Granfoss
Granfoss is pleased to have signed an agreement with Drammen Havn for an innovative project revolutionising underwater cleaning operations. Using autonomous technology, we are advancing sustainable and efficient harbour maintenance. Drammen Havn’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility is key to this initiative. Granfoss is reducing emissions, minimising disruptions and enhancing water quality. Together, we demonstrate the power of technology and automation to create cleaner, more accessible ports for global trade.
editorial mention
1340s. From timber trade to paper exports, the port’s expertise has evolved significantly over its long history, with the most pivotal change occurring as recently as 1964, when it became known as Norway’s number one car import hub.
“What began as a crisis, with the decline of shipping tied to the paper and cellulose industry, turned into an opportunity,” revealed Mr Fosen. “The timing was perfect: post-war sales restrictions had just been lifted, making cars accessible to everyone, and the first car, a Datsun, arrived at Drammen, sparking a new chapter for the port.”
Since then, the volume of car imports has steadily increased, from around 20,000 per year in the ‘70s to a record-breaking figure of over 120,000 cars in 2022.
A path for growth
Determined to continue this upward trajectory, the Port of Drammen has established a strategic plan that lays out its path to 2040, including ambitions for future growth, innovation and sustainability.
In line with this strategy, new development is already in full swing. Over the last few years, the port has established a new quay in preparation for an extensive landfill operation that will see the port extend by a further 30 acres.
“The new quay gives us greater capacity and increased flexibility,” said Mr Fosen. “Additionally, it helps to strengthen our freight hub, ensuring we can plan for more sea connections and handle more goods in an efficient and seamless manner. Our new facilities have already attracted new shipping companies that are interested in route to Drammen.”
With the addition of this quay (which will be used for car imports as well as containers and general cargo) the port’s total quay length now sits at almost 900 metres. The construction also sits on 150-metre-deep piles, making it Norway’s deepest foundation for a quay construction.
The area adjacent to the new port, which is currently still under water, is also in the process of being in-filled to provide more storage capacity for imported cars. Once complete, the port will look to implement a new expansion project, which will add a further 90 acres to its ever-growing island.
The port is also working on several other ongoing development projects that involve autonomy, robotics and digitalisation. With these investments, the port hopes to become more efficient, safer and greener.
Going green
Another major ambition of Port of Drammen’s overarching development strategy is to become a sustainability leader with emissions-free operations by 2030. In order to achieve this, the port is focusing on 12 initiatives, which include strengthening intermodality and rail services, facilitating more city-friendly port operations, and reducing its emissions.
“As we expand the island further, we also intend to develop new green belts along the riverside, to provide locals with natural areas to walk and relax,” commented Mr Fosen. “We operate within the most populous region in Norway, with a customer base of two million people who are situated within 100 kilometres of the port, so it is essential that we look after our local communities.”
The port has also secured onshore power for its quays, which will reduce its emissions by 2.4 tonnes per day. This power can be used by incoming and outgoing vessels, and if these ships are environmentally friendly, they are also eligible for certain discounts while at the port.
“We are also entering into collaborations with cargo owners who want to develop their sustainable and green logistics,” explained Mr Fosen. “This is an important measure to strengthen our commitment to the environment and our intermodal design. A great example would be our work with Ranheim Paper & Boards.”
Previously, Ranheim relied on roads to transport its cargo, however, with Port of Drammen’s help, the company now operates via rail and sea – successfully reducing its annual CO2 emissions by 600 tonnes and cutting out 14,000 annual trailer trips.
“There are very few ports in the Nordic region with access to rail tracks just a few metres from the quay,” said Mr Fosen. “This has been very advantageous for both us and our partners and means we can handle goods in a more efficient, seamless and greener manner.”
Ingvild SedahlMarketing & Communications Manager
As it looks to the future, Port of Drammen intends to continue with its strategic plans for growth. The port intends to increase its car import volumes to more than 90% of the Norwegian market. It also seeks to become a more efficient logistics hub connecting sea, road and rail transportation, by increasing its use of rail by up to 50% over the coming years.
“We still have plenty of room to grow, in order to meet the evolving needs of our customers, while many ports are not so lucky,” added Mr Fosen, in conclusion. “By implementing these changes, and abiding by our strategic roadmap, we expect to reach a turnover of over 100 MNOK. Our goal is to enable handling of more than 150,000 cars,
over 60,000 TEU containers and more than 600,000 tonnes of bulk cargo.
“Every day, I am driven by the development of our port facilities, and being part of that journey towards strengthening the future of this port is incredibly exciting.” n
Innovation project - Granfoss-solution- dredging
Onshore Power Supply avaliable on all quays
Unifeederweekly call at the port
