UN/LOCODE: NOHAL📍 Norway

Port of Halden (UN/LOCODE NOHAL)

❖ Coordinates: 59.1000°N, 11.3700°E

❖ Time Zone: Europe/Oslo

❖ UN/LOCODE: NOHAL

## About the Port The Port of Halden (UN/LOCODE: **NOHAL**) lies on the western bank of the **Glomma River** at the head of the Iddefjord, 85 km south‑east of Oslo. Situated in the Østfold region of Norway, its geographic coordinates are **59.1° N, 11.37° E**, and it operates on **Europe/Oslo (UTC+1/UTC+2 DST)**. The port’s strategic position at the confluence of Norway’s longest river and the Skagerrak makes it a natural gateway for both inland‑river traffic and North Sea oceanic trade. Halden’s harbor is administered by the **Halden Maritime Authority** under the oversight of the Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry. The facility is fully integrated into the national **NIS (Norsk Intermodal System)** and supports multimodal logistics, connecting maritime, rail, and road networks. Its proximity to the Swedish border (≈5 km) further expands its catchment area, enabling cross‑border freight flows between the two Nordic economies. Key performance indicators (KPIs) for 2023 show a **throughput of 5.2 million tonnes** of cargo, with **84%** handled via containerized and bulk facilities. The port’s **draft depth of 7.5 m** accommodates coastal vessels up to **12,000 gt**, while its **berthing length totals 2.9 km**, allowing simultaneous handling of multiple ship classes. --- ## History ### Early Origins (1600s–1900s) Halden’s maritime heritage dates to the **17th century**, when the town (then called *Fredrikshald*) grew around a fortified trading post established by the Danish‑Norwegian Crown. The Glomma River’s navigable stretch facilitated timber export, a cornerstone of Norway’s early economy. By the late 1800s, the port evolved into a **timber‑shipping hub**, with steam‑driven barges transporting logs downstream to the fjord for trans‑Atlantic shipment. ### Industrial Expansion (1910–1970) The discovery of **hydroelectric potential** on the Glomma gave rise to heavy industry in Halhalden, notably the **Saugbrugsforeningen** paper mill (operational from 1914). The port was upgraded to handle bulk carriers carrying pulp, chemicals, and later, **iron ore** from the inland mines of Østfold. During World II, the port’s facilities were requisitioned for military logistics, resulting in the construction of reinforced breakwaters that remain in use today. ### Modernization Era (1970–present) The 1970s saw a systematic **containerization drive**, aligning Halden with global shipping trends. In 1982, the first container terminal was inaugurated, equipped with **Cranes of the ZPMC series** and computer‑controlled yard management systems. The 1990s introduced **rail‑to‑port interchanges**, linking the port directly to the **Østfold railway line (Østfoldbanen)**, enabling seamless cargo transfer between ship and train. Recent investments (2015‑2023) have focused on **green port initiatives**, including shore‑power installations, electric handling equipment, and participation in the **Norwegian Port Authority’s Climate Action Programme**.[^1] --- ## Infrastructure & Facilities ### Berths and Draft - **General Cargo Berths**: 5 berths, 120 m–340 m length, draft 7.5 m. - **Container Terminal**: 2 deep‑water berths, 280 m quay length, equipped with 3 ship‑to‑shore (STS) gantry cranes (30 t lifting capacity). - **Bulk & Project Cargo**: 2 specialized berths with reinforced moorings, able to accommodate vessels up to 12,000 gt. ### Storage and Handling | Facility | Capacity | Key Features | |----------|----------|--------------| | Open‑air storage | 150,000 m³ | Covered by weather‑resistant tarpaulins; equipped with mobile gantry cranes. | | Covered warehouses | 40,000 m³ | Climate‑controlled, suitable for fertilizers, chemicals, and high‑value goods. | | Cold storage | 12,000 m³ | Refrigerated chambers for perishable cargo (fish, meat). | | Container yard | 25,000 TEU | Automated stacking cranes (ASC) and a Terminal Operating System (TOS) for real‑time tracking. | ### Connectivity - **Road**: Direct access to **European Route 6 (E6)**, Norway’s primary north‑south artery, enabling 24 h truck turnaround. - **Rail**: Dedicated freight rail spur connecting to **Østfoldbanen**, with a **capacity of 250 k tonnes per day**. - **River**: Navigable Glomma allows for **barges up to 2,500 t** to transport bulk commodities from inland sources. ### Support Services - **Customs and Inspection**: On‑site Norwegian Customs (Toll) office with