Access to vehicle decks is prohibited during the voyage.
- Smoking is not allowed on vehicle decks, in cabins, or passenger lounges.
- Wait for the onboard announcement before returning to your vehicle.
- Do not start the engine until instructed to reduce emissions.
Color Line (fleet, founded 1990, headquartered in Oslo, Norway) is a Norwegian ferry company operating passenger and cargo services between Norway and Sweden, Germany, and Denmark.
Other COLOR LINE cruise ships
Color Hybrid ferry Wiki
In January 2017, COLOR LINE signed a letter of intent with the shipyard Ulstein Verft (Ulsteinvik, Norway) for the construction of a new cruise ferry for the Sandefjord-Stromstad route. The vessel's steel-cutting ceremony took place in July 2017 at Crist Shipyard (Gdynia, Poland). Hull blocks were pre-fabricated by Western Baltija Shipbuilding (part of BLRT Grupp) at the Baltija Shipyard (Klaipeda, Lithuania). All blocks were completed by July 2018, with final assembly done in Poland.
On April 16, 2018, vessel assembly began at Crist SA (Gdynia), involving 14 large hull blocks. After hull completion, the ship was towed to Norway (Ulsteinvik) for outfitting and sea trials. She arrived in Norway on November 7, 2018, and on November 15, the hull was placed into Ulstein Verft's dock hall. Of the project’s subcontractors, approximately 100 (70%) were Norwegian companies. Around 500 people were involved in the project.
The vessel was launched (floated out of drydock) on April 14, 2019. Delivery to COLOR LINE was originally scheduled for May 2019, but the official handover occurred on August 1. The ceremony was attended by Gunvor Ulstein (Ulstein Group CEO) and Trond Kleivdal (COLOR LINE CEO).
The Norway-flagged vessel was christened on August 23, 2019, in Sandefjord. The ship's godmother is Erna Solberg, Norway’s Prime Minister since 2013. The naming ceremony was partially virtual, with the godmother appearing via video on a large dockside screen while Jan Tore Sanner (Minister of Education) traditionally smashed a champagne bottle against the hull. The event was also attended by Trond Kleivdal and Gunvor Ulstein.
The vessel’s Captains are Asbjorn Heide and Jan Magnar Sollid.
Color Hybrid ship technology
Color Hybrid (Ulstein yard number 311) is a new-class plug-in passenger ship designed by Fosen Yards (Rissa, Norway) and built by Ulstein Verft (Ulsteinvik, Norway). She is currently the world’s largest plug-in hybrid passenger vessel. As part of COLOR LINE’s fleet renewal program, she replaced MS Bohus (built 1971 as "Prinsessan Desiree", IMO 7037806) originally operated by Sessan Linjen (now STENA LINE).
The ship is specifically designed to operate entirely on battery power. The batteries can be charged via shore power at the port of Sandefjord or through the ship’s own diesel generators. Siemens supplied the batteries and all-electric systems. The batteries are used when the vessel is within 6 km (3.7 mi) of the port, ensuring zero-emission operations near populated areas. The ship then switches to MGO-powered diesel engines for open-water cruising.
The vessel is powered by four Bergen diesel engines (model B33:45L, developed by Rolls-Royce Marine) running on MGO (marine gasoil). These engines are known for reduced fuel consumption and minimal smoke emissions. ExxonMobil supplies the engines’ lubricants (Mobilgard ADL 40) and the stabilizers' hydraulic oil (Mobil SHC Aware H 68).
The ship's battery system weighs 65 tons, takes approximately 1 hour to fully recharge, and delivers a total power output of about 5 MWh—enabling up to 1 hour of navigation at a maximum speed of 12 knots (22 kph / 14 mph). Additional capacities include 450 m³ of freshwater storage and 1500 m³ of ballast water.
The vessel is equipped with a WHR (waste heat recovery) system that recycles energy from the diesel generators’ exhaust gases. The 5 MW heat reservoir captures heat from both the ship’s wake and exhaust to be used for onboard heating.
Ulstein’s hybrid design combines diesel-electric and diesel-mechanical propulsion systems. It is more efficient than traditional diesel-electric setups, offering improved performance at high speeds, lower fuel consumption at low speeds, and significantly reduced emissions (COx, SOx, NOx), soot, and noise. The hybrid battery propulsion and high-voltage shore power connectivity enable near-zero emissions during port operations, with the exception of when onboard electricity is generated by diesel engines.
The new ferry was financed through a 12-year loan backed by an Export Credit Agency. DnB Bank (Norway) and GIEK (Norwegian Export Credit Guarantee Agency) funded 80% of the project (approximately USD 117 million).
In support of the new ferry, COLOR LINE installed shore power facilities in 2017 at the ports of Oslo, Kristiansand, Larvik, and Sandefjord to enable battery charging while docked.