Built as passenger- cargo ferry under yard No 787 by Blohm & Voss A.G., Hamburg, Germany for Det Bergenske Dampskipsselskab A/S Bergen, Norway.
26 October 1955 launched under the name NORDSTJERNEN.
Tonnage 2.194, grt, 1.233 net, 655 dwt., dim. 80.78 x 12.65 x 4.51m.
One 6-cyl B&W diesel, 3.000 bhp, speed 15½ knots.
Accommodation for 450 passengers in two classes.
Ice strengthened.
24 February 1956 delivered.
The ship was designed by Hugo Kaltenborn and much of her artwork was done by Rene Gaugain.
Under command of Captain Einar Drægebø she sailed to Norway.
From March 1956 used in the Hurtigrutens service between Bergen and Kirkenes.
Each summer was she employed in the express service to Svalbard as she was the only Hurtigrute ship with an international passenger certificate.
From 1976-79 she also sailed spring cruises from Bergen to the Shetland Islands.
January 1979 sold to Tromsk Fylkes D.S. (TFDS).
1983 When the Hurtigruten was reorganized into a fleet of 11 ships, she was send to the Mjellem & Karlsen Shipyard in Bergen for modernisation.
A new MaK diesel engine was placed, 3.000bhp., and most of her cabins remodelled with showers and toilets.
23 March 1983 again in service.
04 April 1994 after newbuildings were delivered was she laid up, but frequently used as relief vessel or charter vessel.
1996 Used in the cruise service from Tromsø to Svalbard.
March 2006 transferred to the Hurtigruten Group ASA, Narvik, Norway
22 February 2007 during a voyage northbound in the Hurtigrutens service she got engine damage near Florø (Værlandet, Bulandet). At 03.00 p.m., at that time she did have on board 46 passengers and 30 crew. She drifted during bad weather near the coast and grounded on Værlandet.
She was refloated by the tug MJØLNER which was in the vicinity when she stranded, and together with the lifeboat PLATOU she was towed to Florö where she arrived around noon the same day.
After a survey it was found she did not get much damage.
2009 In service, during the summer used in the cruise trade to Svalbard. IMO No 5255777, homeport Tromsø, same owner.
Source: Watercraft Philately 2008/25.
http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/nordstjernen_1956.htm
