The municipal committee visited the port of the future at Kongsgård –Vige

The inspection was led by Technical Director Harald J. Solvik at Kristiansand Port. He showed how the area on Kongsgård /Vige is being developed into a modern container terminal that will ensure efficient and future-oriented logistics for the region.

– This is a long-term move to ensure capacity and good logistics solutions for businesses in Southern Norway. At the same time, we are facilitating further urban development in the central port areas, said Solvik during the inspection.

Ports are taking on an increasingly important role

Arnt Einar Litsheim from Norske Havner gave a presentation on how the role of ports is changing in Europe.

– We need to think more long-term and forward-looking about Europe's ports. The port is an important tool for ships that will load and unload goods, but in the EU's new port strategy, the ports are given an expanded role. They will become strategic nodes, not only for trade, but also for energy, security and geopolitics, said Litsheim.

He pointed out that ports are also becoming increasingly important for security of supply, preparedness and military mobility.

This perspective is also raised in the work on the new National Transport Plan (2029–2040), where a more resilient transport sector is highlighted as a key goal. Transport infrastructure – including ports – is crucial for society to function in both normal situations and in crises.

"If Europe is to be competitive and robust, we must invest in port infrastructure. Therefore, it is important that we also invest in a future efficient and sustainable port in Kristiansand," said Litsheim.

Transport and logistics are the foundation of society

Gerdt Meyer from JAS Worldwide, which operates through JAS and Greenport in several Norwegian ports, emphasized the importance of modern ports for logistics and trade.

“Everything you wear, the coffee you drink, the bike in the garage, raw materials for factories and medicines for hospitals – all of this has to be transported. Then we are completely dependent on an efficient and modern port with long-term infrastructure for transporting cargo,” said Meyer.

He also pointed out that Norway is an elongated country with many small and medium-sized ports, and that the development of new port areas is necessary when central quay areas are used for urban development.

– It is natural that municipalities want urban development in central port areas. But then we must also build new ports with at least as good capacity, so that we are equipped for future industrial development.

Meyer believes Kristiansand has special potential.

– The port of Kristiansand is strategically located with a short distance to the continent. There is no reason why we should not be ambitious when developing new solutions in Kongsgård /Vige.

The port is crucial for industry

Representatives from the region's industry also spoke about how the port is crucial to their business.

Anne Mette Grimestad from Elkem said that logistics and transport are crucial to the company's operations. Elkem produces advanced materials based on silicon and carbon, among other things, which are used in everything from electronics and batteries to building materials and solar cells.

"We deliver products to customers all over the world, and we depend on precise and efficient logistics. Access to a modern and efficient port is therefore an important part of our competitiveness," said Grimestad.

Nils Gjelsten from Glencore Nikkelverk also pointed out how important the port is for industry in the region. The Nikkelverk accounts for around 21 percent of container traffic in the port of Kristiansand.

– A large part of our production is exported to customers all over the world. Metals such as nickel, copper and cobalt are important input factors in, among other things, batteries and other technology in the green shift. For us, it is crucial to have an efficient and competitive port with good capacity, said Gjelsten.

He also emphasized that the business is of great importance to the region.

– The nickel smelter has over 500 employees and creates significant ripple effects for the business community in Southern Norway. A modern port is therefore important for us to be able to maintain activity and competitiveness in the future.

The port and the city are developing together

During the visit, Mayor Mathias Bernander emphasized the importance of further developing both the city and the harbor.

– Kristiansand is an important port city, and the port plays a central role for both business and jobs in the region. With the development of Kongsgård /Vige we are facilitating a modern port that strengthens the region's competitiveness and at the same time provides good opportunities for urban development, said Bernander.

– I live on Søm myself and look forward to following the development further. It will be exciting to see the ships arriving by sea to the new harbor. Kristiansand has long maritime traditions, and this is an important part of the city's future.

Dialogue with neighbors

Port Director Atle Johannessen also briefed the municipal committee on how the Port of Kristiansand is working to be a good neighbor in the development of the new port area on Kongsgård –Vige.

He emphasized that both planning and development take place within strict requirements for the environment, noise and safety.

– We place great emphasis on the environment and sustainability in the development of the new terminal. Among other things, the cranes are electric, and environmental requirements are an important part of the tenders for the project. At the same time, we follow all statutory regulations for noise, the environment and construction along the sea, said Johannessen.

The port has also had close dialogue with neighbors and local charities throughout the process. Recently, the Port of Kristiansand invited contractors, technical experts and the port's own project managers to an information meeting in the city council chamber.

Here, neighbors had the opportunity to ask questions and receive information about progress, construction work, and measures related to noise and traffic.