Norway: Siltanews – News Desk
A leading international mid-market infrastructure asset manager, has completed the acquisition of GulenSkyss, a Norwegian ferry and ambulance vessel owner and operator. Infrared has acquired 100% of the business from its founder for an Infrared-managed value-add fund. With its established presence on the west coast of Norway, GulenSkyss offers significant opportunities for growth.
GulenSkyss owns and operates express and car ferries, pilot boats, and ambulance vessels, under long-term concessions with public counterparties. Through its fleet of 15 vessels, including one under construction, GulenSkyss provides access to critical emergency services and dependable transportation connections, making it an integral part of Norwegian transportation infrastructure.
With its longstanding presence, reputation for reliability, and experienced management team, GulenSkyss is well-positioned for further expansion. In recent years, the business has been building out its fleet and moving into new regions and different parts of the ferry market. In December 2024, GulenSkyss won a significant tender for the operation of the car ferry connection between Breistein and Valestrand. Recently, the company also secured the Solfjellsjøen – Vandve car ferry route in Nordland County, in Northern Norway.
The company’s long-term development is supported by strong secular trends such as steady population growth, rising demand for healthcare services and increasing domestic travel. Norway’s 100,000 km coastline is fragmented with fjords and islands, making road and rail transport difficult; ferries are often the most efficient and cost-effective option. In 2023, ferries carried nearly 50m passengers* around Norway, providing the critical links between islands, fjords, and mainland cities.