The Harbor Director's Christmas greetings

As we now round off 2025 and look towards a new year, we do so with both pride and anticipation. In 2026, the Port Conference will be held for the 15th time, an important meeting place for everyone working with maritime transport, logistics, infrastructure and green value creation.

2025 has been a year of high activity, clear choices and important steps towards the port of the future. Together we have managed, developed and elevated a port that every single day, 24/7/365, helps keep the region and the country moving.

A year of growth and major milestones

The activity in our port districts has never been higher. With a total of 3,675 ship calls at the end of the second four-month period, we have had an increase of 15 percent compared to the previous year. Ships are also getting bigger and heavier, which is reflected in the total gross tonnage in our ports having grown to a total of 45.8 million tonnes, an increase of 6.5 percent.

In the Lindesnes port district, there has been high activity in bulk and project cargo, while Kristiansand remains the leader in containers, ferries and cruises. The cruise season started in January, and we have had calls throughout the year, making year-round tourism a real fact for Sørlandet. Both Color Line and Fjord Line have delivered stable calls, and the cooperation with the shipping companies has been crucial in maintaining a flow of traffic – also in the midst of the redevelopment of Gartnerløkka.

We have also entered into an important agreement with Glencore for the reception of rock masses, which provides circular economy benefits and lays the foundation for further port development. This, together with new regulations for port preparedness and strengthened cooperation with the Armed Forces and the Norwegian Coastal Administration, marks the year in which preparedness and a long-term perspective became even more clearly part of our daily operations.

Progress in major projects

2025 was the year we really accelerated the implementation of the long-term strategy. In December, we announced the competition for a new container terminal in Kongsgård /Vige and equally important: A tender will be given to a contractor for the reconstruction of Vige Havneveg before Christmas. This road is a critical piece of the infrastructure, and work will start in early 2026. We are pleased to announce that the fifth construction phase in Kanalbyen will be initiated in the first quarter of 2026, and we are pleased to see the activity and jobs growing in close proximity to the port.

Together with the container terminal, an infrastructure package is now being rolled out that both provides the region's business community with a modern and robust freight port and at the same time frees up areas close to the city center on Lagmannsholmen and Caledonien for urban development. Here we see how the port's investments contribute to value creation far beyond the quay area, both in the form of new urban development, more efficient flow of goods and strengthened competitiveness for the region's business community.

In parallel, the development of Strømsvika as a future industrial port, further expansion of the ferry terminal and strengthening of shore power capacity are underway. This year, the Port has also initiated work on ISO 45001 certification for HSE, which complements our existing ISO certifications within quality and the environment.

A tight budget – but a clear direction

We have presented a realistic and sober budget for 2026, with a focus on ensuring stable operations while simultaneously implementing the most necessary investments. Operations are maintained, but room for maneuver is limited, and there will be a need to use parts of the equity towards the end of the planning period, probably from 2027.

This makes it all the more important to succeed in realizing value and developing new revenue streams – both through land development, smarter operations and external project financing. The economic picture is demanding, but the course has been set, and we know what it takes to deliver on our social mission.

In the long term, new sources of income must be created and values ​​realized in the property portfolio, especially in the transformation areas. It is crucial that capital release and clear responsibilities between Kristiansand Havn IKS, KNAS and Kristiansand Municipality are clarified in time, so that the development work does not stop.

Thank you for your effort!

We are wrapping up 2025 with pride in all we have accomplished, and with our eyes fixed on the next steps. The Port has never been more central to the green shift, and we are more than ready to continue our work as a regional engine for sustainable transport and value creation.

Many thanks to all employees, partners, customers and colleagues who have contributed with effort, wisdom and enthusiasm throughout the year. We look forward to a new year with new challenges and new opportunities.

With wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,
Atle Johannessen
Port Director, Kristiansand Port IKS