The Tórshavn-based shipping line has started constructing a storage and administration building in the Port of Hirtshals, next to the Nordsø Terminal and Containerkajen.

The works comprise a 2.7k m2 big warehouse, an administration building of 600 m2, and a 50 m2 big terminal office. All are scheduled for completion in fall 2018.

"At Smyril Line, we look very much forward to developing our activities and strengthening our position at the Port of Hirtshals with this construction. The location and design of the building is constructed to ensure effective and quick operations when dealing with the cargo from our ships and when servicing both cargo and passenger customers," Carsten Kjær, CEO, Smyril Line Cargo, said.

Claus Roden Jensen, CEO at HMU, which is the turnkey contractor, added, "It has been an intense process where all the details had to come together but we are very pleased with how professionally it has all been done. We have designed the building in close collaboration with Smyril Line's architects, consulting engineer Ole Møgelmose, the CAD-drafting office, and the shipping company's cargo department. This close collaboration has resulted in a building which is both aesthetically beautiful and highly functional."

"Now that the construction has begun, we have already moved on to the next challenge which is recruiting new and qualified employees for the daily operations and tasks in the terminal. We are about to create a new and well-run organization here in Hirtshals, and that is a very exciting process which will go on for the next couple of years," Kjær summed up.

The Port of Hirtshals functions as a continental hub for Smyril Line. From here, the company offers a ro-pax service to the Faroe Islands (Tórshavn) and Iceland (Seyðisfjørð), as well as a ro-ro loop between Tórshavn and St. Petersburg.

Photo: Port of Hirtshals