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Millions to new harbor on Svalbard

The Norwegian Government has through the National Transport Plan allocated NOK 200 million to development of the harbor in Longyearbyen on Svalbard. Photo: Thomas Nilsen

The harbor in Longyearbyen will become better prepared for the expected shipping boom.

Location

The National Transport Plan for the period 2014-2023 was presented last Friday. Pointing to the climate changes, which will make waters in the High North easier accessible for shipping, the Norwegian Government says that NOK 200 million (app €26,7 million) will be allocated to development of new harbor infrastructure in Longyearbyen. The number of vessels to the Arctic archipelago has gone up during the last years, especially when it comes to cruise vessels. 

With the Arctic ice melting and new shipping routes opening up, Svalbard’s role will change will become more important: “In the light of increased commercial and industrial activity in the Arctic Ocean, Longyearbyen will have an even larger importance as base for rescue and pollution preparedness and as a base for maritime services”, the National Transport Plan reads.