EFFO Signs Lease for New Energy Hub in Søldarfjørður

Eva Andrésen
23 hours ago
2 min read

Work on the new harbor facilities in Søldarfjørður has progressed to the point where representatives from EFFO and Runavík Municipality last week signed a lease agreement for the area where the energy company will build a new energy hub.

The story of energy in Søldarfjørður is unique, shaped by decades of activity around the old oil tanks since World War II.

When the war broke out, the British Royal Navy chose Skálafjørður as its main base in the Faroe Islands, and Søldarfjørður became a key strategic center. In 1942, British forces were seen surveying land in the village, and by September 1943, together with Faroese workers, they had completed the iconic tanks used to store fuel for warships.

After the Allied victory, the British left, and the land-based facilities in Søldarfjørður became property of the Faroese Parliament—a status that remains today. Activity in the area continued almost uninterrupted. Shortly after the war, Føroya Oljusøla leased the tanks, managed by Sigurd Berghamar while Esmar Fuglø worked as a trawler captain. In 1949, ESSO acquired the company, appointing Esmar as director. Later, Jákup Kass took over, and daily operations in Søldarfjørður were overseen by Dánial Hansen—known locally as “ESSO-Dánial.”

One interesting detail from that era: ESSO commissioned the vessel Esso Søldarfjørð to be built in Germany. It served for many years in domestic shipping, and when it became too small, ESSO ordered ESSO Føroyar from the Tórshavn Shipyard for the same purpose.

Eventually, Statoil purchased ESSO’s operations in the Faroe Islands, and for many years now, EFFO has owned the facilities. This means Søldarfjørður has been a bunkering station for Faroese and foreign vessels for nearly 80 years, as well as a major storage site for fuel used by institutions and households across the country.

Although the tanks have been well maintained, they are aging, and the time has come for renewal. The old tanks will remain standing, preserved as wartime heritage.

Runavík Municipality expressed its gratitude to EFFO for excellent cooperation throughout the process leading up to the signing of the lease agreement.

(Mynd 📸 Runavíkar Havn)

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