UN/LOCODE: NOODD📍 Norway
Port of Odda (UN/LOCODE NOODD)
❖ Coordinates: 60.0700°N, 6.5300°E
❖ Time Zone: Europe/Oslo
❖ UN/LOCODE: NOODD
## About the Port
Port Odda (UN/LOCODE: **NOODD**) is a small but strategically situated harbor on the western shore of the **Hardangerfjorden** in Hordaland, Norway. Nestled at **60.07° N, 6.53° E**, the port operates under the **Europe/Oslo** time zone and serves as a gateway for the inland industrial region of Odda municipality. Although modest in size compared to Norway’s major coastal terminals, Odda’s deep‑water access, sheltered fjord setting, and proximity to hydro‑electric resources make it a pivotal node for niche bulk cargoes, especially **ferro‑alloy**, **aluminium**, and **timber products**. The port is managed by **Odda Municipality** in collaboration with the **Norwegian Coastal Administration (Norkart)**, ensuring compliance with national safety, environmental, and customs regulations.
Key identifiers:
| Attribute | Detail |
|-----------|--------|
| **UN/LOCODE** | NOODD |
| **Country** | Norway |
| **Region** | Hordaland (Vestland county) |
| **Coordinates** | 60.07 N, 6.53 E |
| **Timezone** | Europe/Oslo (UTC +1 / +2 DST) |
| **Primary Operator** | Odda Municipality / Norkart |
The port’s geographic advantage lies in the **Hardanger Fjord’s natural depth (up to 400 m)**, which accommodates vessels up to **15 000 DWT** without extensive dredging. This natural draft, coupled with a well‑protected anchorage, enables year‑round operations despite Norway’s challenging winter weather.
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## History
Port Odda’s origins trace back to the late 19th century, driven by the exploitation of the **Hardangervidda plateau’s abundant hydro‑electric potential**. In 1906, the **Odda Smelteverk** (Odda Smelting Plant) was established, marking the first large‑scale industrial use of the fjord’s waterway. The smelter produced **ferro‑silicon** and **ferro‑manganese**, requiring efficient bulk import of manganese ore and export of finished alloys. Consequently, a rudimentary quay was constructed, later upgraded in the 1930s to accommodate steam‑driven cargo ships.
World War II inflicted temporary damage on the port infrastructure, but post‑war reconstruction spurred modernization. The 1960s saw the introduction of **container handling trials**, though the limited hinterland demand prevented full containerization. The 1980s brought a significant shift: the closure of the original smelting plant in 1992 led to a diversification of cargo, including **timber**, **fishery products**, and **recycled metal**.
Today, the port’s historical legacy is reflected in its **industrial heritage sites**, such as the preserved smelting facilities, which are listed under Norway’s cultural heritage register. These sites continue to attract maritime historians and serve as educational platforms for sustainable industrial practices.
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## Infrastructure & Facilities
### Berths and Draft
- **Two general cargo berths** (Berth 1: 200 m length, 12 m draft; Berth 2: 150 m length, 10 m draft).
- **One dedicated alloy handling berth** equipped with reinforced concrete girders to support heavy‑load carriers.
- **Depth:** Natural fjord depth of 400 m eliminates the need for regular dredging, allowing routine accommodation of **handysize** (≤ 35 000 DWT) vessels.
### Cargo Handling Equipment
- **4 overhead cranes** (30 t capacity) for bulk alloy and timber handling.
- **2 mobile gantry cranes** (15 t) used for containerized freight and project cargo.
- **Continuous belt conveyors** (1 km) linking the smelting area to the quay, enabling rapid movement of ferro‑alloys.
- **Roll‑on/roll‑off (Ro‑Ro) ramps** for the import of vehicles and the export of timber logs.
### Storage and Warehousing
- **15 000 m³** of covered warehouse space, climate‑controlled for sensitive metal alloys and fish products.
- **Open‑air storage yards** (≈ 30 000 m²) for timber, construction aggregates, and scrap metal.
- **On‑site cold storage** (capacity 1 500 t) for fisheries and perishable goods, operated in partnership with the **Norwegian Seafood Council**.
### Support Services
- **Customs clearance** via the **Norwegian Customs and Tax Administration (Toll)**, with electronic data interchange (EDI) capabilities for expedited processing.
- **Pilotage and tug assistance** provided by the **Norwegian Pilots Association**, ensuring safe navigation in the fjord’s constrained passages.
- **Environmental monitoring** systems installed in 2018, compliant with the **IMO MARPOL Annex V** to mitigate marine litter and oil spill risk.
