Discussions are underway for a new ferry service between Eemshaven and Norway, according to Deputy Henk Emmens (BBB) in response to questions from GroenLinks in the Provincial States.
In September 2023, the Holland Norway Lines ferry service to Norway went bankrupt, ending the route between Eemshaven and Kristiansand, Norway.
Second chance for Eemshaven-Norway ferry route
Despite the previous ferry service’s demise, there is now renewed interest in a connection. The province is in talks with Groningen Seaports and an entrepreneur who wants to revive the ferry service. Emmens declined to reveal the identity of the entrepreneur. Additionally, according to Emmens, talks are also underway with ‘a port’ in Norway, making it unclear whether it will again be Kristiansand.
“At this stage, we cannot make any further statements about which port and which company,” said Emmens. “We can say that we are holding talks because the connection with Norway offers opportunities for trade and tourism.” He also said that lessons have been learned from the previous ferry service.
Smoother docking and faster loading: Lessons learned from mooring mishaps
For instance, mooring facilities need to be better organized. Moreover, a future ship must also be able to dock without tugs in wind force five or higher: this was not the case with the previous ferry service.
The docking location for the ferry must also be reconsidered, with a location that offers more space being sought. “Where they can moor more easily and load and unload more quickly. So that less time is needed on the quayside and you can work more effectively. There must also be more space for freight traffic.” Freight traffic is the basis for a good ferry connection, according to Emmens. The previous shipping company, Holland Norway Lines, had plans to operate a second ship specifically for freight traffic, but this never came to fruition.
Courting Norwegian visitors
In addition, there will also be extra attention to attracting Norwegian tourists to the Netherlands. GroenLinks provincial councillor Hendri Meendering wondered whether other destinations are also being considered in the current talks. “In the past, Scotland was also considered. Are combinations also being looked at?”
The deputy, in light of the current negotiations, did not want to go into that question.