The new centre aims to streamline production, reduce environmental impact, and foster local expertise, positioning Northern Norway as a leader in sustainable additive manufacturing.
In his opening remarks, Kristoffer Svendsen, Location Manager of Aibel Harstad, highlighted the significance of the centre, stating, 3D printing of steel is the future:
“What makes this unique is that this will be Norway's first competence center for development within AM/3D printing. As Northern Norway’s first AM hub, the centre not only advances the energy sector’s sustainability goals but also positions Aibel Harstad as a forerunner in 3D printing and additive manufacturing,” Svendsen stated.
Redefining 3D printing
The 3D printing is initially intended for the offshore industry, and Aibel's assignments at the Johan Castberg field, the Aasta Hansteen platform and the Norne FPSO in the Norwegian Sea.
Svendsen was joined by Kristin Myreng, Project Manager of 3D printing in Aibel Harstad, who credited Equinor’s initiators, Brede Lærum og Øyvind Låstad, among others.
Marianne Stavland Davenport, EVP for Maintenance & Modifications in Aibel, praised Equinor and their commitment to creating jobs and fostering innovation in the North: The plan is to employ several new engineers in the newly established centre.
Sustainable manufacturing
The AM Center is designed to produce parts layer by layer from digital models, reducing the need for storage, cutting lead times, and allowing parts to be printed locally as needed. This digital approach to warehousing aligns with Equinor’s ambition to solve technical problems faster and better, to improve supply resiluence and to reduce lead time.
Grete Birgitte Haaland, Equinor’s Area Director for Exploration and Production North, described the centre as a vital part of Equinor’s investments in the North: “I have great expectations to this centre, and now it’s all about taking out its full potential.”
“This project shows how the supplier industry and the operators can work together to develop the supply chain in the future,” Mayor of Harstad, Kari-Anne Opsal, added shortly after. “For our region, this means more local jobs, enhanced knowledge and new opportunities for graduates that wishes to be part of this exciting technology development. There is a large untapped opportunity here, for example for the Norwegian Armed Forces.”
Officially opened
Finally, the Mayor of Harstad, officially opened the centre and cut the ribbon together with her colleagues in the North, County Mayor of Finnmark, Hans-Jacob Bønå and County Mayor of Troms, Kristina Torbergsen.
The opening ceremony concluded with a gathering at the new centre where guests, including community members and local officials, celebrated this new chapter.
Published 29 October 2024
