Tuesday, July 1, 2025 - 09:43 by ce-press
Stranda Port Authority KF (SPA) is establishing an innovative and environmentally-focused fjord network connecting the villages in the World Heritage fjord.
New quay and charging infrastructure are being constructed in the villages of Geiranger, Hellesylt, and Stranda during this spring and summer.
In recent years, SPA has been working to develop and finance land-based infrastructure that meets the new environmental requirements while also facilitating sustainable growth in the tourism industry. “Tourism is crucial for the local economy and is essential for ensuring year-round residency in the World Heritage villages,” explains Rita Berstad Maraak, port director SPA.
Throughout the year, new floating quays will be established in Geiranger, Hellesylt, and Stranda at a cost to SPA of NOK60 million (€5 million). Geiranger Brygge will replace the current public quay and private marina. Hellesylt Brygge will be established based on Hellesylt quay, while Stranda Brygge will be established at Stranda quay.
All these quays will be universally designed. Additionally, the floating quay in Geiranger will feature charging infrastructure for boats carrying up to 400 passengers by 2026, along with electricity supply to the ferry quay. The NOK50-60 million investment will be made by SPA (infrastructure) and PLUG (power). Local company Linja is the energy provider.
“These solutions will enhance the visual and aesthetic expression of all quays, and reduce noise, litter, and other negative environmental impacts. The new fjord network will not conflict with existing traffic, either on land or water, and there will be no need for new parking spaces,” says Maraak.
In addition, the new quay in Geiranger will function as a wave breaker, allowing for the re-establishment of a visitor harbour on the inside. This will also make use of the charging and sanitation facilities at the floating quay, making Geiranger a unique and sustainable visit port.
As part of the environmental initiative, SPA will test a newly-developed system, The Aquapod, which cleans the seawater of plastic and oil film in the harbour area. “Overall, this means that SPA will have the most forward-looking and environmentally-friendly fjord network in Norway, and likely in the world,” said Maraak.
SPA has carried out the ‘Green Quay’ project in close collaboration with the business community, NTNU, Stranda municipality, and More og Romsdal County Municipality.
The introduction of new environmental standards in the World Heritage area has led the port authority to plan this future-oriented fjord network over time. Maarak said: “Already this year, several of the current cruiseships will not be able to sail into the World Heritage area.
“Experience from 2024 indicates that many ships will then go to nearby ports and send passengers by bus into the World Heritage area. SPA aims to transfer this traffic to smaller passenger vessels that meet the environmental standards.
She explained however that: “We can allow calls from all cruiseships that meet TIER III requirements. We accept cruiseships with up to 6,000 passengers. The largest ships calling today are MSC Euribia and Iona. The number of calls in 2025 is 147 [348,099 passengers]. Calls in 2024 were 176 [498,526]. In 2026 we have 133 calls.”
Looking to 2026 and a requirement for zero emissions for passenger boats and ferries under 10,000gt, the establishment of both the Fjord Network and quay and charging infrastructure for vessels that need to transition to zero emissions is crucial to the port’s future.
