Color Line

Color Line AS is a Norwegian shipping company serving international passenger and freight traffic. It operates five purpose-built RoPax ships on four year-round routes between Norway, Denmark, Germany and Sweden. RoPax refers to ships that carry both passengers and wheeled cargo, such as cars and trucks.

Company and services

The four routes run from Oslo to Kiel, from Larvik and Kristiansand to Hirtshals, and from Sandefjord to Strömstad. Color Line serves a total of seven ports. The Kiel–Oslo route is the longer crossing; the routes to Hirtshals and between Sandefjord and Strömstad focus on shorter crossings. One example of the company as a travel and transport provider is Oslo as a port and destination for Color Line mini-cruises.

Color Line AS is part of Color Group AS. Color Group is wholly owned by O.N. Sunde AS; according to the company, that company is also owned by Olav Nils Sunde and his family. Color Line also operates the four-star Color Hotel Skagen in Denmark. The hotel business is distinct from the ferry company, but is part of the group’s business activities.

Passenger traffic and employees

For 2024, Color Line reports carrying around 3.7 million passengers and 160,000 freight units, measured in 12-metre equivalents. The company reports around 3,000 employees in four countries, equivalent to 2,191 full-time equivalents.

Ships and travel experience

The sister ships Color Fantasy and Color Magic operate on the Kiel–Oslo route. The crossing is designed to offer a more extensive onboard experience: Color Line lists restaurants, shops, a water park, casino, spa, fitness area and shows in a dedicated lounge. On the routes between Hirtshals and Kristiansand or Larvik, and between Sandefjord and Strömstad, the company describes shopping, dining and efficient transport as key offerings.

The Hirtshals–Kristiansand and Hirtshals–Larvik routes are served by SuperSpeed 1 and SuperSpeed 2. Color Hybrid operates between Sandefjord and Strömstad. The company also lists conference and exhibition facilities, as well as onboard facilities for guests with special needs.