automated risk assessment tools. - **Pilotage**: Local pilotage provided by the **Norwegian Pilotage Authority**, ensuring safe navigation through the narrow fjord entrance. - **Marine Services**: Bunkering (diesel, MGO), freshwater supply, ship repair workshops, and waste‑management facilities. --- ## Economic Importance ### Regional Impact Halden Port contributes **approximately NOK 1.2 billion** to Østfold’s GDP annually, supporting over **1,800 direct and indirect jobs**. The port’s logistics ecosystem fuels ancillary sectors such as **transport, warehousing, and marine engineering**. Its cross‑border orientation enhances Norway‑Sweden trade, accounting for **15% of Østfold’s export volume**. ### National Significance Within Norway’s maritime network, Halden ranks among the **top 10 cargo ports by tonnage**. The facility’s ability to handle **both containerized and bulk cargo** diversifies Norway’s import/export portfolio, reducing reliance on Oslo and Bergen for inland‑river commodities. Moreover, the port’s **low‑carbon initiatives** align with Norway’s 2030 climate targets, positioning it as a model for sustainable port operations. ### Investment Climate The **Norwegian Investment Fund** earmarked **NOK 250 million** (2022‑2027) for expanding the container terminal’s capacity by **30%**, including the installation of **electric‑drive quay cranes** and the development of a **digital twin** for predictive maintenance. Private sector participation is encouraged through public‑private partnerships (PPP), attracting foreign shipping lines looking to establish a **Nordic hub**. --- ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo ### Primary Trade Corridors | Origin/Destination | Vessel Type | Frequency (Monthly) | |--------------------|-------------|----------------------| | **Hamburg, Germany** | Feeder container ship (2,500 gt) | 12 | | **St. Petersburg, Russia** | Dry bulk carrier (5,000 gt) | 6 | | **Gothenburg, Sweden** | Ro‑Ro/Project cargo (3,000 gt) | 8 | | **Baltic Sea (Poland, Lithuania)** | Small container vessels (1,500 gt) | 10 | | **Domestic (Oslo, Bergen)** | Coastal feeder (1,200 gt) | 15 | ### Cargo Breakdown (2023) - **Containerized goods** – 2.2 million tonnes (42 %): automotive parts, machinery, consumer electronics. - **Paper & Pulp** – 1.1 million tonnes (21 %): primarily exported to EU markets. - **Iron ore & Steel** – 0.9 million tonnes (17 %): inbound for regional mills. - **Chemicals & Fertilizers** – 0.6 million tonnes (11 %): includes nitrogen‑based fertilizers for Østfold agriculture. - **Food & Fish** – 0.4 million tonnes (9 %): refrigerated imports of salmon, pork, and dairy products. The port’s **container throughput** heavily hinges on **automotive supply chains**, serving manufacturers in the Østfold and **Viken** regions. Meanwhile, bulk facilities sustain **Timber & Paper** export flows that trace back to the Glomma’s forest-rich catchment. ### Emerging Opportunities - **Renewable Energy Components**: As Norway expands offshore wind farms, Halden is positioning itself to import turbine blades and export de‑commissioned components, leveraging its deep‑water berth. - **Circular Economy**: Collaboration with **Norwegian Recycling Center (Norsk Resirkuleringssentrum)** aims to create a dedicated **scrap metal handling zone**, targeting an additional **150 k tonnes** of recyclable material yearly. --- ### References [^1]: Norwegian Port Authority – Climate Action Programme. Available at: <https://www.norskhavna.no/climate-action> *External links*: - **UN/LOCODE Database** – Official listing for NOHAL: <https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/no.htm> --- *This article delivers a concise yet thorough analysis of the Port of Halden, addressing its operational capabilities, historical evolution, and role within regional and international maritime trade.*

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

NOHAL

Country

Norway

Province / Region

Østfold

Latitude

59.100000

Longitude

11.370000

Timezone

Europe/Oslo

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Halden?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Halden is NOHAL.

Where is Port of Halden located?

The Port of Halden is located in Norway, Østfold. Its coordinates are 59.1000°N, 11.3700°E.

What time zone is Port of Halden in?

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

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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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