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ENERGY AND INGENUITY We 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 Âbecome part of the EnergyMetropolis.
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
Facts A little bit of history Since 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.
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.
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PORT OF ESBJERG – the energy port
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.
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
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.
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 companies 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
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OFFSHORE EXPERTISE 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 bioenergy Distributing 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 world With 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.
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.
Altogether, the city counts 250 energy companies – of which 177 are in the offshore industry alone
It is expected that the installed offshore wind capacity in 2020 will be five times the present level
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447
Esbjerg International School
12 463
Kjersing Industrial Area
Andrup Industrial Dryport Area
19
Aalborg University Esbjerg 447
University of Southern Denmark Business Academy Southwest
Esbjerg Strand
University College South Denmark
Parallel Connection Road
447
191
Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts Southern Denmark
E 20
Port of Esbjerg
30
Esbjerg Airport
INDUSTRIAL AREAS AND INFRASTRUCTURE 73
Kolding, Copenhagen, Hamburg
191
– Connecting E sbjerg 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 191 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.
Veldbæk Industrial Area
Ribe
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 areas Several 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 rundkort: © Kort & Matrikelstyrelsen © Esbjerg Kommune, Kortkontoret
91
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.
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5,5 billion â‚Ź will be invested in the Danish offshore oil and gas sector during the next 5 years
75%
...of Danish wind turbine export pass through the port of Esbjerg
250 companies within the energy sector are located in Esbjerg
90 min
Esbjerg is the gateway to Northern Europe’s offshore energy installations
60 min 30 min Esbjerg 90 min
62% ...of Danish offshore jobs are in Esbjerg
14% The expected growth within offshore wind turbine in 8 years
4 GW
4 of the 5 GW wind power in the North Sea have been installed from Esbjerg
Workforce
108,000 200,000
With great infrastructure comes great workforce. Actually the workforce within only 60 minutes from Esbjerg is 足approximately 200,000. And the population is increasing rapidly.
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OUTSTANDING BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT 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 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
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 A task force guides you through the municipality service system No property tax for 足companies in Esbjerg.
OFFSHORE COMPETENCES – Experience and education 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. Educational institutions Esbjerg 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 competences Esbjerg provides a wide range of offshorerelated 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.
Facts 6,000 tertiary students 2 universities 185 pupils at Esbjerg International School Multiple national offshore competence and networking organisations present in Esbjerg
Danish Offshore Academy Danish Offshore Academy (DOA) is a crossdisciplinary 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 Esbjerg Within 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 School Since 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.dk Offshoreenergy.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. INVEST IN ESBJERG
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“Having our headquarters elsewhere would not have resulted in 1,000 employees” Rambøll Oil & Gas would not have reached 1,000 e mployees 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.
Søren Nørgaard Thomsen CEO, 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.
Steen Brødbæk CEO, 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 Johansen Head 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.
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.
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From Rio de Janeiro via Groeningen in Holland to Esbjerg Jaco Brons is from Holland whereas Maria 足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 3遜 and 2.
The Brons family in the theatre hall at Esbjerg 足P足erforming Art Centre
Also the high standard of living in Denmark was important for our choice to come here – Maria Xavier Brons
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 children Two 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
“At a first glimpse you might not believe it, but Esbjerg actually has a big international environment” 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
”It is really important to us that the living conditions, especially for children, are good in Denmark.” classical music, tells. “Actually, the municipality (newcomer service, ed.) helps out with babysitting. 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 reflection Typically, 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.” INVEST IN ESBJERG
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LIFE IN ESBJERG 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. 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 experiences You can always find something happening on the scenes of music, art and theatre. Furthermore, you have a splendid opportunity to
learn about the history of Denmark, interesting animal species or something completely different at one of Esbjerg’s many museums.
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. Sport Whether 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.
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YOUR 足CONTACTS IN 足ESBJERG Esbjerg Business Development Centre Niels Bohrs Vej 6, DK-6700 Esbjerg Phone: +45 75123744 - Email: info@eeu.dk Head of Business, Karsten Rieder, +45 36973503, kar@eeu.dk www.eeu.dk Esbjerg Municipality Torvegade 74, DK-6700 Esbjerg Phone: +45 76161616 Email: raadhuset@esbjergkommune.dk www.esbjergkommune.dk Port of Esbjerg Hulvejen 1, DK-6700 Esbjerg Phone: +45 76124000 Email: adm@portesbjerg.dk www.portesbjerg.dk
Other points of contact Esbjerg Freight Forwarders Association www.dasp.dk/esbjerg Danish Offshore Academy www.danishoffshoreacademy.dk Esbjerg Airport www.esbjerg-lufthavn.dk Offshoreenergy.dk www.offshoreenergy.dk Esbjerg International School www.esbjerginternationalschool.dk EnergyMetropolis home page www.energymetropolis.com Numbers and figures in this magazine are from 2014