Kristiansund, Norway, offers backup pier
Kristiansund is offering an alternative berth at Averoy, which is 20 minutes’ drive from the town. Tenders can also be used, weather permitting.
The pier is primarily intended as a back-up berth for vessels that have booked Kristiansund but are unable to access the inner harbour due to weather conditions, explains Erika Indergaard, cruise & marketing manager, Port of Kristiansund & Nordmore.
One of the main advantages is that buses and guides already booked for Kristiansund can be used, with only minor adjustments to the excursion programme. “For us, it’s important that the guests remain in our region, instead of seeking a neighbouring port,” she adds.
The berth can accommodate cruiseships up to 340m that, regardless of weather conditions, are unable to berth in Kristiansund town centre, where the pier limitation is a maximum ship length of 300m. However, the port is still working to determine to what extent the region can secure sufficient buses for passengers who have not pre-booked excursions.
The berth is located in an industrial area – with stunning views – with limited options for independent exploration. Indergaard says: “We consider a shuttle service to Kristiansund to be necessary in order to ensure a good guest experience. That said, this is a valuable alternative to have in mind, particularly in cases where it is challenging to secure an available berth in the Alesund–Molde–Kristiansund–Trondheim corridor.”
In addition the wind zone set up following the Viking Sky engine failure and resulting rescue operation in 2019, increases the nautical miles to be sailed between Kristiansund and Molde.
The berth at Averoy mostly accommodates offshore vessels. It is ISPS-approved and will soon be for cruise vessels also. A few years ago Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ Bolette called.
At present the port receives 20 to 25 calls a year.
(Kristiansund, Norway, offers backup pier)
