Port of Hirtshals in Rapid Development:
Port Expansion Now Put Out to Tender
With a permit from the Danish Transport Authority in hand, new opportunities are now being created to significantly improve navigation conditions and maritime safety at Port of Hirtshals. This marks a new phase in the largest construction project in the port’s history. Phase 1 of Expansion North is now being put out to EU tender, with construction expected to begin in 2027.
Port of Hirtshals is now launching the first phase of “Expansion North” as an EU tender, thereby taking a decisive step towards improved navigational conditions and strengthening its role as a key transport hub between the Nordic region and Europe.
Phase 1 of Expansion North includes an extension of the western breakwater at the port entrance, as well as an option to widen the entrance channel. This will provide calmer and improved access for vessels, especially larger ships calling at the port. At the same time, existing shipping companies will benefit from increased safety during port calls, and the port will be able to accommodate larger vessels than today. This strengthens both the facilities and development opportunities for current and future customers and stakeholders.
– Today, we underline the most significant development of Port of Hirtshals in recent years while also taking an important step toward securing the port’s future. With Phase 1 of Expansion North, we are better equipped to meet the increasing capacity demands of the shipping industry, benefiting the local community, businesses, and both current and future customers, says Per Anholm Nørgaard, CEO at Port of Hirtshals.
The construction work is expected to begin in 2027 and to be completed by the end of 2029 or early 2030.
EU Tender for Expansion North
In the coming months, Port of Hirtshals will enter negotiations with potential contractors for the construction project of Phase 1 of Expansion North. The project is being tendered as an EU tender with prequalification, meaning that all interested companies within the EU can submit bids. However, the port has very specific requirements for the future contractor.
– During the first months, several companies will be prequalified to submit initial bids. This will be followed by the opportunity for individual negotiations. The tender will be awarded based on the best balance between price and technical quality, says Niels Kiersgaard, Technical Director responsible for Expansion North at Port of Hirtshals.
– Being able to put Phase 1 of Expansion North out to tender is the result of a decision made back in 2019 by Hjørring Municipality together with the board of Port of Hirtshals to expand the port. It has required a major effort to reach this point, and it is therefore a great pleasure to finally take this important step, says Michael Lundgaard Thomsen, Chairman of the Board of Port of Hirtshals.
Full Operations During Construction
Both Port of Hirtshals and its customers are experiencing rapid growth, and to ensure stable operations and continued development, it is essential that the many activities covering critical transport routes and corridors can continue daily.
The construction project will therefore be carried out with full respect for daily operations and with consideration for the port’s customers and users. As a result, the port will remain fully operational throughout the construction period.
Facts About Phase 1 of Expansion North
Phase 1 of the expansion includes:
- Extension of the outer western breakwater by approximately 350 metres, bringing the total length to around 775 metres.
- Option to move the eastern breakwater head back up to 60 metres.
- Improved navigation conditions and increased operational regularity.
- Expected construction period: 2027–2029/2030.
