Cargo transport has shown positive development the last three years, partly at the expense of the number of passengers, which has been affected by travel restrictions due to the corona situation for the second year in a row.
-There has been more space to transport cargo through the port with significantly fewer passengers. On the other hand, the increased volume of cargo has also proven that there is an increasing demand for cargo traffic through Hirtshals and thus also a solid basis for future growth, says CEO of the Port of Hirtshals Per Holm Nørgaard
Growth in cargo, trucks, and trailers
In 2021, 2.02 million tons of goods were transported across the quay in Hirtshals. That is an increase of 7.45 percent compared to 2020 when the figure was 1.88 million tons of goods.
The number of trucks and trailers also increased in 2021, with 152,000 units passing through the Port of Hirtshals. In 2020, the number was 143,000, which represents an increase of just over six percent.
Cars and passengers in line with 2020
The number of cars and passengers in 2021 is as expected – and in line with 2020. However, the volume of cars and passengers is more than halved compared to 2019, and before the corona pandemic fundamentally changed travel patterns around the world.
We expect cars and passengers to steadily return to normal levels as travel restrictions are phased out both in Denmark and in our neighboring countries.
Per Holm Nørgaard, CEO of The Port of Hirtshals
In 2021, 307,000 cars passed through the Port of Hirtshals, which is a decrease of just over 12 percent compared to 2020 and almost 54 percent compared to 2019.
Fish landings declined in 2021
The total value of fish landings at the Port of Hirtshals has also decreased from 2020 to 2021 when fish were landed for a total of DKK 226.6 million. This is a decrease of almost 36 percent compared to 2020 when the total landings were worth 352.7 million kroner.
-Fish is still an essential part of the activities at the Port of Hirtshals, underlined by the significant investments in a new biorefinery at the port. Together with investments in green energy, not least under the auspices of Greenport North, and in both climate and economically reasonable investments in transport solutions, the Port of Hirtshals is ready to embark on the expansion of the port during 2022 seriously, says Per Holm Nørgaard.