EXCLUSIVE: Partnerships for green growth at Haugesund

Not content with simply establishing a reputation as an attractive stop on cruise itineraries, the port has placed sustainability at the centre of its development.  

“Recognising the importance of environmental stewardship, the port has implemented a range of sustainable practices,” says Tore Gautesen, port director.

Long established

Nestled on Norway’s southwest coast between Bergen and Stavanger, the town of Haugesund has long welcomed cruise passengers exploring the region on day trips from ships sailing the fjords. 

In 2010, the Port of Haugesund (administered by Karmsund Port Authority) began building up its own capacity to berth cruise ships, with the first cruise vessel calling in 2013. In the intervening years, the number of ships calling has increased steadily and in 2023 the port welcomed 134 cruise ships, bringing around 420,000 passengers to Haugesund.  

One of the most significant of the port’s new sustainable initiatives is the launch in summer 2023 of its new shore power facilities for cruise ships visiting Haugesund.

The Port of Haugesund owns a dedicated shore power company called Havnekraft (directly translated: PortPower), together with regional energy provider Haugaland Kraft. Through this company, the port offers shore power from environmentally friendly Norwegian hydropower plants to ships calling at the terminal.  

“Our investment in shore power facilities is reducing emissions and minimising the environmental impact of cruise ships while in port,” says Mr Gautesen. “In our opinion, shore power is a ‘licence to operate’ in the cruise industry going forward.” 

Provision of LNG bunkering services to those cruise ships that are built or adapted for the fuel to lower their emissions is another strategy adopted by the port to boost its green credentials. “In cooperation with a local company, Port of Haugesund now offers LNG bunkering at the cruise terminal,” says Mr Gautesen.

“In the future the port will, together with Havnekraft and other partners, work for sustainable solutions connected to alternative fuels.” 

Sustainable tourism

Cooperation with other ports in the region and beyond is an important part of the picture when it comes to encouraging sustainable cruise tourism in Haugesund.

Mr Gautesen explains: “Together with more than 20 other ports in Norway and Iceland, we are a partner in The Environmental Port Index (EPI). This offers a unique reporting tool, with the aim of empowering ship owners and port operators to increase their operational efficiency while reducing their impact on the environment.”  

The port also actively collaborates with local authorities, cruise lines and suppliers to promote waste reduction, recycling and responsible tourism practices.

“Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond the port, as we actively engage with local communities to raise awareness and foster a culture of environmental responsibility,” says Mr Gautesen. “We recognise the power of collaboration and partnerships in driving industry growth.”  

Over the last ten years, the Port of Haugesund has worked closely together in a partnership with the local tourism board, Visit Haugesund, led by director Vigleik Dueland.

“This has been the most important ‘key’ to our success,” says Mr Gautesen. “Together we actively engage with cruise lines, local businesses, tourism organisations and government bodies to foster mutually beneficial relationships. By working together, we have successfully attracted new cruise lines to our port. Our collaborative approach has also contributed to the overall economic development of the region.” 

Port innovation

The port has embraced innovation and technology to enhance the cruise experience.

It has implemented digital solutions to streamline communication and provide real-time information to the cruise lines. Security systems ensure the safety and well-being of visitors, while the port’s infrastructure optimises operational efficiency.

”By embracing efficient and safe passenger flow in the cruise port, we have set a benchmark for other cruise ports to follow,” says Mr Gautesen.

“We have made it a priority to provide an exceptional experience for passengers. Our commitment to customer satisfaction is evident through our state-of-the-art facilities, seamless embarkation and disembarkation processes, and a wide range of shore excursions that showcase the unique cultural and natural heritage of the region.” 

He takes pride in the port’s commitment to community engagement and social impact.

“We actively support local initiatives and cultural events, ensuring that the benefits of cruise tourism are shared with the wider community,” he says. “By involving local businesses and artisans in our shore excursions and onboard dining experiences (for example, local seafood), we contribute to the preservation of local traditions and heritage.”

“Our dedication to social responsibility has earned us the respect and support of the local community, making Haugesund Cruise Port a true partner in sustainable development. In Haugesund the people are very proud of the cruise ships and passengers coming to visit us. The politicians are also very positive, embracing the very positive impact the cruise industry has contributed to in our region.” 

Mr Gautesen estimates that Haugesund is “probably the fastest growing ‘new’ cruise port in Europe” and says that winning Port of the Year at the 2023 Seatrade Cruise Awards in Hamburg in November 2023 confirmed for him that the port had adopted the right strategy of sustainable growth.

“The award recognised our accomplishments and serves as a testament to our ongoing dedication to excellence. Our achievements, innovations and initiatives have positioned us as a trailblazer in the global cruise industry, and our commitment to providing an unparalleled passenger experience, embracing sustainability, fostering innovation, nurturing partnerships and engaging with the community sets us apart.”