invest in esbjerg
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Invest in the futureTRANSCRIPT
INVEST IN ESBJERGInvest in the future
ENERGY AND INGENUITYWe welcome you to Esbjerg - Denmark’s EnergyMetropolis and hope that this magazine will give you an impression of our city and an idea of what you can expect from it. This is an invitation to participate in the further development of Esbjerg and through establishment or investment to become part of the EnergyMetropolis.
Esbjerg is Denmark’s fifth largest city.
In Esbjerg, 250 companies employ more than 13,500 people within the energy sector.
75% of Danish wind turbine export pass through the port of Esbjerg.
Esbjerg is the offshore capital of Denmark and one of the leading offshore cities in the world.
Being experts in handling the oil, gas and wind activities in the North Sea, companies have for many years
contributed to Esbjerg’s position as the offshore capital of Denmark
A little bit of historySince the foundation of Esbjerg in 1868, the
port has been the centre of its industrial
activities.
Until the 1970’s, growth mainly came from
the export of butter and bacon as well as
industrial fishing. After that, the activities
changed towards the oil fields newly found in
the North Sea and some 20 years later, it was
supplemented by the emerging offshore wind
farms.
EnergyMetropolis of the future Being experts in handling the oil, gas and wind
activities in the North Sea, companies have for
many years contributed to Esbjerg’s position as
the offshore capital of Denmark and the newly
achieved membership of World Energy Cities
Partnership marks Esbjerg as one of the leading
offshore cities in the world.
Today, more than 13,500 people work within
the energy sector in Esbjerg, which in addition
to oil, gas and wind also counts bioenergy and
intelligent energy systems.
Facts
PAGE 3INVEST IN ESBJERG
Located in the south-westerly corner of Denmark, facing the North Sea, the UK and the western part of Europe, the port of Esbjerg is an excellent choice if you want to connect Danish trade with Europe. With a fully developed hinterland infrastructure including road and rail, the port can accommodate the largest heavy-duty transports allowed on public roads.
PORT OF ESBJERG – the energy port
During the years, the port of Esbjerg has demonstrated its ability to develop its infrastructure as well as attracting new customers. Ever since the beginning of the oil- & gas exploration in the Danish North Sea, the port of Esbjerg has been an important corner stone in developing this industry in Denmark.
Today, the wind industry is one of the most important industries in Denmark generating
thousands of jobs and the port of Esbjerg is proud of being a very important part of this industry and a vital piece of infrastructure assisting both global and national compa-nies developing their businesses.
With more than 200 energy related companies, the port is the largest cluster in Denmark and can provide highest quality services meeting the highest demands from any customer.
Today, the port of Esbjerg is the largest port in Denmark with an area of 4,000,000 m2. With an area of 650,000 m2, the new east port is the largest port area in Denmark and can handle offshore wind turbines and foundations. Once fully developed, the east port will cover an area of 1,000,000 m2 and more than 2 km of heavy-duty quayside
Strategic focus areas:
– Renewable energy
– Oil and gas industry
– Intermodal transport
Facts
Port of Esbjerg represents a vital piece of infrastructure assisting both global and national companies developing their business.
The port of Esbjerg is the largest port in Denmark with an area of 4,000,000 m2.
The new east port is the largest port area in Denmark, which can handle offshore wind turbines and foundations.
PAGE 5INVEST IN ESBJERG
Though the oil and gas activities in the North Sea have existed since the 1970’s, this market still has potential. The trade
organisation, Oil Gas Denmark, estimates that there are still unexplored oil and gas resources worth 25 bio € in the North Sea.
The status of the port of Esbjerg as leading harbour for handling offshore wind turbines has been indefeasible since the establishment of Horns Rev I and II. Horns Rev III is a new 400MW wind farm just outside the shores of Esbjerg. In 2017, installation will begin and this will generate further activities for Esbjerg companies. It is expected that the installed offshore wind capacity in 2020 will be five times the present level.
Companies like Maersk Oil & Gas, Hess, Rambøll Oil & Gas, DONG Energy, Siemens, Vestas and Vattenfall are leading companies within the offshore activities. However, the company structure of Esbjerg is many small companies. Altogether, the city counts 250 energy companies – of which 177 are in the offshore industry alone.
Intelligent energy and bioenergyDistributing and using energy intelligently is the challenge of the future. In Esbjerg, one of the leading electricity and telecommunication distributors in the country takes up this
challenge and based on EU’s strongest fibre network, SE aims to contribute to transforming the society towards sustainability.
