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History of the port

  • 2010s:
    New perspectives and the port's role is renewed
    In the 00s, Port of Hirtshals constantly worked on the development of the organization so that it matched the requirements and perspectives that stood out for the port. In 2012, the port strengthened its day-to-day management with the establishment of an executive board with a managing director and deputy director, which collectively strengthened the port's internal innovation and business development. In order to make the port as dynamic and efficient as possible, the middle management layer was dismantled, while responsibility was largely delegated to co-managing groups
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    2010s:

    New perspectives and the port's role is renewed

    As early as 2012, Hirtshals Transport Center showed such clear growth that the port was able to withdraw from the center to refocus resources on the development of port activities. 

    2011 was the year when the port, together with a number of companies at the port, entered a completely new market, namely the offshore market. Maersk Drillings jack up rig "Maersk Guardian" is in the port for 94 days for a life extension and main renovation, which is progessing so satisfactorily that the sister rig "Mærsk Giant" is in the port the following year for a similar renovation and life extension.

    Again in 2015 and 2016, two jack up residential rigs were laid out in the port. 

    In 2012, the port strengthened its day-to-day management with the establishment of an executive board with a managing director and deputy director, which strengthened the port as dynamically and efficiently as possible, the middle management layer was dismantled, while responsibility was delegated to a large extent to co-directors in groups. 

    From the mid-10s, the port began to redefine its position from being a port to being an intermodal logistics center. 

    Emphasis was placed on development and communication, therefore communication and development employees were hired to help bring the port into the new IT-driven future and to help position the port as the logical intermodal logistics center in Scandinavia both for freight transport and fish.

    A decisive step towards the position as an intermodal logistics center was taken by Port of Hirtshals on 25 June 2015, when the contractors handed over the combi terminal at the port. The port thus had the infrastructure to handle sea transport, road transport and rail transport. Although the port now had a terminal to handle rail freight, work is still ongoing to establish regular traffic at the terminal.

    In the mid-10s the port had more than 60 ferry calls per week and on Tuesday 16 Februrary 2016 the port took a significant step into a new league when the Luxembourg-based shipping company CLdN established a ro/ro route between Zeebrugge, Hirtshals and Göteborg.

    In 2015-2017, the port completed its largest single investment to date with a land expansion of 250,000 m2 east of the former port area. The land expansion opened up the establishment of growing business activity and improved and made the infrastructure for the North Sea Terminal more efficient.

    In the fishing area, initiatives were taken for collaborations to strengthen the fishing sector's market position in the increasingly strong European competition within fish and fish products. In the autumn of 2016 the cooperation cluster "Nordfisk" saw the light of day, and here the fishing clusters in Strandby, Skagen and Hirtshals collaborated with a view to giving Vendsyssel a special position in Europe.

    Maersk Guardian 2011Maersk Guardian 2011

    Although fishing only accounted for around 10% of the port's turnover towards the end of the 1990s, the port continued to focus on fish as one of the port's core business areas and continued to allocate resources to development for the modernization of fishing facilities. In 2018-2019, in collaboration with Hirtshals Fishing Association, the port built a hall for box washing, which is an extension of FishTerminal Hirtshals. Hirtshals Fishing Association established the washing facility, and a total of up to 30 million was invested. NOK in the upgrading of the framework for dermersal fishing.

    After a long study of the optimal conditions for new thinking and innovation in the Norwegian salmon industry, Norwegian Hav Line decided to built the world's first salmon terminal in Port of Hirtshals, as Hirtshals provides an optimal geographical framework for logistics/logical and transport of salmon between the Norwegian salmon farms and industry and markets on the European continent. With the slaugther ship "Norwegian Gannet" the salmon is soaked and cleaned on the trip from Norway to Hirtshals, and at the terminal in Hirtshals the salmon is sorted and packed. The new innovative concept means that the fresh salmon can be on the market 43 hours faster than is traditionally the case. 

    Fire færger i havn 2010Four ferries in port 2010

    In 2017, the port decided to open parts of Vesthavnen and Havnegade to the citizens of Hirtshals and tourists. With an absolute prioritization of the business at the port and in respect of the role of fishing as a supporting factor, a promenade and places to stay were established for the people who want to experience the unique intersection between port, vity and nature in Hirtshals.

