Kjartan Már Kjartansson and Þorgerður Katrín at the signing of the declaration of intent.
mbl.is/Eyþór
Plans are underway to expand NATO’s fuel storage facility in Helguvík, including construction of a new 390-metre quay and storage tanks for 25,000 cubic metres of marine fuel.
This is a joint project between the Icelandic government and NATO, which is financing the construction. According to the announcement, the alliance’s investment could amount to as much as ten billion krónur.
Yesterday, Minister for Foreign Affairs Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, Reykjanesbær mayor Kjartan Már Kjartansson, and Halldór K. Hermannsson, director of Reykjanes Harbour, signed a declaration of intent regarding the planned development of these facilities in Helguvík.
“It is important to strengthen Iceland’s defence infrastructure and capacity so that we can better support allied vessels that conduct surveillance and operations in the North Atlantic. This new facility will also serve us domestically, increasing security when it comes to fuel supplies and harbour operations,” Þorgerður Katrín said in the announcement.
Preparatory work and design for the proposed Helguvík structures are already underway, and the facilities will also be suitable for civilian use. Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2026 and be completed in 2029.
“Reykjanesbær and Reykjanes Harbour welcome the planned development of NATO facilities in Helguvík, which is intended to enhance safety in the North Atlantic,” Kjartansson said.