The online portal www.grenlandsberedskap.no, launched at Herøya Industrial Park last autumn, marked the beginning of an important joint initiative to enhance emergency preparedness information across municipalities, industry, and the public.
Marit Bredesen, Head of HSE&Q at Herøya Industripark AS and coordinator for the Industrial Emergency Response Team, Christian Valand, head of Avarn Security Beredskap AS, and Hanne Pedersen from Grenland Brann og Redning IKS provide insight into how they work together to safeguard the industrial park and the local community.
Strengthening security systems
Marit Bredesen, head of HSE&Q at Herøya Industripark AS and coordinator for the Industrial Emergency Response Team, emphasises the importance of responding to the global situation and the available threat assessments—even if there is not currently an elevated threat level in Norway.
“The Police Security Service (PST), the National Security Authority, and the Armed Forces' Intelligence Service (E-tjenesten) have issued warnings about potential sabotage against Norwegian enterprises in 2025. That is why we are focusing on reinforcing security systems, monitoring, and preventing unauthorised access to the industrial park,” she says.
She expresses concern about sabotage and misleading activities, and stresses that unauthorised individuals must not gain access to the park, as this could have serious consequences for both businesses and the local community.
Be alert and report
Christian Valand, head of Avarn Security Beredskap AS, points out that emergency preparedness has traditionally focused on dealing with the aftermath of incidents. “We are now working more proactively to reduce the likelihood of unwanted events. Prevention has become more important, and there is greater awareness around abnormal behaviour and security measures.”
Valand and Bredesen encourage everyone working in the industrial park to remain alert and report anything suspicious.
“All information is welcome so that any irregularities can be investigated. This helps create a safer workplace and reduces risks for the local community. We are fully aware of the connection. A real threat in another part of the world can lead to increased security here for the businesses established in the park. In light of the global threat landscape, we have invested in new security systems to minimise the risk of incidents here,” says Bredesen.
Take responsibility for your own preparedness
Hanne Pedersen, from Porsgrunn Municipality and emergency preparedness coordinator at Grenland Brann og Redning IKS, explains that the municipality's main responsibility is to safeguard its residents, and that there is close dialogue with the industrial park and emergency services.
“The municipality encourages companies and residents to take preventive measures and responsibility for their own preparedness, as recommended by the Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB) in a brochure recently sent to all households in Norway.” Pedersen believes that awareness of individual preparedness is increasing, and the municipality is actively working to inform the public.
High standards in the industry
Does the industrial culture at Herøya contribute to increased safety?
“The industry here has long-standing experience with safety and emergency preparedness,” says Marit Bredesen. “Major industrial companies such as Yara, Hydro, Equinor, and Ineos set high standards, which provides a strong foundation for safety work.”
Bredesen explains that they are constantly working to improve security systems, and Christian Valand adds that the robust emergency preparedness culture in the Grenland industrial sector has enhanced safety efforts.
“The collaboration between emergency services, industry, and public agencies is outstanding at all levels,” explains Christian Valand. He believes that they are able to respond immediately at a higher initial level due to the major accident potential at Herøya and Rafnes.
Bredesen highlights the value of being co-located with emergency services. “That proximity creates many opportunities for knowledge sharing and cooperation.”
Contributing with expertise
Looking ahead, Marit Bredesen envisions the industrial park continuing to contribute its expertise in various professional forums.
“We often take on a role in different professional settings where we share our knowledge and carry out ongoing tasks. In addition to the joint industrial emergency response at Herøya, we are in regular contact with the DSB, NSO, police, Coastal Administration, other industrial parks and, of course, the companies around us. Significant resources are currently being allocated to safety. And we must not underestimate the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing. The close dialogue and cooperation here at Herøya is a major advantage for all of us.”
Valand agrees. “Herøya is a key contributor to DSB’s NØDNETT 2030, which will ensure digital communication for decision-makers.”
He emphasises that the cooperation between emergency services, industry, and public agencies has strengthened over time. “Ten years ago, we were almost alone during drills. Then Grenland Brann og Redning IKS joined, followed by the ambulance service, then the police. Now we’re all participating in joint exercises.”
Text/photo: Siri Krohn-Fagervoll siri@krohnfagervoll.no
