The ports: the municipalities' most important tools for business development

The ports along the coast are crucial for business development and value creation. The importance of maritime transport for workplaces and the business community in Norway cannot be underestimated, as as much as 90 per cent of our exports and 80 per cent of the import takes place. This clearly illustrates the central role of sea transport plays for the development of business in our country.

Ambitious business and industrial development, combined with investments in forward-looking ports, has been the basis for this success. The development of the ports has largely been synonymous with investment in business and securing settlement along the coast. Norwegian ports, which organize the ports along the entire coast, have mapped the ports' investment needs. A conservative estimate shows that NOK 20 billion is needed by 2030.

The ports alone do not have the financing ability to take such a boost. A splice team must be established between the state, ports, and business and industrial developers. This will facilitate the establishment of a new industry and the continuation of Norway's strong position within sea transport. Sea transport is not only the fastest, but also the greenest way out to the world with Norwegian products.

It is also worth noting that the investment needs are not just large in Norway. The EU is planning huge investments in port infrastructure to ensure the value creation of the future. For Norway, this means that we must be competitive and ensure that our ports are equipped for the future.

Instead of focusing on dividend opportunities, the new framework conditions should motivate municipalities to exercise more active ownership. This will strengthen the port business as an engine for green restructuring, as well as contribute to the development of business and workplaces. In this way, the port business will be able to yield a greater return in the future. This will be a win-win situation for both the municipality, the business community and the port company.

The inhabitants understand the importance of the ports. Reputation surveys show that the central role of the ports in the growth and development of business is one of the main reasons why they are considered so important.

The role of municipalities in this context is crucial. Through strategic investments in the ports, the municipalities can ensure value creation and jobs along the coast. It is therefore important that both local and national authorities work together to strengthen the port infrastructure, so that we can meet the challenges and opportunities of the future in a sustainable way.

Kjell-Olav Gammelsæter

Director of Norwegian Ports