MF Bastø (1949)

Alpha had taken order of MF Bastø II, its first proper roro ferry with aft and stern loading of road vehicles, and which was used on the Moss–Horten route.^[2] They were quite happy with the design, so they ordered a sister ship with almost the same specifications, only with a slightly larger lounge and more efficient use of the car deck.^[3]

By 1946, traffic had doubled compared to 1939, and increased capacity was needed between Moss and Horten. Alpha ordered a new ship in January 1947^[3] from Moss Værft & Dokk which cost 3,170,000 kroner. She entered service on 24 July 1949, before she was completely furnished, on the Moss–Horten route.^[1]

The Royal Norwegian Navy was interested in having access to ships available to do minelaying of the Oslofjord. Bastø was there built minelaying facilities. She was leased to the navy in October 1949 for minelaying tests for a week, and again for a month in May and June 1952 and for a few days in 1959.^[1]

A further fleet expansion began in 1956, with the delivery of what would become four sister ships, which would make Bastø redunant. A new Bastø I was delivered in 1956. To free up the name, the old Bastø was renamed Bastø III. The three ships were all used during the summer peak season, while only two were used in the off-season, leaving one in reserve and allowed them to rotate through scheduled maintenance.^[4]

A new Bastø II was delivered in 1961, followed by MF Bastø IV in 1964, and a new MF Bastø III in 1968. To free up the name, the old Bastø III was named Beta. With four ferries in use, Alpha no longer had any need for Beta, and put her up for sale.^[1]

The ship was sold to Investor AS of Moss for 350.000 kroner on 27 May 1969. They named her Marina on 14 June 1969 and towed her to Havna Hotell in Tjøme for use as a restaurant ship. Later that year she was towed to Grand Hotel in Skien, where she was also used as a restaurant ship. On 17 December, Marina caught on fire while docked at Fiskeslepet Quay. She was filled with water during the fire fighting operation, and capsized. She was salvaged, but condemned.^[1]

The wreckage was sold to Birger Svendsen & Sønner of Fredrikstad on 18 February 1970 for 200.000 kroner. They stripped her down and converted her to a barge and named her Anna II. She capsized again on 20 July 1972, with 450 tonnes of steel plates on board. She floated up and was later salvaged, and then renamed Sapo III.^[1]

The barge was then sold to Scan Barge AS Offshore Services of Stavanger. They sold the barge onwards to Fekete & Co AS of Tønsberg in 1980, who renamed her Balaia the following year. She was sold abroad in 1993.^[1]

• Ryggvik, Helge; Søilen, Espen (1992). Bastøfergen: Fra damplekter til brikke i pengespillet (in Norwegian). Sandefjord: Gokstad.