TOFTE

• Latitude: 65.4668
• Longitude: 12.1283
• Norwegian Coast
• Port in Norway

Location: Tofte 3482 Norway

Phone number: +47 32 28 83 00

Web-site: https://www.skagerakfiber.no/tofte

Tofte is a small village located in the Asker municipality within Viken county in Norway. It is situated along the Oslofjord, providing it with a strategic position for maritime activities. The village once had a significant industrial presence, primarily due to the Södra Cell Tofte paper mill, which was an important economic driver until its closure in recent years.

Tofte Marine Port Overview

Location:

• Latitude/Longitude: Approximately 59.5400° N, 10.5320° E
• Proximity: Located along the Oslofjord, about 40 kilometers south of Oslo, the capital of Norway.

Infrastructure:

• Port Type: Predominantly an industrial port.
• Berths/Wharves: The port infrastructure historically supported cargo vessels and was adapted to serve the needs of the paper mill. Specific berth details and dimensions are subject to industrial requirements and changes over time.
• Depth: Because it formerly handled heavy industrial cargo, the port has adequate depth to accommodate large cargo vessels. Common depths would be between 10 to 15 meters but would need measurement and confirmation for current use.
• Handling Equipment: The port may include cranes, conveyors, and other cargo-handling machinery suited for raw materials and industrial goods. Details on specific equipment would vary based on current operational needs.

Commodity Handling:

• Historically focused on the paper and pulp industry, handling the export of paper products and the import of raw materials (wood chips, chemicals).

Services:

• Basic maritime services like pilotage, towing, and potentially bunkering would be available.
• Any advanced logistical services would reflect the current industrial activities, which might not be as extensive post the paper mill closure.

Recent Developments:

• Following the closure of the paper mill in 2013, the exact nature and volume of port activities may have shifted.
• Potential redevelopment projects might be underway, given the strategic fjord location, which could diversify the port’s use rapidly for commercial, residential, or renewed industrial purposes.

Logistics and Accessibility

Road Connections:

• Tofte is accessible by road from Oslo via major highways and secondary routes ensuring connectivity for cargo transportation.

Rail Connections:

• There is no direct railway link to Tofte; cargo would require a road connection to nearby rail nodes.

Local Economy:

• Historically driven by the paper industry, the local economy experienced a transformation post-mill closure, and diversification efforts may include small-scale manufacturing, logistics, and potentially tourism-related maritime activities.

Environmental Considerations:

• Like many Norwegian fjords, environmental regulations are strict to protect the delicate marine ecosystem, so any port activities would be subject to stringent oversight.

Strategic Importance

• Proximity to Oslo makes Tofte potentially valuable for overflow handling of goods when Oslo's port is at full capacity.
• Given its fjord location, it’s sheltered from severe sea conditions, ideal for varied maritime activities.

Summary

Tofte marine port's current status and specification revolve around its transitional phase from a heavily industrial-oriented facility to potentially a diverse-use one. Future development plans may redefine its role, reflecting broader economic strategies in the region. Any specific plans would need to be continually reviewed against official municipal and county announcements.