Prominent visit from US Diplomat Sharon Hudson-Dean

Yesterday Norcem received US Diplomat Sharon Hudson-Dean, the highest ranking American official in Norway, in Brevik. The visit was a part of a two-day trip in the Grenland-area arranged by the local Municipality and Gassnova.

At Norcem, Sharon Hudson Dean was given an introduction of Norcem and their visions for the future by plant manager Per Ole Morken.

Norcem cement in Manhattan Hudson-Dean, who is the current Chargè d’Affairs(a.i) in Norway,  was also briefed on Norcem’s historical and long-standing deliveries to the United States.

From the early 1950s, the American market for cement was an important focus area for Norcem’s cement exports.  An unknow fact for many is that Norcem delivered close to ¼ of all cement used in New York City in the early 1960s. The deliveries were made by ship from the Norwegian plants, across the Atlantic and up the Hudson river.

Many constructions built in Manhattan in the 60s have their origin from the Norwegian plants in Brevik and Kjøpsvik. The deliveries to the American market continued until 2005.

Quick course in CCS

At the quick visit at the site, Hudson Dean also learned about the ongoing Carbon Capture-project. Project manager of Brevik CCS Tor Gautestad, showcased the project from its early start in the beginning of 2000 up until today 13 months into construction.

If everything goes according to schedule, it will be finalized in the summer of 2024. (editors note: So far it is going according to schedule).

Later in the afternoon at Gassnova, the acting Chargè d’Affairs was given a presentation by Per Brevik, Responsible for Permits and Public Affairs in Brevik CCS,  about the carbon transport and storage project Northern Lights, which Norcem and Brevik CCS are part of. Per Brevik also presented the other ongoing carbon capture-projects within the HeidelbergCement group.