“It is important to get out of Oslo to learn more about the industry and to listen to industry voices. Based on industry input we are better equipped to make good policy decisions in the coming years,” said Sagebakken.
The former Mayor of Lindesnes serves as State Secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries – with a special responsibility for maritime industries and aquaculture. He spent Monday and Tuesday this week visiting maritime companies in his home region of Agder.
Among the highlights was his visit to Nymo, a long-standing industrial player with deep roots to the oil and gas industry. Sagebakken was given a tour of the Grimstad headquarters and fabrication site, home to the construction of many topside structures, subsea installations, and plug and abandonment projects.
Having added 70 more to the payroll in recent years, Nymo currently employs around 250 people, in addition to 600-700 contracted workers. While offshore projects are still dominant, Nymo is also diversifying into offshore wind, hydrogen, and aquaculture.
Sagebakken’s two-day trip, which took him to eleven companies in Agder, was organized by GCE NODE and Maritime Forum South.
“It is part of the GCE NODE strategy of ensuring favorable framework conditions for the industry in Agder. Engaging in a dialogue with politicians and various governmental levels is important. This is a way of giving our participating companies a voice,” says Knut Mjåland, CEO of GCE NODE.
During a tour of the premises, Sagebakken inspected some impressive structures and met with several of the Nymo workforce. Among them were two apprentices, Maren Kjebekk and Ingrid Ølnes, who were recently recruited.
“I was inspired by the stories of these young women who just started their careers. They are fortunate to be with an organization that has had great success in finding and training apprentices while also making a conscious effort to recruit more female talent,” said Sagebakken.
While the visit at Nymo was cordial and good-spirited, Jan-Børre Sannæs Managing Director at Nymo, added a serious tone.
“The activity level in all Norwegian yards are expected to drop significantly next year. We need more projects, and we need faster implementation of policies that are important for new initiatives, in particular within aquaculture,” said Sannæs.
