The Maritime Capital of Norway

By Hogne Haugsdal

Bergen is a centre for the maritime industry, the harbour is one of Europe's busiest and annually more than 250.000 cruise-tourists visit Bergen. The maritime industry is of vital importance to the Norwegian economy. The West Coast of Norway is the most important revenue generating region of Norway, and Bergen sits right in the middle of it all. Within the maritime sector the city is known for having the most complete maritime cluster. More ships and more tonnage is registered in Bergen than in any other city in the country.

Norway with only 4 million inhabitants has the world's 5th largest merchant navy. Bergen has a complete maritime cluster with ship-owners, shipyards, equipment manufacturers, educational institutions, as well as a wide range of maritime service providers. The maritime industry has experienced an unparalleled growth for the last five years. Bergen's turnover in this sector was nearly 20 billion dollars in 2007. More than 30.000 people work in the maritime sector in the Bergen region.

The shipping companies of the Bergen Region operate globally and have a focus on what we call "industrial shipping". This means that they focus on specific niches and sectors where they have in depth knowledge. More than 40 of the ships-owners in the area operate internationally. The Bergen Group is the leading Norwegian owned shipyard group, which after a series of acquisitions have yards all along the Norwegian coast as well as abroad. Shipping banks, insurance companies, brokers and many other service providers complete the maritime cluster.

Bergen is gaining strength as the leading naval city in Norway. Virtually all operations and education are either already in Bergen or will be based here in the near future, giving rise to further cooperation between the naval and civilian maritime sectors.

Bergen has one of the busiest harbours in Europe. In 2007 it had 26200 ship arrivals. To meet future expansion Bergen is now planning a new international harbour. Bergen popularity as a cruise port is also increasing steadily. In 2008 more than 250.000 cruise passengers onboard 260 cruise ships visited Bergen.