The City of Oslo has a blue-green structure that encompasses forests and fields, the city's parks and rivers, the fjord, and its islands. Green spaces absorb rainwater and reduce the risk of damage from floods and floodwater.
Oslofjord is a hub for residential, recreational, and outdoor activities. The fjord is also a vital transport artery for people and cargo into Norway's most densely populated area.
Port of Oslo is responsible for supervising traffic in the municipality's waterways and managing the port's properties and facilities in an economically and environmentally sound manner. This includes protecting the ecological and biological diversity of the fjord and surrounding land.
Port of Oslo’s harbor promenade and buffer zones are planted with local species. The port also collaborates with stakeholders to develop the architectural design of its buildings.
Flowerbeds and local species
The harbor’s green spaces include flowerbeds planted with local species. Some of these are found only in the harbor, and the islands of inner Oslofjord. Port of Oslo is well aware of the importance of these species and sharing its knowledge about them. The port has removed unwanted species such as South African ragwort and Asian knotweed to help protect endangered species in its green spaces.
Port of Oslo has established buffer zones and parks planted with local species in Bekkelagsbadet at Ormsund, Trettenparken at Filipstad, Gastenparken at Akershusstranda, and the buffer zone at the far end of Sjursøya. A new buffer zone will be established on Grønlia across from Sørenga.
Remediating the seabed
Emissions from industry, run-off from the city, and dumping of waste throughout the 20th century led to high concentrations of environmental toxins on the seabed of inner Oslofjord.
Port of Oslo led Norway's first and largest remediation of the seabed in Oslo's inner harbor from 2006 to 2008. The municipality’s, Clean Oslofjord Project removed contaminated material from the harbor basin for the benefit of the city's population and life in the fjord. Preventing new pollutants from entering the fjord remains a challenge.
Collaborating for cleaner water in Oslofjord
Water flowing through the city carries pollutants from human activity including microplastic from tires, metals from water used to clean roads, or environmental toxins from paint and buildings. It all eventually empties into the fjord and its seabed.
Port of Oslo takes samples from water channels and sand traps to find potential sources of pollution. Contaminated channels are emptied to prevent heavy metals and oil from flowing into the fjord. Systematic removal of fender decks along the quays reduces microplastics in the fjord.
The Norwegian Environment Agency's comprehensive plan, A Clean and Rich Oslofjord promotes an active, outdoor lifestyle, and supports responsible environmental stewardship of the fjord. Several municipal agencies are collaborating to identify and reduce sources of new pollution from the city.
The Urban Environment Agency coordinates the effort to improve the ecology of the city's waterways. Port of Oslo contributes to the inter-municipal partnership, Water Area Oslo that is focused on improving water quality in Oslofjord.