Narvik expands cruise excursions and advances shore-power plans
The Northern Norway port is also developing cruise turnaround operations and promoting incentives for slower regional itineraries.
Port of Narvik showcased new shore excursions and its developing turnaround capabilities during a Cruise Norway familiarisation trip held from September 5 to 11.
The port’s new Ofot Fjord Shipwreck Experience is a 2.5-hour maritime heritage trip for groups of six to 12 aboard Ofotr. The excursion uses an underwater remotely operated vehicle to provide live images of wreckage remaining from the 1940 naval battles between German and Allied forces. Another recent addition, the six-hour Navvy Trail tour, combines rail travel and hiking along the historic route used by railway builders. Designed for 15 to 30 guests, it includes coach transfers, guiding, train tickets and boat transport.
Narvik also plans to introduce shore power in the first quarter of 2027 through a NOK 93 million project with Plug Nord, including NOK 10.7 million in Enova funding. The facility is planned with 12 MVA capacity and support for 6.6 kV and 11 kV systems at both 50 Hz and 60 Hz.
For turnaround operations, Narvik is drawing on a 2,808-metre airport runway and a 150-metre cruise pier that can accommodate ships up to 350 metres long. The port also offers financial incentives to cruise lines calling at any three of four designated nearby destinations under a slow-cruising concept intended to enable lower sailing speeds and fuel savings.