In continuation of intelligent energy, Esbjerg also focuses on bioenergy. Aalborg University Esbjerg educates Masters in Combustion Technology and the students participate in projects with local bioenergy companies. In this field, the international waste-to-energy plant producer, Babcock & Wilcox Vølund, plays an important role in Esbjerg.
Esbjerg among the 20 most important energy cities of the worldWith oil, gas, wind, intelligent energy and bioenergy gathered at one place, the status of Esbjerg as Denmark’s EnergyMetropolis is confirmed. Consequently, Esbjerg was admitted in the World Energy Cities Partnership (WECP) gathering the 20 most important energy cities in the world. Esbjerg is the only Danish member city.
OFFSHORE EXPERTISE
It is expected that the installed offshore wind
c apacity in 2020 will be five times the present level
Altogether, the city counts 250 energy companies – of which 177 are in the offshore industry alone
Facts
An estimate of € 25,000,000,000 of unexplored oil and gas in the Danish North Sea sector.
In 2020, 5 times more offshore wind capacity installed
The region has EU’s strongest fibre network.
PAGE 7INVEST IN ESBJERG
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University of Southern Denmark
University College South Denmark
Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts Southern Denmark
Esbjerg International School
Esbjerg Strand
Port of Esbjerg
Aalborg University Esbjerg
Business Academy Southwest
Parallel Connection Road
Kjersing Industrial Area
Andrup Industrial Dryport Area
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INDUSTRIAL AREAS AND INFRASTRUCTURE– Connecting Esbjerg and Europe
Motorway, railroad and airport connect Esbjerg with Europe and ensure that any kind of cargo can be delivered to and from the city.
The infrastructure in Esbjerg covers all kinds of
transportation opportunities. The motorway
leads directly to the harbour, where a new cargo
terminal is placed. Close to the city, you find
Esbjerg Airport with international departures to
Aberdeen and Stavanger.
The motorway starts close to the harbour area
and connects Esbjerg with the rest of Denmark
and Europe. Because of the motorway’s
proximity to the harbour, wind turbines and
other large-scale transports can easily be
transported to and unshipped from the port.
Besides having international flight departures to
two other offshore capitals and close partner
cities, Stavanger in Norway and Aberdeen in
Scotland, Esbjerg Airport has an efficient
heliport, which serves all operations and
maintenances from and to Horns Rev I and II.
Furthermore, large cargo flights can land and
take off from the accessible runway.
Billund International Airport is located 45
minutes from Esbjerg with multiple international
and national connections and DFDS offers ferry
departures to and from Harwich as part of the
E20 motorway connection from Russia to the
United Kingdom.
Esbjerg is an important transport and cargo
centre in the region, and more than 500
transport- and logistics architects operate from
here. Multiple cargo solutions by road, sea, air
and rail are available and especially large-scale
goods are handled efficiently.
Industrial areasSeveral industrial areas are available for business
development. Large-scale energy companies
requiring port facilities and suppliers could
establish activities in the Andrup dryport area.
From here, access to the port would be eased
by a parallel road connexion directly to the
port. Other areas –primarily in Kjersing - are
available,and the latest development of the port
gives opportunities for building businesses and
headquarters.
Facts
Motorway directly to the port area ensures easy transport of wind turbines and other large-scale goods.
Heliport serving operations and maintenances of North Sea installations.
Billund International Airport is 45 minutes away.
Available industrial areas with perfect infrastructure.
Veldbæk Industrial Area
Esbjerg Airport
Kolding, Copenhagen, Hamburg
Ribe
PAGE 9INVEST IN ESBJERG
30 min60 min
90 min
90 min
Esbjerg
Esbjerg is the gateway to Northern Europe’s offshore energy installations
will be invested in the Danish offshore oil and gas sector during the next 5 years
5,5 billion €
...of Danish wind turbine export pass through the port of Esbjerg
75%250 companies within the energy sector are located in Esbjerg
PAGE 11INVEST IN ESBJERG
Workforce
With great infrastructure comes great workforce. Actually the workforce within only 60 minutes from Esbjerg is approximately 200,000. And the population is increasing rapidly.
4 of the 5 GW wind power in the North Sea have been installed from Esbjerg
108,000
4 GW
200,000
The expected growth within offshore wind turbine in 8 years
14%
...of Danish offshore jobs are in Esbjerg
62%
A task force guides you through the municipality service system
No property tax for companies in Esbjerg.
Facts
OUTSTANDING BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
Esbjerg Business Development Centre is
constantly striving to ease the processes of
establishment and development for new and
existing companies. This often happens in close
collaboration with the Municipality of Esbjerg.
