The Fortress Quay is filled with boats, tents, and exhibitors the day before One Ocean Week opens. About ten boats, both large and small, have arrived, and the area is ready to welcome the public following the official opening, which will feature a parade of boats and a boat procession.
“Today is all about preparations. We’re making sure the exhibitors have the right space, access to power, and the equipment they’ve ordered,” says Kim Kristoffersen of Bergen Live, who is in charge of the setup on the pier.
The Navy has arrived with the vessel Hinnøy and is setting up its activities at the pier. Fisketorget is on site with “Taste of the Coast,” and the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association is setting up both a tent exhibition and activities aboard the large exhibition vessel Trans Sol, which will be docked through the weekend and until Monday.
The program at Festningskaien kicks off with Maritime Saturday. The area opens to the public after the arrival of the ships and remains open both Saturday and Sunday. Sunday is Family Day, with special activities for children, including the Elias boat at the floating dock. Two ocean-going vessels and a ship from the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue will also be docked at Festningskaien.
“What’s new this year is that much of the exhibition will be held aboard the Trans Sol, which means the exhibition on the pier will be smaller. The area is much more concentrated here at Festningskaien, and that’s actually very convenient for visitors,” he says.
On Monday, schoolchildren are the main target group, with activities both on the pier and aboard the ships.
For many, the preparations for One Ocean Week and the rigging work on the pier mark the start of the spring season.
“For me, this is a clear sign of spring. The event season in Bergen is now underway,” says Kristoffersen.
