Kristiansund’s port authority has established an alternative cruise berth at Averøy, Norway, situated about 20 minutes from the town center. This new arrangement allows for tender operations if conditions allow, serving as a contingency when ships cannot dock in Kristiansund’s inner harbor due to weather or operational issues.
Erika Indergaard, the cruise and marketing manager for the Port of Kristiansund and Nordmøre, explains that this site is primarily a backup for pre-booked cruise calls that cannot be accommodated downtown. The goal is to keep cruise traffic within the region instead of moving ships to other ports.
The Averøy berth can handle vessels up to 340 meters long, surpassing the central Kristiansund quays’ 300-meter restriction. Ongoing planning focuses on logistics at the dock, especially regarding the transportation options for passengers without pre-arranged excursions. Ensuring sufficient transport capacity is a continuing priority when utilizing this new berth.
Although located in an industrial area with limited visitor amenities, Averøy offers direct maritime access and scenic views of the coast. A shuttle service linking to Kristiansund is considered essential for enhancing passenger experience. Indergaard noted that this berth serves as a practical solution when capacity issues arise in the Kristiansund, Molde, and Trondheim corridor.
The need for the Averøy option has arisen partly due to changes implemented after the Viking Sky incident in 2019, which led to adjustments in the navigation zones that increased the distances between Kristiansund and nearby ports like Molde.
This berth predominantly supports offshore maritime activities and has ISPS certification, with cruise eligibility pending formal approval. It has previously accommodated cruise visits, including a call from Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ Bolette, and currently handles approximately 20 to 25 cruise calls annually.
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