Holland Norway Lines has found a solution to the problems that have plagued its ferry service to Norway since its launch last spring, RTV Noord reports. The company runs a route between Eemshaven and Kristiansand, in southern Norway, three days a week. From mid-April, the connection to Norway will first shift to Cuxhaven, Germany, and from the beginning of June the ferry will sail from Emden.
Emden is located on the other side of the Ems and can be seen from Eemshaven on a clear day. Although it is only about 20 kilometers from the ferry’s current mooring place in Eemshaven, driving to Emden involves more than an hour’s detour.
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HNL suffered serious reputational losses due to frequent cancellations earlier this year, as well as the communication surrounding those cancellations. The criticism has somewhat subsided recently as many travelers appear to have found alternative ways to travel to Norway.
The launch of a new ferry service is an event of far-reaching significance, and Groningen Seaports (Eemshaven) has not put up a good enough fight to keep it, the broadcaster believes.
The city of Groningen, which missed the chance to become the number one destination for mini cruises, is probably the biggest loser here. Now all these tourists will probably travel to Emden, Bremen or Hamburg.
Holland Norway Lines may return one day to Eemshaven, RTV Noord says, but the city needs to invest more in developing better docking facilities if it wants to attract big shipping companies.
