The Norway-based line’s new ship Havila Castor will now start cruises from Bergen on 10 May, instead of its originally planned start date of 7 April.

Havila said that the ship, which is being built at the Tersan shipyard in Turkey, is currently unable to carry out its sea trials due to “challenges with an electric motor”.

Kystruten, Bent Martini, Havila’s chief executive, said: “I apologise to those passengers who have been looking forward to exploring the Norwegian coast on Havila Castor. 

“We very much look forward to welcoming them onboard in future and are contacting them to discuss an alternative voyage.”

Martini added that both Havila Castor and the line’s first ship Havila Capella were “almost fully booked” for the entire summer 2022 season.

Havila announced that its third and fourth ships, Havila Polaris and Havila Pollux, were also likely to be delayed.

“We assume that Havila Polaris will start operating in the third quarter and Havila Pollux in the fourth quarter of this year,” explained Martini. 

“At this stage we are unable to confirm the exact dates but are doing everything we can to ensure we can put these ships into operation as quickly as possible, for the benefit of all who will travel and work onboard.”

Havila will be operating four new ships as part of a 10-year contract with the Norwegian government to sail the coastal route from Bergen to Kirkenes.