In response to the recent challenges regarding permanent berths in Eemshaven, Holland Norway Lines has been working intensively to find alternative ports that provide regularity and predictability for travelers to Norway, thus guaranteeing sailings again.

“The challenges in Eemshaven forced us to look for alternatives. We are very happy to have a solution that we can deploy from April,” says Morten Aggvin, CEO of Holland Norway Lines. From approximately mid-April, the company will operate from Cuxhaven, Germany. HNL has also signed a letter of intent with AG Ems and Niedersachsen port for a re-location to Emden, with the ambition to start sailings from Emden as of 1 June. HNL is currently working together with local authorities to finalize arrangements for ISPS, customs and traffic arrangements, as well as operational details.

“The majority of our passengers are looking for the most efficient route from Northern Europe to Norway – or vice versa – with direct access to Norway’s Fjord region. Emden is ideally located with its proximity to both the Dutch and German market, and for our Dutch passengers, Emden only represents a marginally longer driving distance compared to Eemshaven. We are also very satisfied with finding a solution that allows us to continue developing the Province of Groningen as a tourist destination” says Aggvin.

“We feel warmly welcomed by all partners the Port of Niedersachsen, AG Ems, Cuxport, City of Cuxhaven and not the least, the City of Emden. In less than a year, Holland Norway Lines has become a major commercial success, and we are very pleased that we can now fully focus on developing the company and the passenger experience further.

The Lord Mayor of the city of Emden, Tim Kruithoff, explains: “The city of Emden is very happy to be able to offer an innovative shipping company such as Holland Norway Lines a new home port. Emden, with its perfect transport connections and the large cultural offer, is the optimal departure and arrival port for the ferry line to Norway.” “And we are pleased that it is possible to keep this interesting traffic on the Ems permanently”, adds Dr. Bernhard Brons, CEO of AG Ems.

Aggvin is pleased to see that passengers have confidence in the shipping company, which is reflected in the booking figures.

“We have seen a tremendous increase in our booking level compared to the same time last year, and with a re-location to Emden we are certain that this development will continue” said Aggvin.

Before Holland Norway Lines starts sailing from Cuxhaven, there is still risk for cancellations, but HNL is working hard with alternatives also for this period and will keep passengers and other parties informed of any development to the schedule for the coming few weeks.

Aggvin added: “Holland Norway Lines has a clear ambition to provide our passengers with a unique travel experience and sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience caused by the recent irregularities. As a token of appreciation for all the patience and understanding of our passengers affected by the cancellations, we would like to offer a voucher for a free mini cruise, as well as a 25% discount for one car booking.”