NorSea takes over parts of IAT’s division at the Port of Esbjerg

NorSea is expanding its base operations in Esbjerg with the acquisition of IAT’s Base & Energy division, including a 17,000 m² warehouse, 20,000 m² of port area and six employees. 

NorSea is expanding its presence at the Port of Esbjerg and will take over IAT’s Base & Energy division as of 1 December.

“The deal includes 17,000 m² of warehouse buildings, 20,000 m² of port area, six employees and a customer portfolio that fits perfectly with NorSea’s business,” says CEO Jesper Høj-Hansen

“We are expanding our presence and business with additional port activities, which in many ways complement our existing set-up. We are getting to strengthen our maritime business and space for more activities within the wind sector, where we see great potential for continued development of our business. At the same time, we look forward to having new, competent colleagues and new customers,” he says.

A good solution

The agreement is also a gain for IAT. Chairman of the Board Christian Rølmer Christensen describes the timing as totally ideal right now:

“We were faced with a strategic decision about what IAT should be known for over the next many years, and NorSea had shown great interest in our buildings, employees and the customer portfolio that come with it. We have found a really good solution that both secures the future of our loyal employees and gives our loyal base customers even more opportunities under the direction of NorSea,” he says.

IAT has been the base operator at the Port of Esbjerg since the company gained ownership of the former Esbjerg Offshore Base in the mid-90s.

“It has been an integral part of our business to operate base facilities and leasing/servicing of offshore containers, so it is of course also with a bit of sadness that we now hand off the relay baton as a base operator. But partly we keep our product tanks for chemicals and local transport here in Esbjerg, and partly we can still enjoy the view of the activities at the Port of Esbjerg from our head office at the old customs house. And finally, with the sale, IAT now has the opportunity to focus exclusively on our other revenue streams in the business,” says Christian Rølmer Christensen.

Synergy and new opportunities

With the deal, NorSea has also secured the relevant square meters of storage space that is needed as a base port for the next many years of activity in Norsøen.

“We are getting suitable premises with an ideal location for our current activities in Esbjerg. At the same time, we place ourselves in strategic proximity to, for instance, project wind, where we expect increased activity in the coming years. There will also be an opportunity for synergy by getting close to our parent company Wilhelmsen,” says Jesper Høj-Hansen.

NorSea will take over the mentioned activities from IAT’s Base & Energy as well as the premises at Vestkraftkaj and Tværkaj in Esbjerg.