Experienced business profile becomes new chairman of the board for Port of Hirtshals
CEO of Aalborg Portland Michael Lundgaard Thomsen is the new chairman of the board for Port of Hirtshals, where he will use his extensive experience to ensure continued positive development and make the port a focal point for the green transition.
The North Jutland business profile Michael Lundgaard Thomsen has now been elected as the new chairman of Port of Hirtshals. On Thursday, he was unanimously elected as chairman when the port’s board constituted itself. With a background as CEO of Aalborg Portland and leadership positions in several other companies, Michael Lundgaard Thomsen has extensive experience in setting the strategic direction.
In collaboration with the management of Port of Hirtshals and the rest of the board, Michael Lundgaard Thomsen will ensure continued positive development in the company, which in recent years has transitioned from traditional port operations to being an industrial platform engaged in several major projects, including port expansion, renewable energy production, and carbon capture, storage, and shipping.
- Port of Hirtshals is already performing very well and has a healthy economy. I am convinced that the port will continue to play a significant role within its existing core areas, but also within the production, storage, and shipping of CO2, where I see Port of Hirtshals as a crucial shipping hub. My main task is to ensure that we have a strategy that is robust—both economically and in terms of the green transition, says Michael Lundgaard Thomsen.
With Aalborg Portland itself operating a port in Aalborg and terminals in cities like Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Kolding, he has a strong understanding of port operations. Moreover, in 2019, Michael Lundgaard Thomsen was appointed as the chairman of the government's climate partnership for energy-intensive industries. Additionally, he has served as the chairman of the regional growth team for North Jutland, where he helped identify CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage) as the focal point for the North Jutland business flagship, CO2Vision.
- Based on the experience I have, it's an exciting step for me to be the chairman of Port of Hirtshals, which is set to become a crucial hub for the storage and shipping of CO2. I believe that Port of Hirtshals is in a favorable position, and one of the most important tasks will be to establish infrastructure for the transportation and storage of CO2, hydrogen, and gas, says Michael Lundgaard Thomsen.
He emphasizes that there must continue to be a strong focus on fostering positive development in the areas where the port has been successful for many years.
A substantial capacity
Vice-chairman of the port's board, Mayor Søren Smalbro from Hjørring Municipality, is also confident that the board has made an excellent choice in selecting Michael Lundgaard Thomsen.
- Michael Lundgaard Thomsen has been a prominent figure in the business community for many years, and we are confident that, due to his experience in strategy, management, and insight into CCUS, he is the perfect chairman for Port of Hirtshals. There is no doubt that, because of his extensive experience and knowledge, he is a significant capacity who can contribute very positively to the development we have already initiated. Especially concerning our collaboration within Greenport Scandinavia, where, together with our partners, we have ambitious plans for carbon capture, storage, and shipping, says Søren Smalbro.
CEO Per Holm Nørgaard from Port of Hirtshals is also looking forward to collaborating with Michael Lundgaard Thomsen.
- Port of Hirtshals is experiencing rapid development. In addition to the CCUS project, we are in discussions with companies and consortia about installing new wind turbines at the port, and we are working on planning the upcoming port expansion. We have embarked on many new initiatives where we will undoubtedly benefit greatly from the expertise that Michael Lundgaard Thomsen possesses, says Per Holm Nørgaard.
Michael Lundgaard Thomsen succeeds Anker Laden-Andersen, who announced in the spring that he wished to step down as chairman of the port after 14 years.