Eemshaven–Arendal: New Ferry Service to Norway Is One Step Closer
Plans for a new ferry service between Eemshaven in the Netherlands and Arendal in Norway are continuing to take shape. After initial details about the planned route were announced earlier this year, another important milestone has now been reached: Funding for a new ferry terminal in Eemshaven has been secured.
Even though the connection has not yet been finalized, this significantly improves the project’s starting point.
New port infrastructure creates an important prerequisite
To make a regular Ro-Pax ferry service for passengers and cargo possible at all, the Port of Eemshaven needs a new pier with modern infrastructure.
Funding for this very project has now been confirmed. Plans include new berths, a Ro-Ro ramp, a passenger terminal with customs clearance facilities, parking areas, and zones for truck traffic.
This investment will lay the groundwork for one of the most important prerequisites for the planned ferry service.
Njordic Ferry Lines Plans Daily Service
The Dutch shipping company Njordic Ferry Lines is behind the project. It plans to offer a daily service from Eemshaven to Arendal starting in 2027, or upon completion of the port facilities.
The crossing is expected to take about 18 hours. The plan is to use two modern RoPax Ferries with capacity for about 1,200 passengers, approximately 300 vehicles, and about 2,000 linear meters of cargo.
This would reestablish a direct ferry connection between the Netherlands and Norway for the first time since the bankruptcy of Holland Norway Line.
Alternatives to the routes through Denmark
The new route is not only intended to offer vacationers an attractive alternative. It could also be of interest to freight forwarders.
The direct connection to southern Norway eliminates the need to travel many kilometers by road through Denmark and northern Germany. This saves time and can make transportation more efficient.
Norway, too, aims to shift more freight from the roads to ships and trains. The planned route would support this effort.
The project is still in the planning phase
Although funding for the new ferry terminal has been secured, it is not yet clear when the first Ferry will actually set sail.
The port infrastructure is only one part of the overall project. Before operations can begin, several other tasks must be completed, including securing financing for the ships, obtaining permits, and taking other organizational steps.
However, Njordic Ferry Lines remains optimistic and is working with the ports of Eemshaven and Arendal to implement the plan.
Investments are also being made on the Norwegian side
Preparations are underway not only in the Netherlands. A new RoRo ramp has been under construction since 2025 at the Norwegian port of Eydehavn near Arendal. In addition, parking areas, customs facilities, and other infrastructure are being built.
The goal is to ensure that both ports are optimally prepared for future ferry operations.
For more information, visit ferry-guide.com
You can find more information about the planned route and the latest developments at ferry-guide.com:
