Fartøy

Fartøy is a Norwegian term meaning a vessel or watercraft of any size designed for navigation on water. It is used in both everyday language and formal contexts to denote boats, ships, ferries, barges, submarines and other floating craft. In English, the closest equivalents are "vessel" or "watercraft."

In maritime practice and law, fartøy is a general classification that covers any buoyant craft capable of navigation, irrespective of propulsion or purpose. Distinctions between fartøy and related terms such as skip (ship) or båt (boat) depend on context, size, and traditional usage; skip often denotes larger seagoing ships, while båt refers to smaller craft. Official registries and safety regulations apply to fartøy according to tonnage, use (commercial or recreational), and construction standards.

Typical components and systems of a fartøy include hull, propulsion, steering, navigation equipment and safety apparatus. Classification societies, flag states and port authorities oversee inspections, certifications and compliance with international conventions such as SOLAS and MARPOL where applicable.

Beyond technical and legal meanings, fartøy appears in cultural and historical contexts describing traditional Norwegian craft, coastal trading vessels and fishing boats that have played roles in maritime heritage. The term remains central to maritime administration, safety regulation and everyday description of waterborne transport in Norway and other Norwegian-language communities.