The Saga Oseberg, a reconstructed Viking longship launched in 2012, has sailed into a storm over whether it should be classified as a passengership by the Norwegian authorities.
If so, it will have to be equipped with an engine able to power the ship at six knots in calm water.
Built by enthusiasts, the vessel undertakes pleasure and educational trips from its berth in Tonsberg.
Norwegian media report that the Norwegian Maritime Directorate (NMD) has not yet made a decision but is ready to engage in a dialogue with the foundation that owns the ship.
The foundation says safety is the top priority but that the regulations were not worked out with such boats in mind. Local politicians are pressing minister of trade and industry Monica Maeland to make an exception.
“The Saga Oseberg is really a big rowboat that was built using the same methods as 1,200 years ago," spokesman Ole Harald Flaten said. "We can’t ruin it by putting in a motor. We have comprehensive crew training and always have a support boat that can shove the vessel to get us out of difficulties if necessary.”
Pending a decision, the boat is staying put on the Tonsberg waterfront, with NOK 250,000 ($30,000) said to have been lost so far because of cancelled trips.
