“This is a very important project for Norway and the Norwegian Armed Forces,” Torbjorn Thorressen, head of the Norwegian Defence Real Estate Agency, said in a statement.
“Jan Mayen is an isolated island in a remote area at sea, which means the project poses unique geological, geographical and logistical challenges,” he explains.
The investment will include the construction of a brand new main building and the renovation of two existing smaller buildings. A new garage facility and two new boathouses will also be constructed, and local infrastructure facilities will be upgraded, according to the Defence Real Estate Agency.
“The decision to build the new facility is crucial to strengthening Norway’s presence and sovereignty on Jan Mayen in the future,” said Brigadier General Halvor Johansen, head of Norwegian Cyber Defence.
He stressed that the renovation will enable the military to provide local personnel with a safe and modern workplace.
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According to defense news magazine Forsvalets Forum, the investment amounts to 830 million kroner (72.4 million euros).
The volcanic island, covering an area of 377 square kilometres, lies at the 70th parallel north and is administered by the Norwegian military.
Almost the entire island is a nature reserve, most of it is covered by glaciers and in the north of the island lies the active volcano Beirenberg.
Jan Mayen has an airfield and a port, but the local Arctic climate is unpredictable and poses major challenges for supplies and logistics.
Norway currently has 17 staff on the island, 15 of whom are employed by the Norwegian army and two by the meteorological institute, all working on six-month contracts.
More people could be hired soon. “Are you ready to work in Norway’s most exotic workplace?” the military job ad reads.
Staff needed include engineers, mechanical and electrical engineers, mechanics and nurses.
“If you’re well-rounded, a good problem solver, enjoy collaborating and taking initiative, you might be just what we’re looking for,” the Norwegian Ministry of Defense said.
