On Friday afternoon and evening, ferry services between Moss and Horten faced several cancellations due to unstable conditions on the fjord. The ferry operator Torghatten reported that the ongoing challenges are primarily due to difficult ice, which has led to operational issues. Specifically, the seawater filters on board the ferries became blocked with snow and slush, impacting their ability to run smoothly.

Simen Storskogen, the operations manager at Torghatten, mentioned to Moss Avis that the problematic ice conditions are causing significant disruptions, especially as one of the major departures scheduled for 10:30 PM from Moss has been canceled. The disruptions come on a day of high traffic, raising concerns about the impact on commuters relying on this vital transport link, which is the busiest ferry route in Norway, connecting regional highways.

The Moss-Horten ferry service is crucial as it serves as part of the national highway route 19, linking two important roads, E6 in Østfold and E18 in Vestfold. During the day, up to five ferries operate simultaneously on this route, highlighting its importance for local transportation. The officials are hopeful for improvements as conditions change, but the current situation reflects the challenges posed by winter weather on transport services.