    In relation to the modernizations in Havnegade and the establishment of a modern and efficient framework for fishing, the port demolished a number of old and disused cold stores and workshops to- make room for cafes and liberal businesses between the city and the port basins.

    In 2018, Port of Hirtshals decided to support the realization of the UN's 17 Global Goals, which must create sustainability and make the world a better place to live. The port identified 9 of the global goals as directly related to the port's efforts. 

    In 2019, four wind turbines, after several years of preparation and planning, were erected on the land extension that the port established in  2015-2018. The turbines are the first in Denmark to be erected without state subsidies, and thus the wind turbines are operated on a purely commerical basis.

    Towards the end of the 1990s, the development of Port of Hirtshals is increasingly prioritized by the integration of the innovation department as well as communication and marketing, as the close interaction provides new and innovative perspectives and business opportunities. Correspondingly, the port prioritizes the building of knowledge and develops networks in these years based on a mindset that co-creation will control the business and the growth opportunities.

  • 2000s:
    New strategic investments and change from port operation to business development
    From the mid-00s and into the early 10s, the port's perspective shifted as part of a strategic process and with the formulation of new visions for the port from port operations and towards business development. With this, the Port of Hirtshals set new dimensions in port operations and at the same time set an agenda for the development of the port as a business area. Furthermore, the port strengthened its European focus, in order to create activity locally with the outward-looking perspective.
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    2000s:

    New strategic investments and change from port operation to business development

    One of the more defining events for Port of Hirtshals took place on 1 January 2001, when Hirtshals Municipality took over Port of Hirtshals from the Danish State for a purchase price of DKK 115 million DKK.

    With the local anchoring, the basis was created to develop and implement new visions for Port of Hirtshals as a modern company based on the potential that the port's unique geography provided, and in close interaction with the companies in and around the port.

    The local anchoring of the port and the appointment of an active board of directors, as well as finally the changed financial conditions for the port, meant that the port had been given completely different opportunities to act in the future and initiate strategic measures. Thus, since 1 January 2001, the Port of Hirtshals has had the opportunity to focus on the development of the activities in the port's area.

    In connection with the handover of the port, the port's east pier was moved to make way for the establishment of a flushing field for depositing port sediment. The sluice field covered 55,000 m², and as the sluice field was floated up with sediment from the port basins and covered with sand, the areas were put to use for staging areas and commercial purposes. The development of the business areas and the growth in freight traffic at the NordsøTerminal happened continuously, as the pressure from the users was balanced with the implementation of investments in new infrastructure.

    When the port was sold, it was agreed that navigational safety at the port should be increased. Investigations were therefore carried out into the safety of navigating the port. The results of the investigations showed that the deck pier had to be moved approx. 70 meters to the west The relocation of the deck pier began in 2002 and was completed in early 2004, and the improved safety conditions have since proved their worth.

    Siden havnens statusændring i 2001, har man fokuseret på havnens udviklingsmuligheder, og foretaget strategiske investeringer. Havnen købte, som del af den strategiske satsninger på containertrafik, en mobilkran med en løftekapacitet på 100 tons. Kranen blev leveret den 31. december 2001, og samtidigt blev det besluttet af bygge en kajstrækning på 300 meter med en vanddybde på 9,5 meter. Bygningen af Containerkajen, som den nye kaj kom til at hedde, blev færdiggjort i første del af 2003, og blev omgående taget i brug til både container- og ro/ro-trafik.

    Since the port's status change in 2001, they have focused on the port's development opportunities and made strategic investments. As part of the strategic investment in container traffic, the port bought a mobile crane with a lifting capacity of 100 tonnes. The crane was delivered on 31 December 2001, and at the same time it was decided to build a quay section of 300 meters with a water depth of 9.5 metres. The building of the Containerkajen, as the new quay came to be called, was completed in the first part of 2003, and was immediately put into use for both container and ro/ro traffic.


