Bringing Vehicle Processing Closer to Home
Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Bertel O. Steen are joining forces in a move that aims to transform how vehicles are processed and distributed in Norway. The two companies have announced a new joint venture to develop a purpose-built vehicle processing center at the Port of Drammen, a move that not only marks a strategic shift but also signals confidence in the port’s growing role in Norway’s automotive logistics landscape.
For Bertel O. Steen, one of the country’s largest vehicle importers and distributors, the deal is a chance to bring processing in-house, tightening its grip on the supply chain and trimming away some of the operational slack that can slow vehicle delivery times. For Wallenius Wilhelmsen, the project is more than just a logistics site — it’s their first dedicated facility in Norway and an expansion of their Nordic footprint.
“We are excited to further expand our logistics footprint in the Nordics,” said John Felitto, COO Logistics Services at Wallenius Wilhelmsen. “Bringing together our global processing competence and Bertel O. Steen’s market position and ambitions for the region just makes sense.”
Setting the Stage in Drammen
The facility, slated for opening in late 2027, will sit on a long-term lease with the Port of Drammen. The location isn’t random. Drammen is already Norway’s leading port for the import of new vehicles. This joint venture further cements that status while giving both companies more control over how, when, and where their vehicles are processed.
According to the plan, the facility will be capable of handling around 45,000 vehicles annually in a single shift. That might not sound like a staggering number in global terms, but for the Norwegian market, it’s substantial. These aren’t just basic handovers, either. The center will be outfitted to handle a full suite of pre-delivery services: think anti-corrosion treatments, software upgrades, accessory installations, and cosmetic prep. Basically, everything that needs to happen before a car hits the showroom floor.
“This is a strategically important move for Bertel O. Steen that will strengthen our brands’ relative competitiveness in the Norwegian automotive market,” said Harald Frigstad, CEO at Bertel O. Steen. “The facility in Drammen will improve delivery speed and reduce operational risk in our value chain.”
More than Just a Workshop
Let’s not be fooled by the term “processing center.” This isn’t a warehouse with a few guys and power tools. The new facility will be built from scratch with digital infrastructure at its core. Production planning and execution will rely on advanced software designed to shrink lead times and improve delivery precision.
That means tighter schedules, fewer delays, and fewer hiccups in the chain — a big deal for automakers and dealerships who live and die by delivery estimates.
The operational model will be based on optimized workshop processes, aiming for consistent performance and better throughput per vehicle. In plain terms? The goal is to get vehicles processed faster, with fewer errors, and at a lower cost. That could ripple out into shorter delivery times for consumers and more reliable scheduling for dealers.
Strengthening the Port of Drammen
The Port of Drammen stands to gain, too. With a new high-tech facility being constructed right on its premises, the port strengthens its identity as the country’s automotive import hub. The local economy, logistics community, and related service providers could all benefit from the long-term presence of two major players.
“We welcome Bertel O. Steen and Wallenius Wilhelmsen with the establishment of the new facility in the port,” said Arne Fosen, Port Director at the Port of Drammen. “This strengthens Drammen’s position as Norway’s leading port for the import of new cars and a hub for further distribution inland.”
Eyes on 2027: The Road Ahead
Construction is set to begin once the tender process wraps up — expected to move quickly following the lease agreement. While many in the industry will watch closely to see how the joint venture unfolds, the companies are clear on their mission: reduce inefficiencies, improve control, and support a stronger automotive logistics network in Norway.
The collaboration might not reinvent the wheel, but it’s certainly fine-tuning the vehicle logistics machine behind the scenes — and that’s a story worth tracking.
