Enhancing cemetery operations at Oslo’s Vestre Gravlund

Nestled in the heart of Oslo, Vestre Gravlund stands as Norway’s largest cemetery, sprawling across 243 acres and encompassing over 33,000 graves. Managing such an extensive area demands the right tools to maintain its dignity and order. We spoke with Sten-Arne Skulbru, Section Manager at the Cemetery Agency of Vestre Gravlund, to learn how innovative solutions like the Paxster Utility vehicle have streamlined their daily operations.

See the Paxster eCompact in operation at Råde Church:

The challenge of managing a large cemetery

Each year, Vestre Gravlund oversees approximately 120 burials and places around 700 urns, requiring substantial movement across its vast grounds. The primary challenge was finding a transportation solution that could enhance efficiency, manoeuvre between graves, operate on pathways, and withstand Oslo’s variable weather conditions.

A Norwegian electric solution

With expert guidance from Bentzen AS, the Paxster eCompact became the solution to these challenges. Its compact size and agility allow for easy navigation through the graves, and it operates so quietly that it neither disturbs visitors nor disrupts the peaceful environment.

Sten-Arne highlights three features he finds valuable:

• Size and manoeuvrability: The vehicle’s compact design is ideal for navigating the narrow paths of the cemetery, allowing staff to transport themselves and their equipment quietly and efficiently.
• Smart storage: Ample storage space, not only on the loading area but also at the front under a protective roof, means equipment sensitive to rain can also be sheltered.
• Roofed yet open: The covered roof ensures the vehicle is operational in all weather conditions, a crucial feature for the Nordic climate of Oslo.

Primarily for transportation and urn interments

At Vestre Gravlund, the vehicle is primarily used for transporting staff and facilitating urn interments. It not only allows for efficient and silent movement across the cemetery grounds but also ensures that all tasks are carried out with the utmost silence, dignity, and respect. This is essential in an environment where grief and reflection are predominant.