Positive trend following crisis times:
Port of Hirtshals rides new wave of traffic
After recent years influenced by COVID-19 restrictions, global political unrest, and a decline in the Norwegian krone, Port of Hirtshals is once again experiencing growth. The number of passengers, cars, lorries, and cargo passing through the port increased in 2024 compared to 2023, while the value of fish landings reached the highest level in five years.
2024 was a year of increased traffic at the Port of Hirtshals. The North Jutland port can now present its traffic data for 2024, showing growth in both passenger and freight traffic, as well as the value of fish landings, compared to 2023. Among the key figures, the number of passengers rose from 2,183,000 in 2023 to 2,264,000 in 2024.
- Traffic at the port is a vital factor for our existence. Therefore, we are proud to look back on a year of increased traffic, as it indicates growth among our customers at the port. With 742,000 cars and 128,000 lorries and trucks in 2024, nearly 2,400 vehicles passed through our port every day on average. However, it is important to mention that traffic in and out of the port is always influenced by weather conditions and broader societal changes, says Per Holm Nørgaard, CEO at Port of Hirtshals.
Cargo transport through the Jutland Corridor
A total of 1,759,000 tons of cargo were transported on and off ships at the Port of Hirtshals in 2024. This figure exceeds the volume from 2023 by a notable 90,000 tons — a positive trend the port hopes will continue.
- At Port of Hirtshals, we are pleased to see the market growing again after a couple of years of decline in cargo volumes. The Port of Hirtshals is located in a key transport corridor, offering significant opportunities to develop greener transport solutions. We naturally hope that the positive trend of increased traffic will continue and further strengthen the port’s position as a crucial transport hub in the Nordic region, says Michael Langballe, Head of Transport & Logistics at Port of Hirtshals.
A year of the fish
The value of fish landed at Port of Hirtshals reached approximately DKK 496 million in 2024. This represents a significant 29% increase from 2023, equivalent to DKK 145 million, making it the highest landing value in five years. The rise is largely due to an increase in mackerel landings, as well as strong prices for many fish species.
- The Port of Hirtshals is one of Denmark’s leading fishing ports, so the growth in landing value is of great importance to the many businesses engaged in fish processing and refinement. In 2024, Danish vessels landed nearly 3,000 tons of mackerel at Hirtshals, valued at approximately DKK 50 million, whereas mackerel landings in 2023 were minimal, says Linn Indrestrand, Head of Fishery & Maritime Services at Port of Hirtshals, and continues:
- The increased value of landings is reflected in the atmosphere among businesses and fishers at the port, who have high hopes for their activities in the coming year.
Expanding to allow growth
Port of Hirtshals continues to work on its port expansion, known as Expansion North, which will strengthen the port’s position and support its existing business operations. The expansion will include improvements to navigational conditions, allowing larger vessels to call at the port, enhancing safety, and providing customers with increased service reliability. Therefore, Expansion North will play a crucial role in supporting growing traffic at the port.
- Our task is to create the best conditions for transport solutions at Port of Hirtshals. In the coming years, several ferry operators at the port will introduce larger vessels. This is one of the key reasons why we are working hard to make the expansion a reality, ensuring that the port has the right capacity to support the immense potential for increased traffic through Hirtshals, says Per Holm Nørgaard.
2024 traffic figures at Port of Hirtshals:
- Passengers: 2,264,000
- Cars: 742,000
- Trucks/lorries: 128,000
- Cargo volume: 1,759,000 tons
- Value of landed fish: Approx. DKK 496,000,000