Groningen delegation signs letter of intent for new ferry link to Norway

FerryRepresentatives of the Province of Groningen, the Municipality of Het Hogeland, Groningen Seaports, Njordic Ferry Lines, and Norwegian partners have signed a letter of intent for a possible new ferry connection between Eemshaven (Netherlands) and Arendal (Norway).

In the coming period, all parties will jointly explore the feasibility of establishing a connection from Eemshaven to Norway. The study will focus in particular on the economic opportunities and benefits for Groningen.

Another key element is ensuring and financing a permanent berth for the ferry, which is a prerequisite for moving ahead with the project. 12 September, a Groningen delegation visited the Norwegian city of Arendal to learn more about the opportunities and potential of the route. Earlier this year, a Norwegian delegation visited the Groningen region and Eemshaven.

A Netherlands-based company, Holland Norway Line, chartered the 2002-built cruise ferry ROMANTIKA (capacity: 2,500 passengers / 1,000 lanemetres) from Tallink in November 2021 to launch a new route between Eemshaven and Kristiansand (Norway).

The service commenced in April 2022. In June 2023, the continental port of call was changed to Emden, Germany. At the end of August 2023, Holland Norway Line announced that operations would be discontinued due to financial difficulties.

Sep 15 2025