There have been major calls to reinstate the much-loved DFDS ferry route connecting the UK with the Norwegian city of Bergen, nearly two decades after its closure.

The cherished DFDS ferry service between Tyneside and the Scandinavian port was axed in 2008. Yet the forthcoming introduction of direct flights from Newcastle to Bergen this year has sparked renewed calls for the sea link to be re-established.

The twin cities have enjoyed their special relationship since 1968, with Bergen traditionally gifting Newcastle a Christmas tree each year as a token of their friendship, although this practice has now ended on environmental grounds. While ferry operators deem reviving the service economically unfeasible, Newcastle City Council leader Karen Kilgour told colleagues on Wednesday that appetite remains strong for bringing the route back.

The Labour councillor told a full council meeting that she expected the Jet2 flights launching this April would “prove popular enough to allow the company to offer year-long flight options connecting our two great cities”, reports Chronicle Live.

Coun Kilgour said: “Not only will this assist our economic links through strategic sectors in offshore energy but also allow tourists to take advantage of city breaks. We would also love to see the return of the ferry, which stopped running in 2008. We know lots of people in both cities have fond memories of travelling by sea to visit both Newcastle and Bergen.

“And while at this point operators consider the route is not economically viable, we will continue to work with partners and our friends in Bergen to explore all ways of bringing it back. Bergen remains a strategic partner in our international work and we intend not only to maintain but to deepen that relationship in the months ahead.”

The potential revival of a ferry service appears to have been hindered by the need to build an expanded passport control facility at Bergen’s port should operations recommence.

Lib Dem councillor Greg Stone, a staunch advocate for the return of the ferry on a historic route dating back to 1890, remarked: “Warm words is one thing but we need to make it a reality. I know there are costs involved in doing that but I hope the council will continue that work, redouble that work, and work potentially with the mayor [Kim McGuinness] to look at what we can do to restore the physical ferry link.”

The prospect of the ferry route’s return has sparked joy among travellers, as one expressed on Facebook: “That would be great, I would be on that like a flash.” Another added: “An absolute necessity to get this route back again. Bergen/Stavanger – Newcastle.”

A third person commented: “Out of all the routes lost the return of the Bergen route would be the most successful. Bergen is a great place to visit and is also the gateway to the rest of Norway.” Another fondly recalled: “It used to go to Hamburg as well and I went there on DFDS with my nana and grandad to visit family when I was a kid.”

While one more shared: “I so hope so. Pity it may not go to Haugesund and Stavanger, but I can take Bergen. It would be amazing to have the ship back again, so we can connect again with beautiful Norway. My homeland, on my father’s side.”

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