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Hirtshals Yard A/S, specialize in docking, repairs and services on fishing boats, small and medium-sized auxiliary vessels, as well as offshore tugboa
Hirtshals ready for more fishing vessels
(DENMARK, 11/11/2024)
The news that Hirtshals Yard is closing and their floating dock is disappearing has led many to wonder whether this marks the end of Hirtshals as an important service centre for Norwegian fishing vessels. – To that, I can only say that we are moving forward at full speed, says Per Christiansen, head of Hirtshals Service Group.
Forty businesses within Hirtshals Service Group are ready to provide services related to ship maintenance and repair. They are guarantees that Hirtshals remains an attractive choice for fishing vessel owners from much of Norway and other countries in the North Sea region. Christensen points out that the maritime businesses in Hirtshals have faced challenges before, and they have always emerged stronger.
Photo: Hirtshals Service Group
There is little to suggest this will not be the case now, as the port is bustling with activity and many Norwegian fishing vessels are currently undergoing work.
Busy with many ships in for service
At the port of Hirtshals, there is significant activity. At the quay lies the 45-metre long and 12-metre-wide trawler Nokasa. It has just been purchased by Royal Greenland from Nordfjord Havfiske in Båtsfjord. After upgrades and modifications in Hirtshals, the vessel will be used for shrimp trawling in Diskobugten off Greenland. However, before "Nokasa" returns to fishing, it will undergo a comprehensive overhaul including engine and cooling system servicing, electrical work, surface treatment, insulation, and work on its interior. Vestkajens Maskinværksted is the main contractor for Royal Greenland and will carry out the work alongside many other local service providers.
Photo: Terje Engø
The work on "Nokasa" exemplifies how the members of Hirtshals Service Group collaborate effectively to address tasks. At Vestkajen Maskinværksted, the 39-meter trawler "Piraja" has just had its shaft drawn as part of a five-year class inspection, and a smaller Norwegian trawler from Karmøy, "Rønø", was alongside for a few hours to have its battery changed within an hour in the morning.
At the quay, there is also the supply vessel "Haltbakk Star", which has now been converted into a tanker for the transport of bunker fuel and other oil products. The 70-metre-long ship hails from Kristiansund and is currently having its engines overhauled by EnTech Marine, one of several companies specialising in engines.
Photo: Terje Engø
Good Access to Quay Areas
It would be dishonest to say that the town has not been affected by the recent news of Hirtshals Yard's closure and that the port has scaled down a planned expansion.
However, the message to fishing vessel owners is: do not be misled. Hirtshals still offers many service companies with strong expertise, enabling fishing vessel owners to find reliable, quality-conscious services and workshop options in Hirtshals.
Photo: Hirtshals Service Group
Hirtshals Service Group is an association of around forty experienced maritime businesses. They are ready to deliver everything from specialised ship electronics and engine services to surface treatments, shaft alignment, net and trawl repairs, and much more. They welcome more fishing vessel owners to the northern harbour town.
Many shipowners from Southern Norway utilise the services available in Hirtshals.
Photo: Hirtshals Service Group
Some also deliver fish to the auction where they generally receive better prices than in Norway. They also take the opportunity to refuel with reasonably priced diesel, currently costing just under eight Norwegian kroner per litre.
 “The businesses in Hirtshals have a unique collaboration, and the proximity to many European suppliers means that many jobs can be completed very quickly. A large part of the Norwegian fishing fleet has preferred to have their vessels repaired with us for many years,” says Per Christensen.
It is worth noting that in recent years, a trawler has been extended, and a seismic vessel has been converted into a snow crab fishing boat. Both projects have been carried out for shipowners in Northern Norway. The quay often hosts purseseiners and pelagic trawlers from places such as Shetland, Scotland, Ireland and Norway for repairs and maintenance.
“We also have Spanish vessels visiting Hirtshals seeking our expertise. Our strong tradition of collaboration means that customers experience a smooth process, where we handle all necessary tasks and ensure an efficient overall solution,” says
Good Access to Quay Areas
The collaboration between the local companies means that customers have one point of contact in the company that is the main contractor for a job. This way, they have one place to turn to, regardless of the services they require. Many years of cooperative experience among the businesses in Hirtshals Service Group ensure that complex repairs and maintenance tasks are resolved quickly and efficiently.
Photo: Hirtshals Service Group
Another advantage of Hirtshals is the excellent access to quay areas. The maritime businesses in Hirtshals are equipped to deliver effective and flexible solutions to vessels of all types and have a reputation for reliability, punctuality, and high quality.
"We know that quality and adherence to deadlines are crucial for our customers. These are the values we have always worked for, and that will not change, no matter what else happens around us," emphasizes Per Christensen.
Photo: Terje Engø
Facts about Hirtshals Service Group
The approximately 40 member companies in Hirtshals Service Group ensure that both large and small vessels have access to a comprehensive range of services, which together make Hirtshals an attractive choice for ship owners from large parts of Northern Europe.
- Engine and machinery service: Local experts provide complete solutions for engine maintenance and repair, including installation and servicing of both traditional and hybrid engines.
- Ship electronics and navigation: Companies with specialist knowledge in ship electronics offer service and troubleshooting for navigation systems, radar equipment, and communication devices.
- Surface treatment and corrosion protection: Competent craftsmen carry out all types of surface treatment, corrosion protection, and painting, which extends the lifespan of vessels in the harsh marine environment.
- Shaft, propeller, and hull: Experts in hull, propeller, and shaft alignment ensure that vessels sail steadily and safely. Their precise work guarantees operational reliability and reduces wear and tear on the vessels.
- Hydraulics and pneumatics: Maintenance and troubleshooting of hydraulic and pneumatic systems are a core competence in Hirtshals, ensuring reliable operation of everything from cranes to trawl equipment.
- Refrigeration and electrical installations: Specialists in refrigeration and electrical systems offer everything from installation to maintenance and repair of refrigeration and freezing systems, as well as electrical installations on board. This service is particularly important for fishing vessels and other ships that transport food and supplies requiring precise temperature control.
- Net and trawl service: Specialised net service providers in Hirtshals offer production, repair, maintenance, and optimisation of trawl and net equipment for the fishing fleet. Everything from net repair to installation of trawl gear provides fishermen with durable and reliable solutions that maximise catch rates and ensure effective operations during fishing.
- Shipping and stevedoring: Hirtshals Service Group offers professional shipping and stevedoring services in the form of loading, unloading, and handling of goods. With a focus on efficiency and safety, these services ensure that freight and supplies can be quickly delivered to and from vessels, thereby reducing port stay times.
- Provisions and supplies: Hirtshals Service Group offers comprehensive provisioning services, ensuring that vessels and their crews receive quick and efficient delivery of food, beverages, and other necessities such as diesel, oil, and cleaning supplies.
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