Please activate JavaScript!
Please install Adobe Flash Player, click here for download
ePaper created 2015-04-22, 14:48:24 | version 1.37.0
32 Issue One 2015 actually loaded onto the trailer. He closes the doors and adjusts the temperature at the refrigeration unit – now, the journey to the east can begin. Difficult conditions Night has set in and the area around him is turning pitch-black. The grandiose land- scape that during Nordic light and warm summer nights mesmerizes even experi- enced tourists is gone. The snow in front of the headlights is coming down thicker and faster. Aasen is now driving only 40 kilometers per hour. The hill is steep, so are the bends. Then, the drive wheels start spinning. Aasen lifts up the tag axle of the tractor unit to achieve more pressure on the drive axle. The wheels regain their grip on the road. Norwegian vehicle and trailer specifica- tions differ from European standards. One key difference is the axle lift. Trucks with a tag axle are exempt from the axle weight limit in certain situations. The axle can also be lifted when the truck is fully load- ed. In 2012, the Norwegian authorities tried to introduce the European Union`s axle weight limit across the country. It led to a heated debate in the press and professional circles and ended with an intervention by the transport minister, who ensured that the traditional Norwegian solution stays in place. Lifting the tag axle and exercis- ing maximum pressure on the drive wheels regardless of the total weight is essential to driving on the mountains’ snow or ice-cov- ered road surface. Only few vehicles drive over the inhos- pitable plateau. The white surroundings do not make it easy to see the road signs – and taking a wrong turn up here can have se- vere consequences. Around 120 kilometres before Oslo, traffic is suddenly coming to a halt. Cars are waiting in line as far as the eye can see in this weather. There is a tipped- over truck on the opposite lane, and it has to be pulled up first. Aasen calls the first customer and informs him that the salmon delivery might arrive later than expected. He agrees that he will call again if he cannot reach his destination before six in the morning. But only an hour later, the emergency services have cleared the road and at 5.15 am, Aasen arrives at the fish market in Oslo's city centre. Pallets are be- ing exchanged, as are humorous comments. Now, the goods are forwarded to customers in all parts of Norway. The rest of the load has to be delivered to the Bring Frigo termi- nal in nearby Skårer. There, Aasen finds an empty loading bay space, reverses into it, and uncouples the trailer. When the work day starts for the terminal employees and the of- fice personnel, his day ends after a long jour- ney. Aasen is satisfied: Another load of fresh salmon delivered on time! Modern industry Today, there are about 30 salmon-process- ing companies in Norway. Modern cargo ships pick up the fish from special breeding farms on the entire shore. Pumped up and sorted on board, the salmon is then trans- ported alive to the companies. The ships re- port what they have caught – which means Photos:MaritVikhammer