Ferry Eemshaven 🇳🇱 ⇄ Arendal 🇳🇴

Eemshaven–Arendal is a new ferry connection planned for 2027 2028. This is great news for travellers between Western Europe and Scandinavia, as an overnight ferry between the Netherlands and Norway could save hundreds of kilometres of driving. Follow the latest developments and project updates here as the route moves closer to becoming a reality.

We closely monitor the latest developments and publish updates and news as soon as they reach us. In the meantime, we are happy to refer you to other sources covering this ferry crossing.

Eemshaven-Kristiansand: The Lost Ferry Route Between the Netherlands and Norway

For approximately 18 months, a direct ferry service operated between the Netherlands and Norway. The route was run by Holland Norway Lines and connected Eemshaven with Kristiansand. Unfortunately, the company went bankrupt in the autumn of 2023, bringing the service to an abrupt end.

The collapse came as a surprise to many travellers. The route appeared to be popular and had generated considerable interest among both tourists and people looking for an alternative to driving through Denmark.

According to various reports, several factors contributed to the company’s difficulties. Problems surrounding the terminal facilities in Eemshaven are often mentioned, as well as limitations of the vessel MS Romantika. While the ship offered extensive passenger facilities, it had relatively limited capacity on the vehicle deck.

As a result, many travellers wishing to bring a car were unable to secure a place on board. In addition, the vessel offered limited space for freight transport, an important source of revenue outside the peak tourist season. The combination of operational challenges and a business model heavily dependent on seasonal passenger traffic ultimately proved difficult to sustain.