    ContainerkajenContainerkajen

    In 2003 and 2004, the port's investments were concentrated in the fishing sector. In 2003, the entry sector and the fore port were deepened by two metres, with which a greater water depth could be created at the Notkajen, which was rebuilt at the same time. The deepening and rebuilding of Notkajen gave the port the opportunity to receive larger seine boats and maintain pelagic fishing in the port. The focus on pelagic fisheries also meant that the port invested in an auction hall for matjes herring in 2004 and 2005.

    Port of Hirtshals' focus on high quality fresh demersal fish landed in Hirtshals and sold at the auction meant that in 2004 and 2005 the port built a new auction hall, Fiske Terminal Hirtshals. Fiske Terminal Hirtshals (FTH) is a total concept that meets all requirements for optimal and documentable handling of the fish from landing to transport to the processing companies. FTH contains all the activities linked to landing, sorting, auctions and transport of fresh fish.

    With the structural reform in 2007, the new Hjørring Municipality was created, consisting of the former Hirtshals, Hjørring, Sindal and Løkken-Vrå municipalities, and thus Port of Hirtshals had an even stronger anchorage in the region. However, it has also given Port of Hirtshals additional challenges as a regional dynamo and powerhouse, which must help form the framework for the development of the region's business life in a new perspective.

    From the mid-00s and into the early 10s, the port's perspective shifted as part of a strategic process and with the formulation of new visions for the port from port operations and towards business development. With this, the Port of Hirtshals set new dimensions in port operations and at the same time set an agenda for the development of the port as a business area. Furthermore, the port strengthened its European focus, in order to create activity locally with the outward-looking perspective.

    In the period 2006-2008, Port of Hirtshals further strengthened its position as a ferry port with Color Line's collection of its Danish activities in Hirtshals, and with the deployment of two new superspeed ferries.

    2008 and 2010 were also the years when Fjord Line and Smyril Line respectively established themselves at Port of Hirtshals with routes to Western and Southern Norway, and to the Faroe Islands and Iceland. Thus there were routes from Hirtshals with five destinations in Norway and two in the North Atlantic.

    In order to once again strengthen the herring industry, in 2009 the port deepened East Basin 1 to a depth of 9.1 meters and already in 2012 the fore port and East Basin 2 followed with water depths of 10.5 metres. This made Port of Hirtshals the port with the greatest water depths in North Jutland and helped to strengthen the position in relation to receiving freezer landings from Atlantic-bound freezer trawlers.

    In order to strengthen Hirtshals' position as a logistical focal point in Scandinavia, Port of Hirtshals expanded its activities in 2009 by entering into the establishment of the Hirtshals Transport Center together with private investors. Hirtshals Transport Center is located between the port and the E39 motorway and was given an independent position in the land-related traffic in Hirtshals.

  • 1990s:
    Waiting position and new North Pier
    In the 1990s, new perspectives began to appear on the horizon for the state's ports - thus also Port of Hirtshals. At Christiansborg, it became a more widespread view that the state should not operate ports, and thus the idea arose to let the state give up ownership of the 12 state ports, and instead transfer ownership and management to the local communities.
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    1990s:

    Waiting position and new North Pier

    In the 1990s, new perspectives began to appear on the horizon for the state's ports - thus also Port of Hirtshals. At Christiansborg, it became a more widespread view that the state should not operate ports, and thus the idea arose to let the state give up ownership of the 12 state ports, and instead transfer ownership and management to the local communities.

    At the beginning of the 1990s, industrial fishing peaked and thus the fishmeal factories had outlived their time, while new activities pressed on. Therefore, the fishmeal factories were demolished or rebuilt, which made room for the growing ferry traffic.

    In 1993, the port's second ferry berth was built as ferry activities increased. Color Line built a new terminal building in 1994 and at the same time erected covered walkways for passengers from the ferry terminal to the railway and the city.

    Due to the thoughts of selling the state ports and the tight state economic policy until 1993, part of the 1990s became a decade on hold. Only the most necessary maintenance work was carried out at Port of Hirtshals, and building permits were only given for major construction works.

    In 1990, a new cold auction hall of 1,000 m2 was put into use. The hall met the needs of the time to be able to keep the fish cold during the auction. At the start of the new millennium, the requirements for the consumer fish auction grew further, and the hall was therefore no longer up to date. The cold auction hall was therefore taken down again in 2004, to be rebuilt as a food herring auction hall at Notkajen.

