About us

An active commercial port with proud and solid roots
The Port of Kolding does not rest on the laurels of history with many good stories and expansions since “Kolding Havn anno 1843”. We see history as a solid foundation for today’s development of the port.

Port of Kolding in constant development

The port has evolved from a traditional receiving port into an innovative centre for transport solutions and business development. The modern commercial port is constantly evolving, supported by a green strategy.

We want to attract companies that will contribute to innovation and development in transport solutions, product refinement and service optimisation. Companies that see an added value in being present in the port.

How is the Port of Kolding developing?

  • We work together on business development and services at the port
  • We have a physical framework for development – also in the coming years
  • We are an active player in development projects on and near the port
  • We have a central location for transport solutions and related business

Board of Directors

The Harbour Board manages the port in accordance with the rules of the Harbour Act.

We are a municipal self-government port with a board of directors consisting of 3 politicians and 4 business representatives with different competences. The Board is elected for a 4-year term in the municipal elections.

History

The Port of Kolding is undergoing rapid development – but that’s nothing new. Since its inauguration in 1843, when ambitions were already high, it has grown to become one of Denmark’s 10 largest commercial ports.

2018: the Port of Kolding celebrates its 175th anniversary

2018: New board takes office in connection with new city council; Asger Christensen (V) is chairman

2017: Port of Kolding reaches turnover record – 1,305,916 tonnes of goods over quay

2016: Anders Vangsbjerg Sørensen takes over as port director 1/5 after having been acting port director since 1/1

2009: purchase of 100 tonne giant crane from Port of Hirtshals

2000: Port of Kolding becomes municipal autonomous port

1996: Construction of ro-ro berth and quay extension at Nordhavn

1991: Port of Kolding gets administration building, designed by Lauge Juuls Tegnestue

1982 – 1991: Investments of DKK 20 million. in better services such as cranes, loading facilities, tugboats, etc.

1980: Inauguration of extensive harbour extension on the south side of Kolding Harbour

1967: Scheduled boat to Bornholm established

World War 2: Germans seize Kolding Harbour, which is used extensively

Interwar period: Port of Kolding maintains position as major provincial port – with up to 2000 ship calls annually

World War 1: Port of Kolding is the 4th largest provincial port

1916-1918: River laying, construction of Buen and Sdr. Port road with double railway track and increase of port area from 20 ha to 70 ha.

1909: Major expansion, including deepening of the harbour basin and fairway to 7 metres

1898: Kolding export market is established at the Port of Kolding

1896: The Port of Kolding gets its first crane

1880s: first warehouse for grain and fodder is built

1880s: the island of Trindholm becomes landlocked with the harbour

1875: First railway track to port built

1866: The railway comes to Kolding

1861: Steamship harbour built

1843: Inauguration of the Port of Kolding on 24 October at a cost of 23,547 riksbankdaler and 18 shillings of silver

1842: Establishment of the Port of Kolding begins on 1 May. The dock will be 250 feet (80 meters) long and 180 feet (57 meters) wide with a depth of 9 feet (2.6 meters)

1841: Merchant Caspar F. Müller carries out a census and calculations of a harbour at his own expense. After this, the General Customs Chamber’s harbour inspector, Captain Leth, draws up a plan for the harbour basin

Photo: Kolding City Archives