Helgeland ports showcase cruise potential during familiarisation trip

Cruise Norway visited Mo i Rana and Sandnessjøen on September 8-9 as part of a familiarisation trip highlighting Helgeland’s cruise facilities and potential shore excursions.

At Mo i Rana Port, dredging completed in 2025 deepened the harbour to 11 metres from west to east, according to Harbour Master Bjørnulf Tverā. The port has a 300-metre dock about 200 metres from the town centre. Tverā said shore power is not currently available, though the port is considering it.

Mo i Rana had received two cruise ships during the previous four years, including Amadea. Although the port had fielded inquiries for the following year, no bookings were confirmed when the group visited.

Other projects could expand the destination’s visitor infrastructure. A new airport under construction in Mo i Rana is scheduled for completion in 2027 and is expected to provide direct connections to Oslo. Helgeland Museum also plans to begin welcoming visitors to a new building at the junction of Strandgata and Sjøgata in 2027.

Arven, meanwhile, is developing a visitor centre focused on renewable energy and energy tourism, with a prospective opening in 2028 or 2029.