“We see significant synergies in carrying out this work now, while Hæhre and Forsvarsbygg are on site. Without them, the project would have been far more expensive and difficult to implement. Our open dialogue and solution-oriented co-operation with Forsvarsbygg is crucial to making this possible,” says Pia Bruhn, Project Manager for Arctic Way at Space Norway.

Forsvarsbygg’s construction project is one of the most complex currently under way in Norway. Jan Mayen is located one thousand kilometres from the mainland and is exposed to extremely harsh weather conditions. Everything that is built there must withstand snowstorms, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. There is no harbour, quay infrastructure or proper roads.

“For Space Norway, it has been important to coordinate the landing of Arctic Way on Jan Mayen with Forsvarsbygg’s construction project. The island’s unique location presents major logistical challenges, and it is therefore very encouraging to see that the cooperation with Forsvarsbygg is working so well,” says Morten Tengs, CEO of Space Norway.

“We are proud of our project on Jan Mayen. It is important for Norway. We are pleased that we can support and collaborate with Space Norway,” says Acting Director of Forsvarsbygg, Camilla Mathiesen.

At present, there is no subsea fibre-optic connection to Jan Mayen, and communication with the island is via satellite. Space Norway has been commissioned by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries to establish a subsea fibre-optic connection from the mainland to Jan Mayen and Svalbard. From a branching unit in the Norwegian Sea, one spur will run to Jan Mayen and another to Svalbard. Space Norway is the main contractor and is managing the establishment project on behalf of the Norwegian State.

All contracting works must be completed before the subsea fibre-optic cable arrives for installation in the summer of 2027.