Replacement rules stretch oil tank workshop waiting list

New regulations requiring the oldest underground oil tanks to be replaced have left Tangavirkið, a family-run workshop in Vágur, with heavy demand and a long waiting list, KVF reports.

The workshop was founded in 1932 and now employs 20 people. Its current manager, Palli Mortensen, represents the third generation of the family to run the business.

Palli’s grandfather, known as Argja Palli, moved to Vágur in 1928 to work for Magnus Dahl. In 1932, he opened his own workshop, which became known as Argja Palli’s smithy. His son Bent Mortensen later took over, followed by Palli Mortensen.

The business began producing Faroese boilers in 1961, continuing until 1978, when it started making oil tanks. Oil tanks are now one of its main products, and the workshop subsequently changed its name to Tangavirkið.

“We make about 300 oil tanks a year, and the waiting list remains long,” said Uni Egilsnes, who is responsible for producing the tanks. About five employees normally work on oil tank production.

KVF said Tangavirkið’s director, Mortan Mortensen, and Egilsnes discussed the business on the programme Summarmorgun.