Njordic Ferry Line is planning to resume a ferry connection from Eemshaven to Norway. The destination port will be Arendal from 2027.
The ferry connection from Eemshaven to Kristiansand in Norway under the direction of Holland Norway Line lasted less than two years. A brilliant start in summer 2022 was followed by disillusionment in 2023 and the end.
If the ferry line Njordic Ferry Lines, newly founded by three Dutch companies, has its way, it has learned from the insolvency of Holland Norway Lines and is planning a new start from Eemshaven to Norway from 2027. Daily departures and two ships are planned on this route.
According to Edwin van der Stam, CEO of Njordic Ferry Lines, contracts have already been signed with the Norwegian port of Arendal. The former destination port of Kristiansand is no longer available. Arendal, with a population of around 35,000, is about an hour’s drive to the north.
“We believe that we can offer an excellent destination for both freight transport and tourists from the Netherlands,” Rune Hvass from the port in Arendal told the Dutch media. One advantage is the shorter distances to Oslo and the Norwegian ski resorts.
For the Port of Arendal, the establishment of the route entails considerable investment. A new RoRo ramp is currently being built at the jetty in Eydehavn, around 10 km north of the center of Arendal, and is due to be completed this year. Parking areas and customs services also need to be created.
To date, the Norwegian port has mainly been used for handling bulk goods. There are also plans for a new road link between the port and the E18 highway.
According to Njordic Ferry Lines, it is in the final stages of planning and financing for the corresponding ship capacity. The ideal ferry would have a capacity for 1,200 passengers and 300 cars as well as around 2,000 loading meters for freight customers. (CE)
