World's Largest Fast Ferry Express 5 Strikes Breakwater, Temporarily Withdrawn from Service: Incident on 25 November 2024

On 25 November 2024, the Express 5, the world's largest fast ferry, collided with the inner breakwater while departing Ronne harbor on Bornholm Island, Denmark, en route to Ystad, Sweden. The impact caused significant damage to the vessel's aluminum hull along the starboard side; no injuries were reported among passengers or crew onboard.

The vessel returned to its berth for inspection and has been temporarily withdrawn from service pending drydock repairs. The incident has suspended high-speed ferry services on the route, as the operator's sister vessel, Express 1, is also undergoing scheduled maintenance.

As the Express 5 departed Ronne harbor, it struck the inner breakwater, creating a noticeable crease along its starboard side. Passengers onboard reported hearing a loud noise at the moment of impact. The ferry immediately returned to its berth, where inspection revealed extensive damage to the aluminum hull requiring drydock repairs.

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• None reported.

Rescued

• All passengers and crew safely returned to port; no evacuation required.

The Express 5 requires drydock repairs and has been temporarily withdrawn from service. The operator's other fast ferry, Express 1, is also undergoing scheduled maintenance, leaving the Ronne–Ystad route without high-speed ferry service. Passengers are being accommodated on conventional ferries with extended travel times. This is the third such incident involving the Express 5 since it entered service in 2023.

The vessel remains out of service pending completion of drydock repairs to the starboard hull. The timeline for return to service has not been publicly announced. Conventional ferry services continue to operate on the affected route.