Pentagon North Europe – A key player in logistics and transport

Pentagon North Europe is engaged in logistics and transportation, and has a wide range of customers – everything from newly started computer companies to large global oil companies.

FACTS:

  • Pentagon North Europe consists of Pentagon Freight Services (sea and air transport) which accounts for approximately 40% of the activity, and Pentagon Transport Nordic (road transport) which accounts for approximately 60% of the activity.
  • 114 employees from 19-65 years old, with an average age of 43 years.
  • 60% men and 40% women
  • Internationally, the company is present in 22 countries with 75 of its own offices, with Norwegian offices in Oslo, Larvik, Kristiansand, Stavanger and soon Kristiansund.
  • Pentagon North Europe has a turnover of approx. NOK 1.5 billion a year.

Broad customer base and global presence

In Europe, there is a lot of road and air freight, while sea and air freight dominate to other continents. "There is a very large range, we have had many start-ups that have come to us and received help with how to find their way in terms of import and export. Many times the production countries are far away, like China and other places," says Espen.

Collaboration with the Port of Kristiansand

Without Kristiansand Port, everyday life would look different for Pentagon. The company has always been connected to port activities, and Kristiansand Port was a key partner for the company's establishment and growth. What started as Seafront has now grown into a company with over 100 employees in several ports and a turnover of almost 1.5 billion kroner.

“We probably wouldn't exist as the company we are today if it weren't for Kristiansand Port.” – Espen

Growing need for change

Port operations have changed a lot over time and have become more commercial. Today's port is not built for the activities that are there today. "Before, the port was probably more of a facilitator for other activities, but now the port has probably become more of an active player in the market," says Espen. "Therefore, it is important that the port is competitive and offers good services that are not too expensive."

“The dream port is another port that is efficient, that is adapted to today's business.” – Espen

Future plans

The Pentagon is looking forward to moving the container port to Kongsgård /Vige. “Previously, the port was one organization, but now there are several stakeholders with different goals, which can create challenges,” says Espen. “There are much larger and heavier machines now. Before, there were lots of workers down there unloading manually, now everything is big machines, it has to be fast, efficient.”

We look forward to being able to move, and it is important that there is enough space available to be able to develop further.” – Espen

Access to storage facilities is also important, as many customers need temporary storage on their way in or out. “A port that is in as little conflict with its surroundings as possible is also desirable, as continuous conflict can be demanding for both operators and the surroundings,” explains Espen.

Shared vision

The collaboration between Pentagon North Europe and the Port of Kristiansand has been a cornerstone in the company's success and growth. With a shared vision to develop a modern and efficient port, together we have created a robust infrastructure that supports both national and international logistics. This partnership has not only been crucial for Pentagon North Europe, but also for strengthening the Port of Kristiansand's position as a leading player in the global logistics market.