Farmar’s new quay takes shape

Text and photo: Sveinung W. Jensen, Tellus Kommunikasjon

“We’re working on several concepts – everything from offshore bases to factories. And we’re fairly confident that we’ll secure our first customer before too long,” says John W. Nilsen, managing director of Farmar.

When the company took over the neighbouring plot two years ago, it effectively doubled its base in Lundevågen in Farsund. The plan is to build quay facilities along the entire length of the new area. This week, the first of four construction phases was completed.

"HOW THE SITE will be developed further will depend on which operators choose to establish themselves here. But the basic plan is to build a second quay in extension of the first, heading east,” Nilsen explains.

He is clear that Farmar aims to attract businesses that rely on close access to the sea and quay facilities.

"THERE IS A LOT of exciting activity under way. We have 25 decares available on the plot, and space for both small and large companies. The most important thing for us is to develop the site in line with customer needs while creating synergy with the services we already provide,” says Nilsen.

A total of 170 cubic metres of concrete was poured on the new quay this week – the equivalent of more than 20 fully loaded lorries. The slab covers 550 square metres with an average thickness of around 30 centimetres.

THE CONCRETE USED is B45, a strong and durable grade designed to withstand both saltwater and heavy wear.

“We started at half six this morning and we’ll be polishing well into the evening,” says Geir Martinsen, one of the workers from Lista Bygg, the contractor for the project.

Work began even before the summer to demolish the old boathouse on the site. Large quantities of concrete and steel have been dismantled, sorted and reused in the quay construction.

The quay now completed will be brought into use almost immediately.

First, a bit of asphalt needs to be laid. Then we’ll use the quay for our own vessels, for loading and unloading, or for lay-up. But we won’t develop anything further until we know which businesses are establishing themselves here,” Nilsen says.