    With the change of government in 1994, the Danish economy had to be started, and as one of the few port projects, Hirtshals Havn was ready with the plan for an expansion. The port's North Pier, which had a length of approx. 500 meters was moved 200 meters out to sea in 1994-95 to provide better maneuvering conditions in the foreport for the growing number of ferries that sailed the port.

    The increasing freight traffic meant that already in 1997 there was a need to build a new quay section with a ro/ro ramp. The quay, which was named Trailerkajen, was 110 meters long, and with a possible water depth of 8.5 metres, a new standard was set for the development in Hirtshals. The trailer dock thus also became the first part of what is today called the NordsøTerminalen.

  • 1980s:
    Fishing is peaking and the crisis in the state's economy is taking its toll on construction
    Growth and construction activity continued from the 1970s and up through the 1980s. Despite the state's financial leeway being significantly limited, funds were nevertheless set aside for the continued development of Port of Hirtshals.
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    1980s:

    Fishing is peaking and the crisis in the state's economy is taking its toll on construction

    Growth and construction activity continued from the 1970s and up through the 1980s. Despite the state's financial leeway being significantly limited, funds were nevertheless set aside for the continued development of Port of Hirtshals.

    As a result of the rapid expansion of the port over 50 years, navigation had become problematic. This was due both to the fact that the port was being navigated by larger ships and that traffic was increasing. Therefore, the old north and east piers were moved in 1981-82 to create a larger fore port.

    The high production at the five fishmeal factories on the port required more space for landing industrial fish, and therefore the Industrikajen was extended by 40 meters in 1985-86.

    In order to further improve the sailing conditions, and as part of the renovation of the now more than 50-year-old structures from the establishment of the port, the Tværmolen was changed in 1984 and the outside covered in a stone throw to reduce the turbulence of the waves when entering.

    VinterstemningWinter atmosphere

    Since the port's establishment, both cargo and fishing ships had become larger, with a greater draft as a result, and during the 1980s the foreport was deepened to a depth of 7 - 7.5 metres.

    The total fish landings culminated around 1980, when approx. 300,000 tons of industrial fish for the Port of Hirtshals in total. Since then, general regulations on European fishing meant a decrease in industrial and consumer fish supplies to Port of Hirtshals.

    At the end of the 1980s, the high environmental requirements had an impact on the maintenance of ships, and at the behest of the Ministry of the Environment, the Danish Parliament decided that sandblasting and painting of ships could no longer take place in the open. That is why the country's first covered floating dock was built in Hirtshals in 1989.



    RedskabsskureTool sheds

  • 1970s:
    The development is reinforced
    The development that took place at Port of Hirtshals in 1960s continued rapidly. In the mid-1970s, fishing in Hirtshals was so large that the port was the country's largest commercial fishing port.
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    1970s:

    The development is reinforced

    The development that took place at Port of Hirtshals in 1960s continued rapidly. In the mid-1970s, fishing in Hirtshals was so large that the port was the country's largest commercial fishing port.

    At the same time as the development in fishing, there was also development in the transport sector. The fishing industry and the transport of goods to orway meant that there was a need for better infrastructure on land, and in relation to the railway it meant that new track areas at Læssevej were put into use in 1971. The improved conditions for rail traffic meant that rail container traffic for the ferries gradually get started.

    The growth in fishing meant that four companies at the port, i.a. Skagerak Fiskeeksport and Claus Sørensen Gruppen, started the construction of an ice factory with a production capacity of 300 tons of ice per day. The facility, which was located on Frysehuskajen, was completed in 1974.

    MS JyllandMS Jylland

    In 1973, VandBygningsVæsnet in Copenhagen was closed down and Port of Hirtshals was administratively placed under the State Port Administration in Frederikshavn.

    Both on the fishing side and on the transport side, the vessels grew, which created pressure for improvements to the sailing conditions to be tackled, as there was a need for more calm around the entry. Therefore, the deck pier was extended by 160 meters built in Dolos blocks. The pier extension was completed in mid-1973, and to mark the completion of the work, one Dolos block was erected at the entrance to Vestmolevej.

