Eemshaven

• 📍 Groningen city centre: ~30 km
• 📍 Emden (Germany): ~40 km
• 🚆 Direct train connection with Groningen
• ⛴ Existing ferry terminal for Borkum services
• 🚗 Easy access from the Netherlands and northern Germany

Eemshaven: A ferry port in the North of the Netherlands

Eemshaven is the northernmost seaport of the Netherlands and one of the country’s most important maritime hubs. Located on the Ems estuary close to the German border, the port provides direct access to the North Sea and serves as a gateway for shipping, offshore energy projects and international transport. Despite its industrial character, Eemshaven has increasingly become an important departure point for ferry travellers.

The port is already well known as the Dutch departure point for ferry services to the German island of Borkum. Between 2022 and 2023, Eemshaven also hosted a direct ferry service to Kristiansand, Norway, highlighting its potential as a gateway between the Netherlands and Scandinavia. Today, preparations are underway for new ferry infrastructure that could support future international routes, including the planned connection to Arendal.

One of Eemshaven’s greatest advantages is its location. The port lies approximately 30 kilometres north of Groningen, the largest city in the northern Netherlands, and is easily reached via modern highways. International visitors from Germany will also find Eemshaven convenient, with the German border only a short drive away and the city of Emden located less than 40 kilometres from the port.

Public transport access is surprisingly good for a port of this size. Eemshaven has its own railway station, located close to the ferry area, with direct train services to Groningen. From there, passengers can continue to Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam and other major Dutch destinations via the national rail network.

Today, Eemshaven is best known for its role in offshore wind energy, logistics and shipping, but its strategic position on the North Sea continues to make it an attractive location for international ferry services. For travellers heading towards Norway, the port offers one of the shortest sea crossings from mainland Europe to the Scandinavian coast.