Oslo to relocate international ferry terminal in major waterfront redevelopment

A broad political agreement in Oslo will see the city’s international ferry terminal moved from its central location, freeing up prime waterfront areas for parks, housing, and public swimming facilities, reports NTB.

The deal, struck between the city’s governing parties—Conservatives (Høyre) and Liberals (Venstre)—alongside the Green Party (MDG) and Socialist Left (SV), marks a major step in Oslo’s long-term “Fjord City” development plan. The agreement will reshape key areas along the inner harbor, including Vippetangen and Filipstad.

“This is a landmark day for Oslo,” said Ingeborg Tennes, deputy leader of Oslo’s Conservative Party. “We are transforming restricted port areas into vibrant urban spaces for housing, business, and recreation—benefiting the entire city.”

Ferry terminal to move, parks and swimming areas to replace it

The most visible change will be the relocation of the Copenhagen ferry terminal from Vippetangen to a new site at Kongshavn, below the Ekeberg ridge. The current terminal area at Vippetangen will become a public park, while the adjacent Hjortnes quay—where the Kiel ferry operates—will be redeveloped for housing and green spaces.

New seawater bathing areas will be built at both Vippetangen and Sukkerbiten, with the latter featuring a heated year-round pool. The plan also includes 25 decares (6.2 acres) of green space at Vippetangen and 50 decares (12.4 acres) at Filipstad, along with at least 250 meters (820 ft) of restored natural shoreline.

“We’re securing a large green park and seawater baths at Vippetangen while moving ferry traffic out of the city center,” said Haakon Riekeles (V), chair of Oslo’s urban development committee.

Cruise ship restrictions and housing quotas

The agreement also targets cruise traffic, a key demand from the Green Party. The Revier quay, currently used by cruise ships, will be shortened by at least 50 meters, reducing capacity for the largest vessels. Authorities will also explore repurposing the entire quay for nature and recreation, effectively eliminating Oslo’s last cruise terminal. A new cruise fee will be introduced as soon as national regulations allow.

“Oslo cannot keep breaking cruise records,” said MDG group leader Sirin Stav. “We’re opening the fjord for parks, nature, and swimming—from Bestumkilen to Grønlikaia—instead of giant cruise ships.”

For housing, the deal mandates that at least 20 percent of new units in the Filipstad, Hjortnes, and Grønlikaia areas must lie outside the standard market. This includes a minimum 5 percent for municipal housing and 5 percent for student accommodation.

“This is SV’s biggest housing policy breakthrough in Oslo since the suburban developments of the 1960s,” said Omar Samy Gamal of SV. “We’re ensuring at least 1,200 affordable homes in the heart of the fjord’s inner harbor.”

Political support and next steps

The four parties hold 39 of the 59 seats on Oslo’s city council, guaranteeing the plan’s passage when it goes to a vote on May 27. Leaders expressed hope that other parties would join the consensus.

“Those claiming this is too expensive have miscalculated,” said Riekeles. “The value of freeing up Hjortnes alone exceeds 4 billion kroner [€350m], far outweighing the cost of a new terminal. The benefits of opening Vippetangen are immense.”

The agreement also allocates 3,000 square meters (32,300 sq ft) of replacement facilities on Tøyen for voluntary organizations currently based at the Old Munch Museum, should the building be sold.

“We’re creating diverse neighborhoods along the fjord, with nature restoration, public swimming, and community spaces for all,” Gamal said.