171 NORTHERN EUROPE: REPORT Norwegian cruise ports are building new infrastructure, implementing shore power and diversifying excursion portfolios. Rebecca Gibson reports Ports and destinations in the Cruise Norway and Cruise Northern Norway and Svalbard networks are making enhancements to improve the onshore experience for visitors in 2025 and beyond. A primary investment for many ports is shore power, particularly for those affected by the Norwegian government’s new requirements for passenger vessels under 10,000gt to operate emission-free when sailing in Norway’s five Unesco World Heritage fjords – Aurlandsfjord, Geirangerfjord, Nærøyfjord, Sunnylvsfjord and Tafjord – from 1 January 2026 onwards. The rule will become mandatory for larger ships from 1 January 2032 and vessels will also be obliged to use shore power when calling at ports in these fjords. Flåm Port has secured parliamentary funding to make shore power available to cruise ships from 2027. The port will begin extending its cruise pier from 120 metres to 195 metres in October 2025, allowing it to accommodate ships over 300 metres when complete in 2026. In 2026, the Port of Kristiansand will mandate the use of shore power for cruise ships and will also relocate the container port away from the city centre, freeing up an area for waterside development. The port is considering the feasibility of extending the cruise pier too. Tromsø will offer shore power connectivity at both its city centre and Breivika cruise piers by 2027. It will add modern fenders and a concrete skirt to a 310-metre stretch of its main pier in 2025, making it easier for cruise lines to carry out maintenance work, refuel or restock their vessels. The port hopes to increase turnaround operations, which will be helped by local hotels increasing their capacity and airlines adding extra direct flights to international airports in 2025. Oslo will provide shore power at both cruise quays by the end of 2025 and is working to spread calls throughout the year to minimise overcrowding and reduce the environmental impact of ships. Visit Oslo and the port are encouraging cruise lines to use local resources, such as bicycles and tour What’s new in Norway? Photo: Torild Moland/TravelStock Flåm Railway, which runs from the end of Aurlandsfjord to the mountains at Myrdal, is one of the most popular attractions in Norway
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=