HARWICH could be the new location for a ferry service from Norway.

Norwegian Seaways has confirmed it is looking at Harwich International Port as a possible destination for a ferry running from Bergen, Haugesun and Stavanger.

For 140 years, ferries sailed the route to the Port of Tyne in Newcastle, but the crossing was closed by DFDS in August 2008, leaving passengers wanting to travel to Norway forced into flying or driving.

In 2010, Norwegian Seaways was formed to try to restore the line.

Spokesman Paul Woodbury said: “We continue to consider a handful of UK ports as potentially serviceable options.

“Harwich remains one of those options.”

Harwich International Port said it would not comment on any commercial discussions.