The news that Hirtshals Yard is closing down and its floating dock is set to disappear has triggered plenty of questions about the port’s future as an important service centre for the fishing industry, but Hirtshals Service Group head Per Christiansen is adamant that the port is very much open for business.
‘I can only say that we are moving forward at full speed,’ he said, commenting that forty businesses within Hirtshals Service Group are ready to provide services related to ship maintenance and repair. They offer guarantees that Hirtshals remains an attractive choice for fishing vessel owners from around the North Sea.
Per Christensen points out that the maritime businesses in Hirtshals have faced challenges before, and they have always emerged stronger. There is little to suggest this will not be the case now, as the port is bustling with activity and work is proceeding on many fishing vessels from Norway, Greenland and elsewhere.
The 45-metre, 12-metre beam Nokasa is one of trawlers at the quayside, recently acquired from Nordfjord Havfiske in Båtsfjord by Royal Greenland. Once it has been overhauled and upgraded, it will be trawling for shrimp in Disco Bay in Greenland, landing fresh catches for processing ashore. During its time in Hirtshals it’s getting a comprehensive overhaul including servicing the engine and cooling system, electrical work, surface treatment, insulation, and work on its interior. Vestkajens Maskinværksted is the main contractor for Royal Greenland and will carry out the work alongside many other local service providers – and this job exemplifies how Hirtshals Service Group members collaborate effectively.
At Vestkajen Maskinværksted, 39-meter trawler Piraja has just had its shaft treated as part of a five-year inspection, alongside a smaller Norwegian trawler from Karmøy, Rønø, which was alongside for a few hours to have its battery changed – the work of just one hour. The next fishing vessel to come to the yard is the 15-metre shrimper Vaagan, followed closely by another shrimp trawler, the 26-metre Astrid Ann, which will have work carried out at the quay.
Supply vessel Haltbakk Star, converted into a tanker for the transport of bunker fuel and other oil products, is also at the quay. This 70-metre ship is from Kristiansund and is currently having its engines overhauled by EnTech Marine, one of several companies specialising in engines.
Easy quayside access
It would be wrong to claim that the port hasn’t been affected by the recent news of Hirtshals Yard’s closure. But the message to fishing vessel owners is that Hirtshals still offers many service companies with extensive expertise, enabling fishing vessel owners to find reliable, high-quality services and workshop options in Hirtshals.
Hirtshals Service Group is an association of around forty experienced maritime businesses. They are ready to deliver everything from specialised ship electronics and engine services to surface treatments, shaft alignment, net and trawl repairs, and much more. They welcome more fishing vessel owners to the port close to the confluence of the North Sea and the Baltic, and within easy reach of Norway or Scotland.
Many operators from southern Norway make full use of the services available in Hirtshals. Some deliver fish to the auction where they generally receive better prices than in Norway. They also take the opportunity to refuel at prices that are not as steep as at home.
‘Businesses in Hirtshals have a unique collaboration, and the proximity to many European suppliers means that many jobs can be completed very quickly. A large part of the Norwegian fishing fleet has preferred to have their vessels repaired with us for many years,’ Per Christensen said, adding that in recent years the variety of jobs carried out include a trawler lengthening and a seismic vessel converted to fishing for snow crab. Pelagic vessels from Shetland, Scotland, Ireland and Norway are regular callers in Hirtshals.
‘We also have Spanish vessels visiting Hirtshals seeking our expertise. Our strong tradition of collaboration means that customers get a trouble-free experience, in which we handle all necessary tasks and ensure an efficient overall solution,’ he said.
The collaboration between the companies means that customers have a single point of contact with the main contractor, regardless of the services they require. Many years of collaborative experience among the businesses in Hirtshals Service Group ensure that complex repairs and maintenance tasks are resolved quickly and efficiently. A further advantage of Hirtshals is the excellent access to quay areas. The marine businesses in Hirtshals are equipped to deliver effective and flexible solutions to vessels of all types and have a reputation for reliability, punctuality, and high quality.
‘We know that quality and adherence to deadlines are crucial for our customers. These are the values we have always worked for, and that will not change, no matter what else happens around us,’ Per Christensen said.
