Friday, August 1, 2014 - 09:35 by ce-press
Arendal is built on seven small islands on the southern Norwegian coast one hour’s sailing from the main sailing route in the Skagerak. There are two well-protected deepwater quays able to accommodate ships up to 280m in length.
Batterikaien has a length of 110m and a depth of 20m while Hotellbryggen is 80m in length, also with 20m depth. There are no air draught restrictions. There is also anchorage available and ship’s tenders are allowed. The maximum number of ships that can call a day is two.
Shore power is available. From next year high voltage 6000V 5MVA will be available. Also fresh water and bunkers via truck are available. Wastewater can be handled at the Eydehavn terminal and there are waste disposal facilities.
In its heyday there were about 14 calls a year but in 2008 the commercial port moved outside Arendal to Eydehavn and the focus shifted away from the cruise business. That year there was just one call, in 2009 six, 2010 one and in 2011 none. In 2012 three were made and in 2013 six. The aim in the next five years is to get 15 to 20 calls, according to Gordon Fuglestad, assisting harbour master.
For this year four calls are booked and for next seven when Artania calls three times and Sea Cloud II, Seabourn Quest, Amadea and Albatros all call once. In 2016 Crystal Symphony will be calling on June 10.
About E1m has been spent on developing the port area with new buildings, roads and parking spaces created. The port has a policy of only charging for those services used, eliminating quay, passenger and cargo dues.
The quays are in the middle of the 16th century town and about 50m from the shopping area. Arendal City Hall is one of the largest wooden houses in northern Europe. Shore excursions on offer include a historical walking tour of the city; a boat trip of the archipelago including viewing the lighthouses Store Torungen and Lille Torungen; exploring the river Nidelv complete with rapids; visiting Grimstad, home of Henrik Ibsen and Knut Hamsun; kayaking; and visiting the 17th century Naes Ironworks Museum which were closed down in 1959. Golf and river fishing can also be arranged.
