Arendal Port is taking a major step towards establishing the transport system of the future with a new planned international ferry route from Eydehavn to Eemshaven in 2027. This ambitious initiative aims to strengthen the region’s business sector, create more jobs, and contribute to increased value creation and sustainability.
The terminal at Eydehavn is undergoing extensive investments. The goal is clear: to transform the port area into an efficient, multifunctional hub for all types of cargo and passenger transport. Work on a new Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) ramp is currently underway and is expected to be completed by 2025. This infrastructure will be crucial for handling self-propelled rolling stock, including freight goods on trailers and passenger cars, efficiently and sustainably.
Daily Departures Between Norway and the Netherlands
With a planned direct ferry route from Eydehavn to Eemshaven, new opportunities open up for both businesses and residents. The Netherlands is a natural choice as a destination port, as the country serves as a gateway to the European market. Factors such as travel time, lower costs, and higher permitted axle weight in the Netherlands compared to Germany make this route economically advantageous for freight transport from all over Southern Norway. At the same time, passenger transport will strengthen Southern Norway’s tourism industry across a larger region, including Agder, Telemark, and Rogaland.
Njordic Ferries B.V. is working closely with Arendal Port to realize the project. A letter of intent between the parties was signed in January 2024, and the project has since made significant progress. Representatives from Njordic Ferries will be in Norway in February 2025 to meet with local stakeholders and present the project’s status to politicians, cargo owners, the tourism industry, and other interested parties.
A New, Efficient Corridor in Norway’s Green Transport Strategy
Norway has national goals to shift more cargo transport from roads to sea and rail, and this ferry route aligns with those ambitions. Additionally, reports from the Green Shipping Program and others indicate that direct maritime connections between Southern Norway and Europe can significantly reduce emissions while increasing the competitiveness of Norwegian businesses.
Arendal Port plans to utilize available land at Eydehavn for vehicle parking, customs services, and other necessary infrastructure. This will not only attract cargo operators and passengers but also ensure the smooth operation of ferry traffic. Moreover, the project will require the construction of a new road connecting the port to the E18 highway, further improving accessibility.
Increased Value Creation and Jobs
Arendal Port is a key driver of value creation and job opportunities in the region, as well as a strong partner for the business sector. The establishment of this ferry route is expected to result in a significant increase in both cargo and passenger traffic.
Eyde Material Park is located near the port at Eydehavn. The new ferry route, combined with access to significant power supply from 2027, makes both this industrial area and the surrounding region highly attractive for energy-intensive and logistics-intensive industries, as well as smaller businesses.
A permanent ferry route will not only create jobs related to port operations but also drive growth in businesses that will benefit from the connection to the continent. This includes both export and import companies, as well as players in the tourism industry.
Daily Departures and Arrivals
The ferry route is planned to operate with two ferries and daily departures, set to begin service in 2027. Njordic Ferries is well underway in securing financing for the vessels, staffing, and technical operations. The business plan has been independently assessed by a third party, with highly positive conclusions.
Port of Arendal is our preferred choice of port in Southern Norway. Ideally situated on the southern coast. We are here to stay and will operate out of Arendal in the long term.
This is an exciting development for Arendal and the region, but it will also be attractive for freight transport from other parts of the country. After an 18-hour crossing, travelers will arrive in the heart of Central Europe, bypassing the heavily congested areas of Denmark and Germany. A direct maritime connection to Europe marks a new era for logistics, business, and sustainability. The efforts of the Arendal Port Authority to realize this project send a clear signal that Arendal Port is investing in the future—for the region’s businesses and residents.
The goal is clear: a competitive and sustainable green transport corridor between Southern Norway and Europe.