INVEST IN ESBJERG

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.


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.


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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


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


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


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.


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.


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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

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INVEST IN ESBJERG