UN/LOCODE: NOAES📍 Norway

Port of Alesund (UN/LOCODE NOAES)

❖ Coordinates: 62.4700°N, 6.1500°E

❖ Time Zone: Europe/Oslo

❖ UN/LOCODE: NOAES

## About the Port Alesund harbor, identified by UN/LOCODE NOAES, represents a strategically significant maritime facility situated along the western coast of Norway at coordinates 62.47°N, 6.15°E. This port serves as the primary maritime gateway for the city of Alesund in Møre og Romsdal county, functioning as a critical node in Norway's coastal shipping network and regional maritime commerce. Positioned on the scenic western seaboard, Alesund operates within the Europe/Oslo timezone and benefits from Norway's advanced maritime infrastructure and regulatory framework. The port's location provides essential access to the Norwegian Sea and serves as a natural harbour protected by surrounding islands and geographic features that offer shelter from prevailing westerly winds and rough seas. The facility encompasses multiple berths and handling areas designed to accommodate various vessel types, from small coastal craft to medium-sized commercial shipping. Alesund's port infrastructure supports diverse maritime activities including cargo handling, fishing vessel maintenance, passenger ferry services, and recreational boating. The port's equipment and facilities meet modern European maritime standards, ensuring compliance with EU maritime regulations and international port community standards. ## History The maritime heritage of Alesund extends back centuries, with historical records indicating organized port activities dating to the medieval period when the region was a vital fishing and trading center. The original port facilities were developed to support Norway's traditional maritime industries, particularly fishing and wooden shipbuilding that characterized the coastal economy. A significant transformation occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as Alesund evolved from a primarily fishing port into a more diversified maritime hub. The city's strategic location made it increasingly important for coastal shipping routes connecting northern and southern Norway. During World War II, the port area suffered extensive damage, with much of the original infrastructure destroyed during Allied bombing raids in 1940-1941. Post-war reconstruction led to substantial modernization of port facilities, incorporating contemporary maritime technology and engineering standards. The 1960s and 1970s witnessed significant expansion as Alesund developed into a modern commercial port, with new berths constructed and cargo handling equipment upgraded to meet increasing traffic demands. This period also saw the integration of Alesund port into Norway's broader maritime transportation network. The modern era has seen continued investment in port infrastructure to maintain competitiveness and adapt to evolving maritime industry requirements. Recent developments focus on environmental sustainability, digitalization of port operations, and enhanced connectivity with international shipping routes. ## Infrastructure & Facilities Alesund harbor features comprehensive infrastructure designed to support efficient cargo operations and maritime services. The port complex includes multiple deep-water berths capable of accommodating vessels up to 10,000 gross tons, with appropriate draft depths for Norwegian coastal shipping requirements. Modern cargo handling equipment comprises gantry cranes, reach stackers, and material handling vehicles operated by skilled port personnel. The facility offers essential bunkering services for marine diesel and marine gas oil, supporting the operational needs of visiting commercial vessels. Warehousing and storage facilities provide covered and open storage areas for various cargo types including forest products, general merchandise, and bulk commodities. Specialized terminal areas accommodate different cargo categories with appropriate handling capabilities. Navigation aids and channel marking systems ensure safe vessel approach and departure, with regular maintenance of buoyage systems and lighted navigation aids throughout the approach channels. The port maintains compliance with International Maritime Organization standards and Norwegian Maritime Authority regulations, including environmental protection measures and safety protocols. On-shore infrastructure includes vehicle access roads, parking facilities, and administrative buildings housing port operations management. Recent infrastructure investments have focused on digitalization initiatives including electronic cargo booking systems, automated vessel traffic management, and integrated port community platforms that enhance operational efficiency and stakeholder coordination. Security measures at Alesund port include perimeter fencing, surveillance systems, and access control protocols meeting Norwegian security requirements for commercial ports. Environmental monitoring systems track water quality and air emissions, supporting Norway's commitment to sustainable maritime operations. ## Economic Importance Alesund harbor serves as a vital economic engine for Møre og Romsdal county and the broader western Norwegian maritime sector. The port generates substantial employment across direct port operations, indirect logistics services, and associated maritime industries including shipbuilding, repair, and crew services. Annual cargo throughput supports numerous jobs in transportation, warehousing, and customs services. The facility handles diverse cargo streams contributing significantly to regional GDP, with particular emphasis on forest products exports including timber, pulp, and paper products that represent Norway's largest export category through the port. General cargo imports support local manufacturing and construction sectors, while bulk cargo operations facilitate agricultural product exports from regional farmers and food processing industries. Passenger ferry services operating from Alesund harbor connect the port to nearby islands and mainland destinations, supporting regional tourism and commuting patterns. These services contribute significantly to local hospitality revenues and maintain essential transportation links for island communities. The port's presence has attracted related maritime businesses including shipping agencies, freight forwarders, and marine service providers, creating an ecosystem that reinforces regional maritime competitiveness. Investment attraction is facilitated by reliable port infrastructure and efficient customs procedures, supporting foreign direct investment in regional industries. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo Alesund harbor operates within key Northern European trade corridors, serving as a vital link in Norway's coastal shipping network and regional maritime logistics. The port's primary trade routes connect to major Scandinavian ports including Bergen, Stavanger, Trondheim, and Kristiansand, facilitating regular liner services and bulk cargo movements along Norway's western coast. International shipping connections extend to major European ports including Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Copenhagen, supporting both direct services and hub-and-spoke routing through larger Scandinavian hubs. These connections enable efficient cargo distribution throughout Northern Europe while providing Alesund with access to global supply chains. Forest products represent the port's largest cargo category, with sawn timber, wood chips, pulp, and paper exports constituting the majority of maritime cargo volume. These commodities primarily originate from Møre og Romsdal's extensive forest industry and are shipped to European processors and manufacturers. Norway's forest industry statistics provide additional context on export volumes and values↗. General cargo imports include machinery, construction materials, consumer goods, and automotive products supporting local industries and retail markets. Bulk cargo operations handle agricultural products including animal feed, fertilizers, and rock salt for winter road maintenance. Liquid bulk cargo movements include marine fuels and chemical products transported in dedicated tankers. Containerized cargo operations, while not the primary focus, support specific trade lanes requiring unit load handling capabilities. The port's cargo handling equipment and operational procedures accommodate standard container sizes and weights typical of European coastal shipping routes.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

NOAES

Country

Norway

Province / Region

Møre og Romsdal

Latitude

62.470000

Longitude

6.150000

Timezone

Europe/Oslo

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Alesund?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Alesund is NOAES.

Where is Port of Alesund located?

The Port of Alesund is located in Norway, Møre og Romsdal. Its coordinates are 62.4700°N, 6.1500°E.

What time zone is Port of Alesund in?

Port of Alesund operates in the Europe/Oslo time zone.

🌊 Live Marine Conditions

Wave Height0.52 m

Wave Direction302°

Swell Height0.42 m

Data provided by Open-Meteo Marine API

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About the World Port Index

This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.

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