Expansion North:
Port of Hirtshals signs contract with Aarsleff for extension of the Western Breakwater
Port of Hirtshals has signed a contract with Aarsleff for the extension of the Western Breakwater. The contractor brings experience from some of Europe’s largest port and coastal engineering projects to the biggest construction project in the history of Port of Hirtshals. Preparations will now begin ahead of the start of construction in spring 2027.
Following the completed tender process, Port of Hirtshals has selected Aarsleff as the contractor for the extension of the Western Breakwater. With the contract now in place, Phase 1 of the port expansion with Expansion North enters a new phase.
Aarsleff will be responsible for constructing approximately 750 metres of new breakwater, with an option to shorten the eastern breakwater head. Port of Hirtshals and Aarsleff will now begin detailed planning ahead of the start of construction in spring 2027.
– Signing the contract marks a decisive step from planning to construction. Many years of preparation have gone into the project, and we now look forward to working with an experienced contractor to create even better and safer conditions for vessel traffic. This will improve schedule reliability and provide better conditions for both our existing and future customers, says Per Anholm Nørgaard, CEO at Port of Hirtshals
Extensive construction work
The project involves removing approximately 275 metres of the existing Western Breakwater and constructing a new breakwater of approximately 750 metres. This will extend the breakwater approximately 350 metres further out to sea.
The new breakwater will be constructed as a rubble mound breakwater, with the outer layer consisting of large concrete armour units known as Cubipods. These will provide the breakwater’s outer protection against waves and harsh weather conditions.
Construction will take place while Port of Hirtshals remains fully operational. This requires careful planning and coordination between the contractor, the port and the many operators that use the port every day.
– I have been involved in many major construction projects over the years, but this project is something special. We have spent several years on analyses, environmental studies, model testing and engineering, so it is naturally very satisfying to have reached the point where the plans are becoming reality. At the same time, the project will be constructed under some of the most demanding conditions found in Denmark. Close cooperation between the contractor and the port will therefore be essential to make the most of favourable weather windows when they occur, says Niels Kiersgaard, Technical Director at Port of Hirtshals.
Experienced contractor for a complex project
For Port of Hirtshals, it has been essential to select a contractor with documented experience from comparable port and coastal engineering projects. The port faces a complex construction project that must be carried out while maintaining round-the-clock operations. Port of Hirtshals is therefore pleased to have entered a partnership with Aarsleff, which has the expertise, experience and resources required for the project.
The company has experience from a number of major Danish and international port developments and maritime infrastructure projects. This experience will contribute to the safe and efficient completion of the extension of the West Breakwater.
–It has been a thorough and constructive process in which we have worked together to identify the best solutions for both the project and the port’s operations. We now look forward to continuing our cooperation in the next phase, when the planning will be translated into actual construction work, says Henrik Rasmussen, Department Manager at Aarsleff, responsible for the company’s marine construction activities in western Denmark.
Ready for the next phase
–This is an important long-term investment in infrastructure that will have a significant impact on Port of Hirtshals and North Denmark for many years to come. For the Board of Directors, it is about ensuring that the port continues to have the infrastructure needed to maintain and develop its role as the most important maritime transport hub between Denmark, Norway and the North Atlantic, says Michael Lundgaard Thomsen, Chairman of the Board of Port of Hirtshals.
With the contract signed, work will continue on the detailed planning of the construction period. Port of Hirtshals and Aarsleff will coordinate the various phases of the project with the existing traffic and activities at the port.
Construction is expected to begin in spring 2027 and to be completed in 2029/2030.