To ease the process of establishment and other
large business development projects, Esbjerg
Municipality has created a task force. The task
force gathers professionals from relevant
We have the pleasure of welcoming many companies to the city every year. Alone in 2013, more than 25 companies within the energy sector established activities in Esbjerg
departments in the municipality and provides
efficient and quick procedures and one-point
contact between the company and the
municipality.
Esbjerg is one of few municipalities that do
not charge property tax from the business
community. This factor contributes to the great
business environment in Esbjerg. In the annual
report on business environment by The
Confederation of Danish Industry (DI), Esbjerg
rates among the top ten cities in Denmark.
Facts
OFFSHORE COMPETENCES – Experience and education
Educational institutionsEsbjerg is home to two universities, Aalborg
University Esbjerg and University of Southern
Denmark. Esbjerg hosts three other institutions
of higher education bringing the total number
of tertiary students in Esbjerg up to 6,000.
Offshore competencesEsbjerg provides a wide range of offshore-
related educations. This ensures that the
Esbjerg-based companies can get the skills and
knowledge needed in the offshore business.
To ensure a completely updated offshore
workforce, local organisations provide
continuous training within safety, firefighting,
offshore welding, etc.
The workforce in Esbjerg is highly skilled and experienced in working within all aspects of the offshore and energy sector. Through generations, the experiences have been passed on and the workforce has added to its skills through further education.
Danish Offshore AcademyDanish Offshore Academy (DOA) is a cross-
disciplinary organisation established by local
business partners, educational institutions,
Esbjerg Business Development and the
Municipality of Esbjerg. DOA works to ensure
companies’ continuous access to the
best-trained and skilled workforce.
Safety in EsbjergWithin the offshore industry, safety is serious
and important. Therefore, Esbjerg provides the
Risk and Safety Management education where
graduates become able to guide companies in
how to reduce risks and increase safety.
Furthermore, Esbjerg is home to The Danish
Safety Technology Authority.
Esbjerg International SchoolSince 2008, Esbjerg International School (EIS)
is open to foreign and Danish pupils. The
school has more than 200 registered pupils
representing over 30 nationalities. EIS offers
full, purpose-built educational facilities, which
include large, well-lit classrooms, a gymnasium,
library, an excellent science lab, computer lab,
football fields, large new playgrounds and green
space.
Offshoreenergy.dkOffshoreenergy.dk is Denmark’s national
knowledge and innovation network for the
offshore sector and is located in Esbjerg. It is
a member-based non-profit organisation with
the overall purpose of gathering the offshore
sector’s players, strengthening the sector and
collaborating in the challenges of the future
through a joint effort. The organisation has
more than 275 members representing all parts
of the supply chain in the offshore sector from
consultancy, design, production, installation,
surveillance and maintenance to relevant public
authorities and educational institutions.
Facts
PAGE 13INVEST IN ESBJERG
6,000 tertiary students
2 universities
185 pupils at Esbjerg International School
Multiple national offshore competence and networking organisations present in Esbjerg
“Having our headquarters
elsewhere would not have resulted in
1,000 employees”
Rambøll Oil & Gas would not have reached 1,000 employees if the company had not settled
down close to the offshore sector in Esbjerg.
“It has been crucial to the development of the
company that our headquarter is located in
Esbjerg. The clients are present in Esbjerg
because the city is the closest they can get to
the oil and gas installations in the North Sea.
Furthermore, the port, traffic by sea and
helicopter transport to the fields are also
important factors,” John Sørensen, CEO, says.
When Maersk Oil and Gas moved to Esbjerg in
1991, the Rambøll oil and gas division followed
shortly.
“Since then, an offshore cluster and knowledge
environment have been built in Esbjerg and that
is very important to our company. We can draw
on each other’s knowledge and even though
some of us are competitors, we are also business
partners. In Esbjerg, we work closely with all our
clients both the small suppliers and the big
contractor companies – we are stronger
together; that is the spirit in Esbjerg,” John
Sørensen says.
Rambøll employs about 350 people in Esbjerg.
The oil and gas division alone has grown in
recent years, which means that the division
employs about 1,000 people in several
countries.
“Even though the supply of senior oil and gas
engineers is limited, it has become easier for
us to attract employees because of the strong
business cluster in Esbjerg. We also have a great
partnership with the two universities – mainly
Aalborg University Esbjerg - where we recruit
many newly graduated engineers. Overall, we
benefit strongly from the many networks in the
city; Esbjerg Petroleum Club, where everyone
in the business is welcome, Esbjerg Business
Development and the
Management Societies. Additionally, we
cooperate with Offshoreenergy.dk, who has its
office in Esbjerg, and Oil Gas Denmark, who is
quite often in Esbjerg,” John Sørensen says.