For a full technical specification of Norwegian ports, consult the **Norwegian Port Authority** database: https://www.norharbor.no/ports/oddaport.
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## Economic Importance
Port Odda contributes disproportionately to the regional GDP relative to its size. The port’s primary economic drivers are:
1. **Ferro‑alloy Production** – The modernized **Odda Metallurgical Facility** (now part of **Hydro Aluminium AS**) processes approximately **350 000 t** of aluminium and related alloys annually, exporting 85 % via maritime routes. The port’s efficient bulk handling reduces logistical costs, enhancing the competitiveness of Norwegian aluminium on global markets.
2. **Timber and Pulp** – The surrounding Hardanger valley hosts extensive **spruce and pine plantations**. Annually, ~**120 000 t** of raw timber and processed pulp are shipped from Odda, supporting Norway’s status as a top‑10 wood exporter.
3. **Fishery Products** – The hard‑water fjord ecosystem fosters high‑quality salmon and trout farming. The port’s cold‑storage and rapid off‑loading facilities help maintain product freshness, feeding both EU and Asian markets.
4. **Recycling and Circular Economy** – Since 2015, Odda has become a hub for **scrap metal** and **electronic waste** consolidation, aligning with Norway’s national circular‑economy targets. Approximately **45 000 t** of recyclable material passes through the port each year, with downstream processing at nearby metallurgical plants.
Employment data (2023) indicates **≈ 1 200 direct jobs** at the port and ancillary industries, plus an estimated **3 000 indirect positions** in logistics, transport, and services. The port’s tax contributions support municipal infrastructure projects, including the recent upgrade of local road networks (E134) that improve freight connectivity.
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## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Primary Trade Corridors
- **Northern Europe**: Direct liner services to **Rotterdam**, **Antwerp**, and **Hamburg**, facilitating alloy exports to the automotive and construction sectors.
- **Baltic Sea**: Regular feeder vessels to **Gdańsk** and **St. Petersburg**, handling timber consignments and specialty metal alloys.
- **North Atlantic**: Seasonal bulk carriers to **Newfoundland** and **Quebec**, transporting timber and scrap metal for North‑American recycling facilities.
- **Asian Pacific**: LCL (less‑than‑container‑load) shipments via trans‑Atlantic alliance routes to **Shanghai** and **Tokyo**, primarily for high‑value aluminium sheets.
### Major Cargo Profiles
| Cargo Type | Annual Volume (t) | Primary Destination(s) | Handling Method |
|-----------|-------------------|------------------------|-----------------|
| **Ferro‑silicon / Ferro‑manganese** | 220 000 | Germany, Italy, UK | Bulk conveyor & shiploader |
| **Aluminium ingots** | 130 000 | Netherlands, France | Covered container and bulk |
| **Timber (logs & sawn wood)** | 120 000 | Denmark, Sweden | Ro‑Ro and open‑yard stacking |
| **Fish & seafood** | 15 000 | EU (especially Spain, Italy) | Refrigerated containers |
| **Scrap metal** | 45 000 | Norway & EU recycling hubs | Bulk break‑bulk |
The port’s **intermodal connectivity**—including a **2 km rail spur** linking to the **Bergen–Oslo main line**—ensures seamless cargo transfer to inland destinations. Additionally, the **E134 highway** provides truck access to the **Western Fjord corridor**, strengthening the port’s role as a multimodal logistics hub.
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### Future Outlook
Strategic development plans, approved by the **Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry**, target a **30 % increase in cargo throughput by 2030**. Key initiatives include:
- Installation of a **dual‑fuel (LNG/DME) shore‑side power supply** to reduce emissions from berthed vessels.
- Expansion of **automated container handling** to improve turnaround times for high‑value aluminium products.
- Integration of **digital port community system (PCS)** for real‑time tracking, bolstering supply‑chain transparency.
These investments underline Port Odda’s commitment to **sustainable maritime operations** and its evolving role within Norway’s coastal logistics network.
---
*For further technical details and real‑time vessel traffic, refer to the International Maritime Organization’s AIS portal: https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Pages/AIS.aspx.*
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
NOODD
Country
Norway
Province / Region
Hordaland
Latitude
60.070000
Longitude
6.530000
Timezone
Europe/Oslo
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Odda?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Odda is NOODD.
Where is Port of Odda located?
The Port of Odda is located in Norway, Hordaland. Its coordinates are 60.0700°N, 6.5300°E.
What time zone is Port of Odda in?
Port of Odda 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.