Car imports are an important contributor to the value creation in the Drammen region, and car logistics are a significant part of the port’s history. Today, 7 out of 10 cars entering Norway make their first stop in Drammen before being distributed across the country
To the Port of Drammen, the car import volumes represent a substantial portion of revenues and contribute to the employment of many people in the various businesses operating at the port. At the port, pre-delivery inspections of cars, installation of additional equipment, and various services take place before the cars are transported to dealerships across Norway.
The Port of Drammen is Norway's largest port for car imports. Over the last ten years, we have had an average of 110.00 cars imported to our quays each year. That’s equivalent to 13 cars – every hour, 24/7, all year around. It requires a solid team of actors to make it all work in a seamless manner
Arne Fosen, Port Director
It started with two men and a Datsun
The story of the Port of Drammen as Norway’s largest hub for car imports began in March 1964, when a Datsun became the first car unloaded at the port. That chilly day in March, marked the start of a journey that lead the port to breaking records in 2022, handling 121,655 imported vehicles—most of them electric cars.
Key to this development were Knut E. Møinichen, a shipping expert, and port director Reidar Lyngaas, whose partnership with Swedish Wallenius Lines paved the way for Drammen to become Norway’s car city.
Drammen Bilhavn AS was founded on January 10, 1964, jointly owned by Wallenius Lines, Oslo Motorships, and shipbrokers Knut E. Møinichen and Bengt Törnquist.
In no time, Toyota and Nissan set up operations in Drammen. Over the years, others followed, such as Opel relocating from Oslo in 1997, and Bertel O. Steen moving imports for Mercedes and Peugeot in 1999. By 2023, Møller was also establishing a presence in Drammen.
Toyota choose Drammen
Toyota and the Port of Drammen have shared a unique bond since the late 1960s. With Oslo’s port running out of space, Toyota’s importers sought a new base. F.E. Dahl & Co AS chose Drammen not only for storage but also as a facility to prepare cars for Norwegian requirements, including modifications and services such as underbody coating, mirrors, seat belts, mud flaps, and chassis.
On Holmen, Toyota built a hub for receiving, prepping, storing, and shipping cars. Since the 1970s, every Toyota imported to Norway has passed through Drammen. Eventually, F.E. Dahl & Co AS also moved its headquarters to Drammen, specifically to Nøsted Bruk.
Towards and electric future
Drammen has come a long way since those early days. Electric cars made a strong debut in 2013, with Nissan Leaf leading the charge. Tesla soon followed, and by 2021, 75% of vehicles arriving at the Port of Drammen were electric, including popular models like the Ford Mustang Mach-E. This fully electric SUV became a top-seller, solidifying Ford’s place in the market.
In 2024, zero-emission vehicles accounted for an impressive 94% of imports—a world-leading figure.
With its intermodal capabilities and 24/7 operations, the Port of Drammen remains Norway’s premier gateway for car imports, allowing ships to unload vehicles as soon as they dock.