PAGE 15INVEST IN ESBJERG
Søren Nørgaard ThomsenCEO, ESVAGT
”Actually, we could run our business
from any other port than Esbjerg,
but we would fear to lose the spirit
and culture of growth that exist in
Esbjerg”. He continues, “In addition
Danish mariners are highly skilled.
They are known for their
craftsmanship and they have a
developed sense of business. They
are proud of what they do. And that
is the base of our company”.
ESVAGT is a leading provider of
offshore safety and support at sea
primarily in and around the
North- and the Barents Sea.
Niels Duedahl CEO, SE and 2013 Leader of the
Year in Denmark
” The strong electricity and fibre
based infrastructure that we rolled
out in the region and Esbjerg’s
position as EnergyMetropolis arouse
interest all over the world, and big
companies look our way. This is
a natural place for us to run our
business”
SE is one of the biggest energy and
telecommunication providers in
the country. Recently, the company
built its brand new headquarters in
Esbjerg in a spectacular plus energy
house.
Steen BrødbækCEO, Semco Maritime
“We have experienced growth rates
of 40% in 2011 and 2012. In 2012
alone, we hired 500 people in
Denmark, most of them in Esbjerg.”
Semco Maritime started as an
ordinary electrician company but
has developed and is now a global
project engineering company
providing the global energy sector
with projects, solutions and
manpower.
Bent JohansenHead of Renewables Wind
Operations Denmark, Vattenfall:
“In Esbjerg, we find the manpower
and the competences that we need
to run our offshore wind farms.”
Vattenfall is one of Europe’s biggest
electricity producers. The company
has its Danish wind power centre in
Esbjerg. From this centre, Vattenfall
supervises their Danish off- and
onshore wind farms. Together with
DONG Energy, Vattenfall owns one
of the world’s biggest offshore wind
farms, Horns Rev, placed on the
shores of Esbjerg.
From Rio de Janeiro via Groeningen in Holland to EsbjergJaco Brons is from Holland whereas Maria Xavier Brons grew up in Rio de Janeiro. Today the couple lives together in Denmark, more precisely in Esbjerg, with their two children Sophie and David aged 3½ and 2.
The Brons family in the theatre hall at Esbjerg P erforming Art Centre
INVEST IN ESBJERG PAGE 17
I t’s is early in the morning and the wall
clock in the kitchen of the Brons family
says 6:30am. It is a typical morning at the
Brons family. Another ordinary day with work,
day care and after school activities for the two
kids are ahead of them. In that way, the Brons
family looks like any other family in Denmark,
except that the Brons family is one of many
international families in Esbjerg.
International childrenTwo hours later, it is time for Maria to take
Sophie and David to the day care at the
International School, close to their home. “We
moved to Esbjerg from Rio de Janeiro in July
2012,” Maria says.
“It is really important to us that the living
conditions, especially for children, are good in
Denmark. We are much aware that our children
grow up in a safe environment and you have
that in Denmark. The high standard of living
in Denmark was also important for our choice
to settle here,” Maria says. “The kindergarten
teachers are really kind and caring and we feel
that the International School gives our children
great opportunities. We are also very happy
about the many Danish children in the
International School, because it is important to
us that our children also have Danish friends.”
Professional start-up.Jaco works at Maersk Oil & Gas, which is
located at the port of Esbjerg and employs more
than 1,400 people on- and offshore.
When the family had to make the move from
Rio de Janeiro to Esbjerg, Maersk arranged the
relocation. The company put an apartment at
their disposal to make sure that the family had a
place to live when they arrived in Esbjerg.
“It was handled very professionally and they also
helped with all the paper work. They also helped
with the paper work for Esbjerg Municipality,
which in itself was very service-minded and that
gives you an enormous feeling of security as a
newcomer,” Jaco says.
Today, the family lives in Hjerting, a suburb of
Esbjerg, close to the water and the North Sea
where Maersk extracts approx. 85 % of the
Danish oil.
Local international environment. In Hjerting, Maria still has some time for herself
before she shall pick up Sophie and David.
During the day, she spends time learning Danish
and she has joined the newcomer network
meetings which are arranged by Esbjerg
Municipality. Besides that, she is part of the
local hiking group that meets a couple of times
a week. In essence, Maria is really happy about
the many activities in the local international
environment.
“At a first glimpse you might not believe it,
but Esbjerg actually has a big international
environment,” Maria says and continues,
“actually, there are many international families
here in Esbjerg.”
