Oljelager

Oljelager is a Norwegian and Swedish term that translates literally to “oil storage.” The word is a compound of *olje* (oil) and *lager* (storehouse, repository). In industrial and commercial contexts, it refers to facilities or systems designed for the storage, processing, and management of lubricating oils and other petroleum products.

Modern oljelagre are typically equipped with safety systems to mitigate risks such as leaks, spills, and fire hazards. They employ double‑wall tanks, vapor recovery units, and computerized monitoring to control temperature, pressure, and inventory levels. Environmental regulations require that such facilities comply with strict waste treatment and spill containment standards. In Norway, for instance, the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy sets specific design criteria for oljelagre to protect marine and coastal environments, as many facilities are located near fjords and along the coastline.

Historically, the concept of an oljelager dates back to the early 20th century, when the growing use of petroleum‑based lubricants in railways, shipping, and emerging automotive industries demanded dedicated storage solutions. Early designs were simple tanks that were later replaced by modular, containerised systems that allow for easier transfer, segregation of different grades, and improved mass balance.

In the oil and gas sector, oljelagre serve not only as storage but also as points for blending, filtering, and conditioning oils before they are distributed. They are integral to supply chains, ensuring product quality and availability. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with “oil depot” or “petroleum depot” in English‑speaking documents, but in Scandinavian countries it retains the distinct linguistic and regulatory connotations associated with local industry practices.