Transport of Natural Ice

The production of ice from fresh water became an industry during the 19th century. The industry was first developed in the United States. However, since Britain was the largest importer of ice, it became more profitable to establish production in Norway.

At first, ice was transported by sailing ships, and later by steamships. In the peak year of 1898, the value of Norway’s ice exports reached nearly one-third of the income from the timber trade.