NGI Opens Tromsø Office to Help Northern Regions Better Prepare for Natural Hazards

"Nowhere on the planet are climate changes happening faster than in the Arctic. NGI therefore wanted to strengthen our presence in the north and contribute our expertise on climate adaptation and protection against natural hazards," says NGI's CEO, Lars Andresen, on the opening day of NGI's Tromsø office.

Well Received

NGI is an international competence center in geotechnics and engineering-related geosciences, advising, researching, and developing knowledge and solutions to adapt society and infrastructure to a changing climate. The time from the decision to establish an NGI office in Tromsø to the opening day has been short.

"In record time, we have assembled a very good team here in Tromsø. Our establishment here has been well received. We now look forward to contributing to the important work being done in research and consulting," says Andresen, pleased.

Six New Jobs in Tromsø

Initially, the new office has created six new jobs, and NGI does not rule out that the office may be expanded.

NGI's new hires are professionals with interdisciplinary backgrounds in climate adaptation, hydrodynamics, and various landslides - such as avalanches, flood slides, rockfalls, warning, and monitoring.

"With an office in Tromsø, we will be closer to research environments, customers, and partners in our northernmost region, thus being able to contribute to and strengthen Arctic research and natural hazard consulting," says Andresen.

Goal: Increased Public Safety

NGI has found that being present locally is essential.

"Besides our headquarters in Oslo, NGI has offices in Trondheim, Houston, Boston, USA, and Perth, Australia. Our experiences from these locations have taught us how important presence and local knowledge are to solving important societal challenges," says NGI's top executive.

He is clear that establishing an office in Tromsø aims to contribute to increased public safety through research and consulting on climate adaptation and natural hazards. This expertise is also important for the region's ability to handle defense, security, and emergency preparedness. The government is therefore strengthening research activities in Northern Norway because climate change, technological development, and a more complex threat landscape change what is needed to defend Norway.

"NGI will be able to offer specialist services in this area," says Andresen.

He emphasizes that Tromsø has a strong professional environment, which NGI looks forward to collaborating with.

"They know where the shoe pinches. Being in Tromsø, we look forward to strengthening the good cooperation we already have with various actors in Tromsø and the Arctic, and to building new, good relationships. The goal is to help secure infrastructure and homes against the increasing natural hazards due to rapid regional warming," says Andresen.