Danbor, an offshore logistics subsidiary of AP Moller Maersk, is quietly establishing itself in Aberdeen next door to Maersk Oil’s UK HQ at Altens Industrial Estate.
It is out to compete with established local players, notably Asco.
The “pilot” is up and running, a 15-year lease has been signed and Steen Hansen, CEO of Danbor Services in the UK, anticipates a significant number of jobs being created. There is currently a small pathfinder squad on site.
While the name may be unfamiliar in Aberdeen, the company has been active in the North Sea for 30 years. It has, since 1978, operated and developed the offshore supply base in Esbjerg.
Today, it has more that 500 employees and transits some 350,000 tonnes of North Sea-related cargos at the base.
“We have developed the offshore base from almost nothing to a full-scale, full-service facility – a one shop, one stop business for primarily Maersk Oil & Gas in Esbjerg,” Hansen told Energy.
“A couple of years ago, our board of directors wanted us to go global and, with the long experience I had, I was asked to head the Aberdeen ‘project’ department.
“Our intention is to take all our knowledge and competencies from Esbjerg and use them here … this will be within the forwarding and logistic areas and also within stevedoring … in competition with mainly SGS Logistics and Asco.
“Right now, we are investigating our possibilities regarding harbour operations in Aberdeen – but also looking at other possibilities.
“We know it is going to be hard work to get a foothold here in Aberdeen, but we are convinced that, with great know-how, competencies and our very high standards of quality, safety and efficiency, we will succeed – and we have been very well received by potential customers here.”
Hansen added that Danbor had been active in the Faroe Islands since 1996, together with a local partner. However, the long-term future of that facility would appear to hinge on successful exploration, of which there has been little.
“Also, in March, we had a press conference in Copenhagen, where we announced the signing of a letter of intent with Royal Arctic Line.
“The goal is to be able to offer, together with RAL, a full service package to oil companies interested in drilling in Greenland waters. We are in contact with the Canadian company, Encana, and we also know that the Scottish company, Cairn, is looking into the possibilities of Greenland.
“The development of the Greenland market is my responsibility.”