Port of Kristiansand - Southern Norway's bridge to Europe
2. February 2021
With its geographical location, the Port of Kristiansand has a unique national location in relation to the continent and the most important markets. This provides opportunities for sailing routes that improve environmental considerations and thus strengthen the port's competitiveness and growth potential. Increased focus on innovative solutions and sustainable development characterizes the Port of Kristiansand.
The Port of Kristiansand is strategically located at the southern tip of Norway. Geographically, it is the port in Norway that is closest to the market in mainland Europe, the UK, Scandinavia and the Baltic States. This gives the port a unique competitive advantage. Kristiansand city center is in the immediate vicinity, and the port is a preferred destination for ships.
The port also has direct links to the main road system, with connections to Oslo (E18), Stavanger (E39) and Bergen (RV9). Regulatory work is currently underway for the new E39, Fergeterminalen and Lagmannsholmen. We are one of Norway's most important ports and occupy a central position in the national transport network. The Port of Kristiansand also plays a key role as a regional development player and facilitator for business and industry.
GANGBRO: The elements have already been transported from the port, up Otra and into place on the bridge.
With its geographical location and proximity to the continent, Kristiansand and the Port of Kristiansand are a hub and a bridge to Europe. Not only for passengers traveling with Color Line and Fjord Line to Denmark, but also for goods and businesses in the region.
Last week, the building elements that will be used for the new pedestrian and bicycle bridge over Otra arrived by "SuperSpeed" from Hirtshals. They were then transported from the port of Kristiansand up Otra by barge, before being placed on the new bridge.
This is not the first time that special cargo from Europe has arrived at the Port of Kristiansand. In the transition from 2017 to 2018, 21 railway wagons were unloaded at the port on behalf of Bane Nor. The rail wagons were loaded on board the ship in Cuxhaven in Germany and transported to Kristiansand.
POWER CARS: Railway wagons are unloaded at the Port of Kristiansand (Archive photo: Port of Kristiansand)
Environmentally friendly sea transport
Maritime transport is identified as a contribution to a more environmentally friendly transport sector, and efforts are being made both nationally and internationally to move even more freight from road to sea and rail by 2030. If we manage to move more goods from road to sea, the environmental benefits will be great. And with the Port of Kristiansand's geographical position, it is only the will that is lacking now. A transfer of 5 million tons of freight from road to sea is estimated to reduce CO2 emissions by 300,000 tons per year. This would replace up to 300,000 long-distance truck transports annually.
Many companies have already seen the benefits of moving goods from road to sea and using the Port of Kristiansand. It is not only large elements that are used for building projects, such as the new bridge over Otra, which runs via the Port of Kristiansand. From our quays, everything from raw materials used in medicines and bottled water to acid and nickel is shipped out to Europe and the world. Many of these goods would probably have been transported by truck had it not been for the port's unique position.
