RTS Clean-Up! 2026 is now behind us, and it is time to extend a huge and heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make the day possible.
What a day. What an effort.
What a community!
First and foremost, to Karmøy Sports Diving Club, led by the ever-positive Dag Vilmar Tveit. They coordinated with the Outdoor Recreation Council, Hold Norge Rent and Ragn-Sells, handled the planning and organisation, and put in an impressive effort both above and below the surface. They located, strapped and prepared nearly 300 tyres for lifting. To be fair, those particular tyres were not especially good at hiding (and we suspect this effort may need repeating for a few more years).
A big thank you also to Viking Gjenvinning Karmøy, who arrived with a large crane truck, lifted out an old boat, a car, and plenty of other debris, and ensured that the divers did not have to spend the rest of the weekend hauling things out of the sea.
Thank you to Vea Community Association, who have been positive, engaged and supportive from our very first conversation.
Thank you to Sjømannsforeningen, who, true to tradition, served waffles containing enough eggs and cream to keep both spirits and blood sugar levels high throughout the day.
Thank you to Karmøy Vest Rotary Club, who grilled and served legendary kanuttapølser, while also running activities that proved equally popular with both young and old.
Thank you to the Harbour Authority, who once again provided boats, local knowledge and an overview of everything happening on and around the water.
And then there are our loyal “partners in crime”; Åkra Elektriske, Åkra Bilimport, Stillasgruppen, Stålbyggeren and Åkrehamn Trålbøteri. You have stood shoulder to shoulder with us since 2022. A special thank you goes to “Bøteriet”, who not only hosted a checkpoint in the treasure hunt, but also assisted the diving club with equipment whenever needed.
Thank you also to Rasmussen Bygg, Zocial, Haugen Kolonial – Joker Haugen, OM Regnskap, Norwest Ship Management and Cetus. The kind of partners who never hesitate to roll up their sleeves and help when needed.
Everything is simply more enjoyable when we do it together.
And of course, a very special thank you goes to Sparebanken Norge.
We tip our hats and bow deeply in appreciation. Your support makes it possible to organise events like this and create engagement that extends far beyond the clean-up itself.
Because RTS Clean-Up is about two things:
- Removing the rubbish.
- Creating awareness.
We succeed with both because the people of Vea show up and get involved.
Thank you to everyone who took part in the treasure hunt, activities and the event itself. Thank you for showing that you care about the environment – both above and below the surface.
And of course, we must thank Captain Sabertooth and Pinky (Lars and Hildfrid Holgersen), who delivered a fantastic pirate show. It is not every day that Vea is visited by pirates, but judging by the response, we hope it will not be the last!
And finally, but by no means least:
A thousand million thanks to our own employees. Year after year you show up with enthusiasm, hard work and a level of commitment that makes us proud! Together, we have shown what is possible when many people contribute a little.
The result?
The sea outside Vea now contains approximately 20 tonnes less rubbish than it did before the weekend.
We think that is a pretty good day’s work!
And we are already looking forward to 5 June 2027!