Denmark’s largest ferry port ready to expand

PortWith approval from the Danish Transport Authority, Port of Hirtshals is moving into a new phase of its largest-ever project, “Expansion North.” Phase 1 has been put out to EU tender, with construction expected to begin in 2027. This phase includes extending the western breakwater at the port entrance and an option to widen the channel, improving navigation conditions, safety, and access for larger vessels.

The upgrades will benefit existing operators and allow the port to handle increased capacity, reinforcing its role as a key transport hub between the Nordic region and Europe. Port of Hirtshals is Denmark's largest ferry port measured by the number of individual ferry operators. The shipping companies Fjord Line, Color Line and Smyril Line connect the port to southern and western Norway as well as the Faroe Islands and Iceland. Construction is scheduled to start in 2027 and be completed by late 2029 or early 2030. The six RoPax (included one seasonal high-speed ferry) ferries and one RoRo vessel operating regularly at Port of Hirtshals transported a total of 2.4 million passengers, 764,000 cars, and 128,000 trucks in 2025.

apr 30 2026