The Scandinavian origins of a pioneering shipyard
Born in the heart of the 1960s, at the height of the composite materials revolution, the Fjord shipyard has established itself as one of Europe's pioneers in fiberglass yachts. Founded in Arendal, Norway, by industrialist Alf Richard Bjerke, the Fjord Plast shipyard was founded in 1960 with the ambition of exploiting the emerging potential of polyester in boatbuilding.
From the very first models, notably the highly acclaimed Fjordling 17 launched in 1962, the company made its mark. Designed by architect Jan Herman Linge, it became emblematic of Norwegian efficiency: a small, stable, planing hull, capable of astonishing performance with a reasonable engine, and already with sober, functional lines. Over two thousand units were produced.
Rapid expansion in the 1970s
In the 1970s, the Norwegian brand expanded rapidly. It became one of Northern Europe's leading builders of fiberglass boats, with a growing range of weekenders, cabin cruisers, RIB models, and even some more ambitious motor yachts like the Fjord Dolphin.
The brand employs up to 700 people, exports throughout Europe and is even setting up a production site in the Philippines. This impressive growth is based not only on remarkable industrial expertise, but also on a clear aesthetic identity: reliable, practical hulls, well suited to sailing in Norwegian waters.
The stylistic turn of the Terne series
In the late 1980s, Fjord began a stylistic shift with the launch of the Terne series. These boats, inspired by the lines of classic Scandinavian wooden runabouts, are designed in composite, with low sides, enlarged side windows and open layouts geared towards coastal cruising. The Terne models appeal to a more upscale clientele, looking for discretion and elegance. Despite the quality of this range, the shipyard, like many other European players, suffered from the industrial changes in the sector at the end of the 20th century.
The HanseYachts takeover: a strategic and stylistic turning point
The major turning point came in 2006, when the Fjord brand was acquired by the German HanseYachts AG group. Far from diluting the brand's Norwegian identity, the takeover relaunched it in a new light. The following year saw the launch of the Fjord 40 Open, a striking design by Patrick Banfield. The boat was a radical departure from the aesthetics of the time: vertical bow, no-frills panoramic windshield, taut lines, fully open central cockpit, oversized aft platform. This model won the "European Powerboat of the Year" award in 2008.
It ushered in a new era of minimalist, functional design, directly inspired by the world of superyachts but adapted to mid-size units. This strong stylistic repositioning would become the signature of the Fjord brand in subsequent years. The industrial support of the HanseYachts group enabled Fjord to benefit from modern production lines and an international distribution network, while preserving its semi-artisanal approach to certain finishes.
A coherent, stylish and modular range for today's market
Today, the Fjord catalog offers a coherent and instantly recognizable range, from 38 to over 53 feet. Flagship models include the Fjord 38 Open, the 41 XL and the Fjord 53 XL. These boats share the same DNA: vertical bows, flush decks, angular superstructures, large sunbathing areas, modular cockpits and vast aft platforms. The engines are based exclusively on Volvo Penta inboard blocks with stern-drive or IPS transmissions, guaranteeing performance, comfort and maneuverability. The interior design, bright and uncluttered, favors noble materials and spacious living spaces.
The brand has been a commercial success, particularly in the Mediterranean, where it is attracting customers looking for powerful, well-built dayboats that stand out from the crowd. Modularity is also a strong point, with the possibility of offering a wide range of layouts, both on deck and inside.