    The port expanded to the east with the relocation of the east pier in 1973-74 and the construction of East Basin 2 in 1974-75.

    In 1973, they switched from wooden boxes to plastic boxes and as fishing grew, Hirtshals Fiskeriforening (Fishing Association) established its own box washing, and the Fishing Association therefore built a box washing hall at Østhavnen. 

    This period also saw a clear growth in the transport sector, and at the beginning of the 1970s ferry traffic to Norway grew. The need for increased capacity on the route put pressure on the port, and the deployment of new ferries required better frameworks. In 1974, the ferry berth was rebuilt, so that a ferry with a larger capacity could be deployed as early as 1975.

    Dækmolens forlængelse 1971-1973The extension of the deck pier 1971-1973

    In 1974, a 1,200 m2 cold store, Nyfrost, was built at Østhavnen. In the 1970s, new records were constantly set in turnover at the auction and in landed quantities. In particular, the landings of pelagic fish such as herring and mackerel were significant, and in 1976 the auction hall 3, the Herring Hall, was opened on Sildekajen in the new Østbasin 2. However, technological development meant that pelagic fish could be pumped ashore in ice-mixed salt water, which meant that Auction Hall 3 was used less for herring auctions, and during the 1990s the hall was increasingly used as a cold store. 

    In 1976, the first floating dock came to the port, when the size of the fishing fleet and larger steel fishing vessels required new service facilities. 

    On 1 April 1975, a freight route with side port ships wwas established between Hirtshals and the Faroe Islands. 

  • 1960s:
    Extension with two port basins
    In September 1960s, water was admitted into the Vesthavnsbasin, which was begun in 1958. The clay excavated from the new port basin was driven with dump trucks into the gorge below the lighthouse, in the area that is today called "Leret".
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    1960s:

    Extension with two port basins

    In September 1960s, water was admitted into the Vesthavnsbasin, which was begun in 1958. The clay excavated from the new port basin was driven with dump trucks into the gorge below the lighthouse, in the area that is today called "Leret".

    With Vesthavnen, Port of Hirtshals got berths and shipyards, which helped to support the development that was underway in fishing. The fishery continued to grow and the fishing fleet became ever larger.

    In 1963 it was possible to walk across the new Vesthavnsbasin on the decks of the fishing boats packed into the basin.

    The development in fishing was so strong that in the mid-1960s it was necessary to begin the establishment of a new port basin. Thus, the Østbasin (today called Østbasin 1) was commissioned in 1967

    In 1968, a new auction hall was put into use, as the high level of activity large quantities of fish that were landed in Hirtshals required larger auction conditions. 
    Travlhed på fiskeauktionen 1967
    Busyness at the fish auction 1967

  • 1950s:
    The activity level increases
    In the late 1940s and early 1950s there was renewed activity in and around Port of Hirtshals. A long wave of development initiatives and constructions now began, which continued for the next four decades.
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    1950s:

    The activity level increases

    In the late 1940s and early 1950s there was renewed activity in and around Port of Hirtshals. A long wave of development initiatives and constructions now began, which continued for the next four decades.

    The fishing fleet grew and the level of activity at the port grew. Towards the end of the 1950s, fishing activities had reached a level that meant that the framework for the 20-year-old port began to tighten. 

    In November 1955, Transport Minister Kai Lindberg (A) visited Hirtshals. He met the ferry committee that had taken the initiative to establish a ferry route between Norway and Hirtshals. Among other things, the initiatives and the visit contributed to the fact that in 1958 an agreement was concluded between Norway and Denmark that a railway ferry connection should be established between Hirtshals and Norway (Kristiansand).

    In 1957-58, the first ferry berth in Hirtshals was built, and the ferry route to Kristiansand opened. 

    Auktionshallen 1956
    The auction hall 1956

     

  • 1940s:
    Society came to a halt
    In the 1940s, society in Hirtshals comes to a standstill, but this was also the case for the rest of Europe - at this time World War II was raging throughout Europe. Fishing at the port was limited during the war period, as being at sea was associated with dangers.  
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    1940s:

    Society came to a halt

    In the 1940s, society in Hirtshals comes to a standstill, but this was also the case for the rest of Europe - at this time World War II was raging throughout Europe. Fishing at the port was limited during the war period, as being at sea was associated with dangers.  

