The Port’s History
Aabenraa has been closely connected to the sea since its founding. The city's maritime identity can be traced back to 1421, when the three mackerels first appeared in the city's coat of arms—a symbol of fishing and the fjord's significance to the city. At that time, there was no harbor as we know it today. The natural depth of the fjord and a simple ship bridge met the needs for trade and fishing in the small market town.
Text created in collaboration with Museum Sønderjylland.
1257 - Aabenraa mentioned for the first time
Aabenraa appears for the first time in written sources in 1257, where the city is mentioned as a market town. At that time, there was still no harbor as we know it today. The fjord served as a natural harbor where ships could dock, and a simple landing site met the needs. The fact that the city was already recognized as a market town at this time shows how important its location by the fjord was for trade, fishing, and connection to the outside world. This marks the beginning of Aabenraa's history as a maritime and port city.
1421 – The mackerels in the coat of arms
First known source of Aabenraa's maritime identity.
1650–1820 – The flourishing of maritime trade
With increasing trade and more inhabitants, Aabenraa grew into one of the duchies' most important maritime cities. The first real harbor, Gammelhavn, was established in 1780, and at the same time, shipbuilding and local shipyards emerged.
1820–1880 – The heyday of the shipyards
Aabenraa ships sail to all continents. More shipyards open, and the city becomes known for building, owning, and manning its own ships. The heyday culminates in the 1860s, but steam and steel vessels take over the market, and the shipyards close.
1880–1920 – Trade and export harbor
As the era of sailing ships waned, the city's shipyards closed, and the role of the harbor changed. New quay facilities and railway tracks made the harbor the center for the export of grain and agricultural products—and the import of coal and industrial products.
1920–1925 – Reunification and modernization
Nyhavn is inaugurated, and Sønderjyllands Højspændingsværk is inaugurated in 1925 by King Christian X.
Industrial companies establish themselves close to the harbor, and cargo turnover increases significantly.
Establishment and inauguration of Nyhavn:
Nyhavn is established
Construction of Nyhavn in Aabenraa 1923. The image shows a dredger (a barge with an excavator) at the entrance, breaking through the dam towards Lindsnakke.
Photo Museum Sønderjylland
Inauguration of Nyhavn in 1923
Inauguration: The royal family participates
From left: Queen Alexandrine, King Christian X and Crown Prince Frederik among others at the inauguration. In the foreground are beech branches decorating the harbor that day.
Photo: Museum Sønderjylland
Inauguration: The bourgeoisie welcomes the royal family
King Christian X and Queen Alexandrine are welcomed at Nyhavn in Aabenraa on May 23, 1925.
Photo: Museum Sønderjylland
I congratulate the men who conceived the idea and carried it out and wish that the harbor may benefit and develop Aabenraa City and its citizens and honor Danish shipping and our homeland Denmark. Long live Denmark!
Christian X at the inauguration of Nyhavn on May 23, 1925
1925-1972 - Increasing cargo volumes
Throughout the 20th century, cargo volumes increased significantly.
In 2024, more than 1,785,000 tons of cargo were handled, equivalent to the gray bars below.
In this way, you can compare the cargo volume historically with today
1983–2013 – Specialization in bulk goods
In 1983, Sønderjyllandskajen opened for larger cargo ships. The harbor focuses on gravel, stones, feedstuffs, and other bulk goods. Capacity and quay depth are expanded to meet international requirements.
2013–2021 – From coal to green energy
Enstedværket, Sønderjylland's large coal-fired power plant, closed in 2013 after over 50 years of operation. In 2021, Aabenraa Harbor took over the area—now called Aabenraa Harbor South—with a deep-water quay, large storage facilities, and 350,000 m² area. The area is cleared and developed into a modern business area focusing on green energy, including Power-to-X facilities for climate-friendly hydrogen production.
2025 – Green transition in practice: Aabenraa Harbor as a PtX hub
The world's largest large-scale Power-to-X facility in Kassø is inaugurated in May 2025 and produces up to 42,000 tons of e-methanol annually, converted from renewable energy.
The first e-methanol is refueled from land via truck at Aabenraa Harbor and transferred directly to the container ship Laura Mærsk—the world's first container ship sailing on green fuel. See video from Mærsk below.
The harbor becomes a strategic shipping hub for green fuels—with investments in terminal infrastructure (e.g., 4,000 m³ capacity) paving the way for the export and transport of green energy.
Aabenraa Harbor cements its role as a center for green energy, sector infrastructure, and logistical development, supporting the region's ambitions in sustainable industry and energy transition.