Prestigious business award for Farmar

Text: Sveinung W. Jensen, Tellus Kommunikasjon

- "The award is a great recognition of the efforts that the entire Farmar team has put in over many years. It's our team that has made this possible," he says.

The award was presented during a formal ceremony in Arendal on Thursday evening, and goes to businesses that contribute to sustainable growth and development in the region. Nilsen received the award from Gunnar P. Thomassen, Executive Vice President Corporate Market South at Sparebanken Norge, and Høye Gerhard Høyesen, Regional Director of NHO Agder.

Only twice before has an operator from Lister received this prestigious honour. Hotel brothers Gaute and Stig Ubostad from Lyngdal received it in 2018, while the award went to AMV in Flekkefjord two years later.

- WHEN I TOOK OVER "When my father handed over responsibility for the operation 25 years ago, we only had three employees. We had one tugboat, which mostly travelled locally," says Nilsen, and follows up:

- We now have over 100 employees - both at sea and on land - making us one of the five largest private employers in Farsund. "We have four tugboats, all of which sail internationally, three crane boats, several barges and workboats and our own mechanical workshop. We also provide storage and service to the seismic harbour in Farsund, which is currently the world's largest.

Sustainability is at the centre of our operations, with a focus on recycling, renewable energy and support for local projects - often pro bono.

NILSEN DISHES a special thanks to Sparebanken Norge for its long-term support.

- "It's easy to be a bank for companies when things are going well, but when companies face adversity, it's crucial to have a partner who understands both the market and the company," says Farmar's CEO.

He emphasises that the award motivates continued effort and growth.

- The award is an inspiration to continue to develop and deliver even better," says Nilsen.