The current contract for sea transport services on the route Bergen-Kirkenes
Expires 31.12.2019. The contract includes an option for a one year extension. The Ministry of Transport and Communications is intending to take up the option. A final decision on the release of the option will be made during the tender process. The competition is for the operation of the coastal route Bergen-Kirkenes return for a period of 10 years, with a mutual option for a 1 year extension. The operation will start 1.1.2021 at the latest. The operation of the coastal route in total involves daily, year-round and continuous sailings between 34 given ports along the stretch. Transport shall be offered to passengers who travel locally or regionally between the ports on the north and southbound routes respectively. In addition, transportation of cargo must be offered between the ports on the route Tromsø-Kirkenes-Tromsø.