Norway pushes to keep all 34 coastal route ports amid political fight

The Norwegian Ministry of Transport has received a flood of responses from municipalities, businesses and residents after the public hearing on the future of the coastal shipping route (Kystruten) closed. Politicians and local leaders, led by Geir Knutsen (Ap), are urging the government to retain all 34 scheduled ports from Bergen to Kirkenes, arguing that any cuts would weaken a vital logistics lifeline and compromise national security in the border region with Russia.

The debate centres on a report by Oslo Economics, which critics say reflects a desk‑based view detached from the realities of coastal communities. Supporters stress that the route provides essential freight, heavy‑transport and civilian infrastructure where road networks are fragile and air links unreliable, especially during winter storms. The government is expected to draft the final tender for the service starting in 2030, while pressure on Oslo politicians continues.