The Liseberg board decided at an extraordinary meeting on July 17, 2024, that Oceana will be reconstructed.

It is difficult to say an exact date when Oceana will open. It is a complex project with many factors affecting the timeline. But a rough estimate is that it will take about two years to complete Oceana. Liseberg is keen to continue updating on future milestones, and as soon as we approach an opening date, this will of course be communicated.

The starting point is that Oceana will be rebuilt according to previous planning. However, some minor adjustments will be made. Among other things, Liseberg has chosen to invest in new technology in the water attractions’ fiberglass structures, which will significantly improve the fire classification and reduce the risks of a similar fire development. This technology was not previously available. Furthermore, although it is currently not possible to identify deficiencies in Oceana’s fire protection, some changes may also be relevant here, especially during the construction period.

Many of the suppliers who were involved in the original project possess valuable knowledge about it, and Liseberg hopes that several of these suppliers will also be involved in the reconstruction.

Throughout the project, Liseberg has hired some of the best suppliers, contractors, and consultants in the industry. NCC has well-documented specialist knowledge in aquatic facilities and a professional and ambitious fire protection and work environment effort. White Water is a world leader in water attractions, having completed over 5000 projects and employing 600 people worldwide. According to IAAPA, the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions, the company is the world's largest supplier of rides and water attractions. 

Oceana's fire protection was approved and followed the rules and directives that applied at the time of the fire. However, Liseberg does not see it as impossible that the industry's regulations will be adjusted in the future and has chosen to make several adjustments already. 

For example, Liseberg will invest in new technology in the fiberglass construction of the water attractions, which significantly improves the fire classification and reduces the risks of a similar fire development. This technology is new and has not been available before. The staircase running along the eastern facade of the attraction tower will also be equipped with emergency exits on floors 4 and 5. Additional sprinklers in the facade will also be installed. 

The insurance issue itself may take several years to sort out and to gain final clarity. The parts of Oceana that survived the fire need to be protected and taken care of, among other things, we need to get a roof in place. Now that Liseberg’s board has made the important decision to rebuild Oceana, it is important to take the next step to protect the values that exist on the site. This is best done by starting the reconstruction as soon as possible. It is the best option for the project, Liseberg, and Gothenburg as a destination.

Until the cause of the fire has been definitively determined and clarity has been reached in the conditions for compensation, the project needs to be bridge financed.

Phase 1, which includes project planning, planning, and necessary agreements on the delivery of certain time-critical project elements, is financed through reprioritization of Liseberg’s investments, existing cash flow, and borrowing.

Phase 2, which includes larger parts of the production, may possibly require bridge financing from the owner Göteborg Stadshus AB, which is why the question will be submitted to the Municipal Council.

The alarm went off shortly after ten o'clock on February 12th. After that, the fire developed very quickly.

The Swedish Accident Investigation Authority (AIA) has completed its investigation of the fire at Oceana and concludes in its final report that the fire likely started in connection with electrical sleeve welding of a diversion pipe on the outside of one of Oceana's water slides. 

The purpose of the Accident Investigation Authority's investigation is to clarify what happened, why it happened, and how a similar incident can be avoided in the future. The question of responsibility is handled by the prosecutor, whose investigation is not yet complete. 

Read the final report from the AIA (in Swedish): https://shk.se/sok-utredningar/ovriga-handelser/2024-02-22-brand-pa-liseberg-oceana-vattenvarld-i-goteborg

Five days after the fire broke out at Oceana, the police confirmed that they had found a deceased person, and with sorrow and dismay, we could confirm that it was our beloved colleague, Patrik Gillholm. Already early in the course of the fire, one person was reported missing, but the delayed extinguishing work and the risk of collapse in the building hindered the police search efforts.

A total of sixteen people sought medical attention for minor injuries related to the fire on February 12th, and all of them left the hospital the same day.

The Accident Investigation Authority (AIA) has investigated how the fire started, and it is natural to ask who is responsible. However, the question of responsibility is not investigated by the AIA; it is handled by the prosecutor and is still under investigation.