A port expansion in phases:
Expansion North
At Port of Hirtshals, we have initiated the first phase of the port expansion with the development of Expansion North. The expansion will strengthen the port’s position as a key European TEN-T and transport hub, and is a vital project that prepares the port to meet the growing demands of maritime traffic for larger and more advanced facilities.
With this expansion, we are enhancing the framework for one of Vendsyssel’s leading industrial platforms, connecting sea and land.
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The full project Phase 1 Environmental considerations Latest news Commercial land FAQ
The vision for Expansion North
Expansion North will place a strong emphasis on improved navigational conditions, including an extension of the western breakwater, a wider entrance channel, and a larger turning basin. In addition, Expansion North will offer increased quay capacity, ro-ro berths, and new port areas.
The vision also includes new commercial and industrial areas, which will help strengthen the port’s energy solutions and ensure that the infrastructure at Port of Hirtshals can meet future demands for a stable and competitive energy supply.
Together, these elements form a coherent whole, where the expansion on both the sea side and the land side supports and reinforces each other.
CCUS facility
Wind turbines
Commercial land
Marshal areas
Turning bassin
Ro/ro berths
Quay berths
Improved navigational conditions
The port expansion in Hirtshals is structured as a phased project, guided by financial responsibility. As the Board of Port of Hirtshals, we place strong emphasis on ensuring that investments will be made in line with demand and actual needs, and that decisions are based on sound information and solid business principles. This approach enables us to develop the port without compromising its operational sustainability.
Michael Lundgaard Thomsen, Chairman of the Board, Port of Hirtshals
Phase 1: Extension of the Western Breakwater
We have now launched the plans for Phase 1 of Expansion North.
Phase 1 focuses on improving navigational conditions by extending the western breakwater, removing the outer section of the existing breakwater, and potentially widening the entrance channel. This marks a crucial first step in preparing the port for the demands of future maritime traffic.
Phase 1 includes:
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Extension of the outer western breakwater by approximately 350 metres, resulting in a total length of approximately 775 metres
- Option to relocate the eastern breakwater head by up to 60 metres in order to widen the entrance.
- Expected construction period: 2026–2029.
Project timeline for Phase 1
Construction work for Phase 1 is expected to commence in late 2026 or early 2027.
Suitable weather conditions are a prerequisite for the construction work and have been taken into account in the project timeline. Phase 1 is expected to be completed before 2030.
News about Expansion North
Sand transport
Sand transport along the coastline near Hirtshals is one of the key aspects receiving particular attention in connection with Phase 1 of the port expansion.
Analyses of sand transport therefore form an integral part of the work on Expansion North. In this context, changes in wave and current conditions have been assessed by experts in the field, and ongoing evaluations and dialogue with relevant authorities are incorporated as standard procedures before, during, and after the implementation of Phase 1.
Your gateway to one of Vendsyssel’s leading industrial platforms
Expansion North will provide a framework for companies seeking green competitive advantages within a strong industrial ecosystem, with a focus on circularity, energy optimisation, and efficient logistics solutions.
With direct access to the North Sea and strong connections to both sea and land transport, the area will be ideally suited for companies within energy, offshore, logistics, and manufacturing.
Here, businesses will have the space to develop, produce, and collaborate in an area designed for the industrial needs of the future.
If your company is interested in establishing a presence at Port of Hirtshals, please contact below.
Want to know more? Contact:
Per Anholm Nørgaard
Niels Kiersgaard
FAQ
How long does the port expansion take?
- Expansion North is being carried out in phases, beginning with Phase 1, which involves the extension of the western breakwater. The construction work itself is expected to take between two and four seasons, with activities primarily taking place from April to October, when weather conditions permit. With all necessary permits in place, Phase 1 is expected to be completed between 2029 and 2030. Subsequent phases will only be initiated when there is a balance between demand and financial considerations.
Is the port expansion funded by both Hjørring Municipality and Port of Hirtshals?
- Port of Hirtshals is financing the entire port expansion through its own equity and financing from banks and/or other financial institutions.
Is the port expansion financed through loans taken out by Hjørring Municipality?
- No, the loans are raised through banks and/or other financial institutions. Hjørring Municipality provides a guarantee for the financing, meaning that the municipality is only liable if, contrary to expectations, the port is unable to meet its repayment obligations. The guarantee is subject to political approval.
Is the port expansion funded by taxpayers?
- No, the expansion is not funded by taxpayers. Although the Port of Hirtshals is owned by Hjørring Municipality, it operates as an independent entity. It does not receive municipal or taxpayer funding. All investments are financed by the port itself and the commercial activities of its business customers.
Hjørring Municipality does, however, provide loan guarantees for the financing obtained by the port.
Will the port expansion affect the beaches around Hirtshals?
- The port expansion in Hirtshals will have an impact on the coastline and nearby beaches; however, this impact has been thoroughly assessed. Sand naturally moves along the coast and already passes the port today. The area of influence extends from the port to approximately 4 kilometres east, where a new equilibrium close to the port is expected to be reached after around 10 years, while it may take up to 30 years to restore balance across the entire area.
The coastline will not be undermined, and an average of at least 200,000 m³ of sand will continue to be supplied east of the port each year. This supply is essential for maintaining the vegetation line - where beach vegetation begins. The development will be continuously monitored through methods such as drone surveys, measurements, and analyses to ensure that the coastline evolves as expected.
Has it been assessed whether the port expansion will impact the environment?
- Yes, an Environmental Impact Assessment has been carried out, as required under both Danish legislation and EU regulations. The report outlines, among other things, the impacts on the marine environment, wildlife, birdlife, noise levels, and coastal conditions. You can find the report here.
Will the port be closed during construction?
- No, the port will remain fully operational throughout the entire construction period. A designated construction area will be established on land near the western breakwater, and there will also be restricted zones on the water side close to the construction site. Daily operations will continue unaffected, and both large and small vessels will still be able to call at the port.
Who will construct Phase 1 of the port expansion?
- The project will be put out to EU tender, allowing contractors to first express their interest. A shortlist of 3-5 companies will then be selected and invited to submit bids. The final contractor/s will be chosen based on an overall assessment of price and quality.
Will there be noise disturbances during Phase 1?
- There will be periods of noise during the construction work. Noise levels have been assessed as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment, and all applicable limit values will be complied with. If periods of increased noise occur, advance notice will be provided.
How can I follow the construction progress?
- You can follow the development on the port’s website, as well as on LinkedIn and Facebook, where we regularly share updates on the project.
Will there be designated fishing areas, will access to the breakwater remain open, and will the project affect fishermen and surfers?
- We are in dialogue with relevant stakeholders and are exploring the available options. No final decisions have yet been made regarding access to the breakwater, fishing areas, or conditions for surfers.
What does the extension of the western breakwater in Phase 1 involve?
- It means that navigational conditions will be significantly improved, allowing especially larger vessels calling at the port to benefit from a calmer and more efficient approach. Existing shipping lines will experience increased safety during port calls, and the expansion will also enable the port to accommodate larger vessels than today. This will strengthen both the facilities and the development opportunities for current and future customers and stakeholders.