Comprehensive range of shipyard services
Two major shipyards operate within the AIP ports network, providing marine services for shipowners – particularly in the fishing sector – as well as non-marine work for land-based customers.
They are Stàlsmiðjan, based in Reykjavík, andÞorgeir & Ellert, in Akranes. In the near future, the two companies will move to a central location at Grundartangi, just minutes trucking time from Reykjavík.
Stàlsmiðjan has a long tradition in shipbuilding, shiprepair and steel welding. It operates two slipways, of 85 metres and 65 metres, with modern machine and steel fabrication shops.
The shipyard handles between 60 and 70 vessels a year, mostly for customers in Reykjavík and southwest Iceland.
Almost half the company’s business is generated by non-maritime work, particularly in Iceland’s aluminium sector.
Þorgeir & Ellert provides shipbuilding, shiprepair, maintenance and support services, mainly for the fishing sector and local industry.
The shipyard has a 620 tonne capacity ship lift, a large open area and a 3,200 square metre hall for under-cover working.
Unity is strength for AIP group
A milestone in the maritime life of Iceland was reached in 2004 when the Port of Reykjavík merged with three other harbours – Akranes, Borgarnes and Grundartangi – to form Associated Icelandic Ports (AIP).
Using this expanded harbour network, AIP is well placed to handle bigger vessels and higher volumes of cargo and passenger traffic.
In addition, AIP has acquired large areas of harbour-front land for logistics and marine support services and other commercial activities.
Grundartangi, in particular, has scope for new facilities to handle a variety of cargo including containers, dry and liquid bulks, exports of fish and imports of new vehicles.
Each of the four harbours in the AIP group makes it own unique contribution:
• Reykjavík is and will remain the country’s principal port, especially for exports
• Akranes has a strong presence in the fishing sector
• Borgarnes has the potential to become a maritime sports and leisure centre
• Grundartangi is a deepwater harbour with plenty of land available for future development.
Reykjavík is Iceland’s maritime hub
Reykjavík is Iceland’s principal seaport, with facilities for handling all types of cargo and a comprehensive range of maritime support services.
In addition, Reykjavík is Iceland’s number one cruise port.
Cargo handling is focused on the Sundahöfn harbour complex, east of the city centre. Here, Iceland’s two largest shipping companies, Eimskip and Samskip, operate major container terminals and offer warehousing and logistics support.
Associated Icelandic Ports (AIP) has developed the Sundahöfn to maximise its potential. Reclamation work has been carried out to free up additional land for container handling. A new 450 metre multipurpose quay, the Skarfabakki, was opened in 2007 and a new 25 hectare container storage area, linking the terminals of Eimskip and Samskip, is due to enter service in 2011.
The Old Harbour, in the heart of Reykjavík, still has a maritime role. Small cruise ships can berth and the west side is used for fish handling. However, its destiny is entwined with the cultural and social life of the city. A prestigious new civic centre is due to open there in 2010.
