SOGNDAL

• Latitude: 61.2285
•
• Longitude: 7.0988
•
• Norwegian Coast
•
• Port in Norway

Address: Sogndal Norway

Sogndal Marine Port - Description and Specifications

General Overview:

Sogndal is a picturesque town located in the Sogn og Fjordane county in Western Norway. It is situated on the Sognefjorden, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway, giving it significant maritime importance. The port serves as a critical logistical and transportation hub for the region, handling both passenger and cargo operations.

Location:

• Coordinates: Approximately 61.2298° N latitude, 7.1038° E longitude
• Proximity: About 20 km south of the Jostedalsbreen Glacier.
• Access Routes: Well-connected via road (European route E39 and Norwegian National Road 5)

Port Specifications:

1. Harbor Characteristics:

   • Type: Natural fjord harbor.
   • Depth: Varying from 10 to 30 meters, accommodating a range of vessel sizes from small ferries to larger cargo ships.
   • Protection: Naturally sheltered by the surrounding terrain, providing excellent protection against rough sea conditions.

2. Facilities:

   • Berths: Multiple berths, some able to accommodate vessels up to 200 meters in length.
   • Cargo Handling: Equipped with modern cranes, container handling equipment, and storage facilities for both bulk and general cargo.
   • Passenger Services: Ferry terminals with amenities including ticketing offices, waiting lounges, and boarding ramps.

3. Navigation:

   • Aids: Well-marked navigational aids including buoys, lighthouses, and beacons.
   • Pilot Services: Pilots available to guide vessels through the fjord and into port safely.

4. Transport Links:

   • Road: Direct access to Norwegian road networks for onward transportation.
   • Air: Closest airport is Sogndal Airport, Haukåsen (approximately 20 km away), which offers domestic flights.
   • Rail: No direct rail services, but road transport can connect to nearby rail networks.

5. Services:

   • Tugboats: Available for assisting vessels in docking and maneuvering.
   • Bunkering: Fuel supply facilities for ships.
   • Repairs and Maintenance: Basic repair facilities available, with more extensive services accessible in larger nearby ports.

6. Environmental and Safety Measures:

   • Waste Management: Facilities for the disposal of ship-generated waste in compliance with environmental regulations.
   • Oil Spill Response: Emergency response plans and equipment in place for mitigating oil spills.
   • Security: 24/7 surveillance and appropriate security protocols to ensure the safety of port operations.

Economic and Strategic Importance:

• Cargo Throughput: Handles a mix of industrial goods, agricultural products, and imported goods.
• Passenger Traffic: Significant for domestic and international ferry services, contributing to regional tourism.
• Fishing Industry: Supports the local fishery sector with unloading and processing facilities.

Future Developments:

• Expansion Plans: Potential expansions to accommodate increasing cargo and passenger traffic.
• Sustainable Practices: Initiatives focusing on sustainability, including renewable energy integrations and reducing the port’s carbon footprint.

Sogndal port, though relatively small in global terms, plays a vital role in the maritime infrastructure of Western Norway, supporting local economies and providing critical transportation links in this scenic and economically significant region.