An active schedule.It is afternoon and Sophie and David have been
picked up from day care. On Wednesdays, both
children have music classes while swimming
lessons are every Thursday. All in all, the family
uses many of the opportunities that Esbjerg has;
no matter if it is on a weekday or during
weekends.
“Everything is so close that you can just take
your bicycle wherever you need to go. If you
want to do something during the weekend
there are a lot of opportunities very close to
Esbjerg.” The beach town of Blaavand, the
medieval town of Ribe and LEGOLAND in Billund
are some of the family´s favourite places to go at
weekends.
“Sometimes we go to Copenhagen or Hamburg
for a few days“ the couple tells. Occasionally,
they go out without the children, especially
when there is an exciting concert in sight. “We
have been to a Bryan Adams and a Joe Cocker
concert in Esbjerg Performing Art Centre. Those
were very good experiences – they have a really
varied programme so we often find interesting
events,” the couple, who likes pop, rock and
classical music, tells. “Actually, the municipality
(newcomer service, ed.) helps out with babysit-
ting. Since new comers do not have any family
around, it is nice that they have some
recommended babysitters. That makes parents
feel safe when they go out.”
Time for reflectionTypically, Jaco is home from work around
5:30pm and after dinner and playtime, Sophie
and David are bathed and tucked in. At 8:00
pm, it is parents’ time. “We are really happy
about our decision on moving to Denmark. Of
course, we had some thoughts of the weather
for example and the adaption to life in Esbjerg.
We came from Rio de Janeiro, so it is really
different for us,” the couple says. However, they
feel the adaption to life in Esbjerg has been
much better than expected.
When you ask the family about their plans for
the future, the answer is clear: “We will stay in
Denmark for a long time.”
– Maria Xavier Brons
”It is really important to us that the living conditions, especially for children, are good in Denmark.”
“At a first glimpse you might not believe it, but Esbjerg actually has a big international environment”
Also the high standard of living
in Denmark was important for our
choice to come here
LIFE IN ESBJERG
Ribe is the oldest town in Scandinavia and
oozes of medieval atmosphere and cosiness. Its
narrow, charming streets call for long exploring
strolls, and Esbjerg oozes of big city life, but you
will also find lovely green oases.
Experience unique nature
Nature is always within reach in Esbjerg. The
coast and the Wadden Sea are unique, and
you are never more than a short drive from the
best beaches in Denmark or magnificent nature
scenery.
Furthermore, you have a wide variety of
opportunities when planning a weekend outing
in the countryside. The sunset at the west coast
is spectacular. Seal and oyster safaris are
organised and starlings gathering in big flocks
create the phenomenon ‘Black Sun’ scenario,
which is well known in the region.
Culture and experiencesYou can always find something happening on
the scenes of music, art and theatre.
Furthermore, you have a splendid opportunity to
Each of the municipality’s three city centres in Ribe, Bramming and Esbjerg represent a wide range of options – and each city has its own unique charm.
learn about the history of Denmark, interesting
animal species or something completely
different at one of Esbjerg’s many museums.
SportWhether you prefer to be active and do sports
yourself or you prefer to experience the thrill of
watching a great sport event, Esbjerg is a good
place to be. Here, you can watch football,
handball and ice hockey in the best national
leagues and there is an active amateur sports
environment with more than 150 local clubs.
The local football club gathers local companies
in business networks, thus offering the
opportunity to members of joining pleasure
and work.
The coast and the Wadden Sea are unique, and you are never more than a short drive from the best beaches in Denmark or magnificent nature scenery.
PAGE 19INVEST IN ESBJERG
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YOUR CONTACTS
IN ESBJERGEsbjerg Business Development Centre
Niels Bohrs Vej 6, DK-6700 Esbjerg
Phone: +45 75123744 - Email: [email protected]
Head of Business, Karsten Rieder,
+45 36973503, [email protected]
www.eeu.dk
Esbjerg MunicipalityTorvegade 74, DK-6700 Esbjerg
Phone: +45 76161616
Email: [email protected]
www.esbjergkommune.dk
Port of EsbjergHulvejen 1, DK-6700 Esbjerg
Phone: +45 76124000
Email: [email protected]
www.portesbjerg.dk
Other points of contact
Esbjerg Freight Forwarders Associationwww.dasp.dk/esbjerg
Danish Offshore Academy www.danishoffshoreacademy.dk
Esbjerg Airport www.esbjerg-lufthavn.dk
Offshoreenergy.dk www.offshoreenergy.dk
Esbjerg International Schoolwww.esbjerginternationalschool.dk
EnergyMetropolis home pagewww.energymetropolis.com
Numbers and figures in this magazine are from 2014