Frier Fjord

Frierfjord receives the waters of Telemark near Porsgrunn, inside the sheltered approach from Langesund. Timber floated down from the interior and sawn at Skien could be loaded onto seagoing ships here. Strong currents and silting made it difficult for larger vessels to reach Skien itself, so Porsgrunn grew as an export harbour. A new customs house was completed there in 1653, bringing the supervision of the fjord's shipping closer to its anchorage.