In January 2026, Newcastle council in the UK expressed intentions to revive a direct ferry service to Bergen, Norway, which had been discontinued for 18 years. The ferry route was halted on September 1, 2008 by DFDS due to financial challenges stemming from rising oil prices. Karen Kilgour, the leader of the Newcastle council, mentioned the council's commitment to exploring various options to bring the ferry back after years of a crucial link between these two cities was lost. The historical relationship between Newcastle and Bergen has been significant, with formal twinning in place for nearly 58 years, alongside shared cultural ties in fishing, shipbuilding, and other industries. Advocates like Lib Dem councillor Greg Stone emphasized the need for action beyond just discussions and made a call for substantial efforts to make the ferry service feasible again. Additionally, a Jet2 trial for direct flights between the two cities is set to begin in April, signaling growing interest in strengthening the connections between Newcastle and Bergen.