-“We wish to retain, and hopefully increase supply base activities in the area. This is the main reason for our participation at ONS 2008. If we do not participate we cannot expect to gain anything, it’s as simple as that”, says Mr Klæmint Østerø
Oil industry supply harbour
In the longest fjord in the Faroes lies the port of Runavík. For the past few years it has also functioned as the supply base for offshore activities in the Faroes. Because the existing contracts, which covered the first eight drillings have expired, a state of free competition exists once again between supply companies and other ports. Therefore, the Port of Runavík feels compelled to adopt a more aggressive attitude to retain activities within the area.
-“We wish to retain, and hopefully increase supply base activities in the area. This is the main reason for our participation at ONS 2008. If we do not participate we cannot expect to gain anything, it’s as simple as that. Free competition for supply base activities means we have to be careful we do not lose what we already have gained”, says Mr Klæmint Østerø, chairman of the Board for the port authorities.
Atlantic Supply Base, based in Rúnavík, has since 2000 held a contract, which determines they are the sole supply base for the oil companies, which have been active in the Faroes. This contract expired on the 14th of April of 2008, so new challenges lie ahead for the Rúnavík Town Council.
Largest ever
Although the Port of Rúnavík with its experience feels confident of continuing its supply base activities, it also feels it must present itself at ONS. Apart from the stand at the exhibition, the Council has – together with the Tórshavn Town Council – a large cultural event on the quayside in Stavanger, which hopefully will be an eye-opener for a larger number of people regarding the Faroes in an oil industry context.
Close to oil areas
As oil has become extremely expensive, oil companies are looking for alternative ways to reduce their own oil consumption. This could soon become an advantage for the Port of Rúnavík.
-“From oilfields on the Norwegian side of the border, it takes six hours less to sail to Rúnavík compared to Aberdeen - twelve hours in all back and forth. As our services have always been satisfactory and our prices are lower than for example Aberdeen and Stavanger, it is thinkable we will see an increase in activity levels”, says Mr Østerø, in a comparison of the advantages of Rúnavík to other areas.
Expansion opportunities
-“The Rúnavík Town Council has monitored oil industry developments for a long time and has prepared itself to expand activities. This means we have several areas available, which within a very short time can be developed for oil industry activities, if we were fortunate enough to receive more activity