  • 1930s:
    Society and the port grows
    After Port of Hirtshals was put into use in the late 1920s, society in Hirtshals also began to grow and adapt to the new opportunities that were to be found in Hirtshals. Businesses arose around fishing in the port and a fish auction was established. 
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    1930s:

    Society and the port grows

    After Port of Hirtshals was put into use in the late 1920s, society in Hirtshals also began to grow and adapt to the new opportunities that were to be found in Hirtshals. Businesses arose around fishing in the port and a fish auction was established. 

    The 2 January 1930, the first fish auction was held in the newly built fish warehouses at Auktionskajen.

    NotfiskeriPurse-seine fishing

     

    I 1935 blev der indviet en ny dækmole, der skulle gøre sikkerheden ved indsejling til havnen bedre, da den daværende besejling af havnen var vanskelig på grund af bølge- og strømforhold.

    I 1937 åbnede den første færgerute mellem Hirtshals og Norge. Ruten gik til Arendal, men flyttede siden til Kristiansand. Ruten bliver stadig besejlet den dag i dag.

    Stemningsbillede aktionshallen 1938Mood picture from the fish auction1938

  • 1920s:
    The port was put into use
    In 1920’s, the Water Construction Agency - the state's coastal and port agency - designed the first deck piers, quays and land facilities. In the latter part of the 1920s, the port was used as much as possible. At a meeting on 20 November 1929, it was at a meeting between engineers and fishermen and others decided that the port was so complete that from 1 December 1929 a landing fee could be charged. So it was on this day that Port of Hirtshals was officially put into use. Port of Hirtshals was never officially inaugurated, it was just put into use. 
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    1920s:

    The port was put into use

    In 1917, the Ministry of Public Works was authorised to initiate the building of a port in Hirtshals. 

    In 1920’s, the Water Construction Agency - the state's coastal and port agency - designed the first deck piers, quays and land facilities. In the latter part of the 1920s, the port was used as much as possible. At a meeting on 20 November 1929, it was at a meeting between engineers and fishermen and others decided that the port was so complete that from 1 December 1929 a landing fee could be charged. So it was on this day that Port of Hirtshals was officially put into use. Port of Hirtshals was never officially inaugurated, it was just put into use. 

    Port of Hirtshals was planned, projected and built by civil engineer Jørgen Fibiger (1867-1936), who also chose the port's location was chosen based on a decoration theory, which assumes that the location of the port on the decoration will result in the least possible sanding, and at the same time the coast was strong on a decoration, and thus there would be no erosion of the coast around the port. During the construction of the port, engineer Jørgen Fibiger lived and managed the port from the building that today contains Skagerak Group's head office after having functioned as a railway station for a longer period. 

    From the beginning, just under a third of the landings came from foreign fishing vessels, proof that there was a need for a port at Hirtshals.

    In the following decades, the port was expanded with new piers, basins and quays. The port and the companies that established themselves here, grew in harmony with each other in a common goal of development, and the city grew rapidly along with the port. 

  • 1800s:
    The beginning of Port of Hirtshals
    As early as 1804, the idea for a port outside Hirtshals arose, when they wanted to facilitate the transport of cargo between Norway and Vendsyssel, rather than the long route across Sweden. In addition, the location of a port in Hirtshals was relevant, as it could pave the way ffor fishing in Skagarak and the North Sea. But at this time the state did not dare to embark on such a large engineering project.
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    1800s:

    The beginning of Port of Hirtshals

    As early as 1804, the idea for a port outside Hirtshals arose, when they wanted to facilitate the transport of cargo between Norway and Vendsyssel, rather than the long route across Sweden. In addition, the location of a port in Hirtshals was relevant, as it could pave the way for fishing in Skagarak and the North Sea. But at this time the state did not dare to embark on such a large engineering project.

    Therefore, most of the 19th century was spent only with the ieda of a port outside Hirtshals. At the end of the 1800s, however, the first breakwaters began to be built to protect the fishing boats of the time, who in their small boats brought home their big catch of mainly herring and mackerel, not far from the coast. 


    The old pier

 

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