Architecture, engineering, and consultancy company Ramboll delivered record revenue and profit results in 2021, with the highest revenue and operating profit ever, and the highest Operating margin (EBITA) since 2010
With the record revenue and profit result, Ramboll is in a strong position to deliver on its new four-year Group strategy: ‘The Partner for Sustainable Change’.
In 2021, gross revenue increased by 4.4% to DKK 14.2bn. Furthermore, organic growth was 4.1%, and net project revenue, which is Ramboll’s own production excluding revenue from subcontractors, was DKK 11.8bn.
Organic growth from net project revenue was 5.2% compared to a negative organic growth of -2.7% in 2020.
Other record revenue and profit results include operating profit, which before amortisation of goodwill, brand, and customer contracts increased by 24% to DKK 848.7m, giving an EBITA margin of 6.0%. At year-end, Ramboll’s order book stands at DKK 7.3bn, which is an increase of 7% compared to the end of 2020.
‘Delivering a record result in a year where the Covid-19 pandemic continued to affect our daily lives’
Jens-Peter Saul, group CEO of Ramboll stated: “I am very pleased with Ramboll’s strong operational result in 2021. Delivering a record result in a year where the Covid-19 pandemic continued to affect our daily lives underlines the strength of our business.
“I would like to say a special thanks to all our dedicated employees who have done an outstanding job to deliver on our projects and support our clients during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We could not have achieved this strong result without their continued commitment and our excellent client relationships during these challenging times.”
Record growth across the UK, Germany, and Central Europe & Africa
The record revenue and profit result reflect strong performances across the UK, Germany, Central Europe, and Africa where Ramboll achieved double-digit organic growth.
Growth was also strong in the US and across the Nordics, except in Sweden where Ramboll experienced a slight decline in revenue.
In the Middle East, Ramboll had a negative growth as the company has been closing down its oil and gas activities in the region.
From a market perspective, the new business unit Henning Larsen had a very successful start with double-digit organic growth and strong profit.
The business units for Environment & Health, Water, Transport, and Management Consulting also showed a strong activity level. Within Energy, Ramboll experienced an expected decrease in revenue due to the reduction in oil and gas.
At the same time, Ramboll further strengthened its leading position in renewable energy such as offshore wind and emerging technologies like Power-to-X and carbon capture and storage.
Ukraine conflict poses increased geopolitical and economic uncertainty
Jens-Peter Saul added: “Though the immediate challenges caused by the pandemic are now substituted by the war in Ukraine and the increased geopolitical and economic uncertainty, we are optimistic about 2022, which is the first year of our new strategy.
“In light of our strong order book, we expect continued strong growth in 2022 and increased profit.”
Ramboll’s new strategy focuses on sustainability
2021 was the final year of Ramboll’s Group strategy ‘Winning Together’, and in the beginning of 2022 Ramboll launched its new four-year strategy ‘The Partner for Sustainable Change’.
Over the last five-year strategy period Ramboll grew by 35% despite the Covid-19 pandemic and has built a strong sustainability offering across markets.
‘The Partner for Sustainable Change’ strategy sets Ramboll’s direction from 2022 to 2025 with a bold ambition to become a global leader in sustainability by helping clients and society transform towards a sustainable future.
During 2021, the Group also won multiple signature projects for sustainable development.
Ramboll’s sustainable development projects:
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Raising timber to new heights
In Denmark, Ramboll and Henning Larsen are joining forces on a huge timber building project for AP Pension.
The Marble Pier will be one of the largest timber buildings ever erected in Denmark and home to some of the most sustainable offices possible with existing technology.
The building saves 9,500 tonnes carbon emissions, as compared with a similar building made of concrete. The Marble Pier is expected to receive the highest possible sustainability accreditations for buildings, namely, LEED, DGNB Platinum and Diamond, as well as the well-being certification WELL Platinum. The building is expected to be completed by 2024.
2. The ‘world’s first’ floating plant for solar power in rough waters
In Norway, the international energy company Equinor will pilot test the world’s first floating solar power plant in rough offshore waters in the Norwegian Sea.
Ramboll will contribute to the revolutionary pilot project with interdisciplinary engineering expertise. The facility will be tested for at least one year in one of the most weather-challenged areas along the Norwegian coast.
The purpose of the pilot test is to measure how the weather conditions affect the plant.
3. Groundwater sustainability in California
In the US, the California Department of Water Resources has selected a team of consultants led by Ramboll to conduct airborne electromagnetic surveys in California’s high- and medium-priority groundwater basins.
The surveys will provide a standardised state-wide dataset which will improve understanding of large-scale aquifer structures and support implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act.
4. Halving carbon emissions and increasing road safety
In Sweden, Ramboll won a significant project for the Swedish Transport Administration which will rebuild road E10 between Kiruna and Kauppinen.
The Swedish Transport Administration has identified the project as a pilot project to work with carbon reduction and aims to reduce carbon emissions by 50% during road plan implementation, tendering and production.
Set for completion in 2030, the project also tackles other environmental challenges such as protecting existing habitats and migratory patterns of local wildlife.
5. Sustainable transportation for Germany
In Germany, Ramboll was selected by Deutsche Bahn to plan the extension of one of the most important transport hubs in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia.
The project is the backbone for the expansion of the S-Bahn network in the metropolitan region and paramount to connecting the Ruhr region to the national and international rail network.
6. New children’s hospital in Cambridge
In the UK, Cambridge Children’s Hospital, due to open in 2025, will be a world-first hospital that cares for children’s physical and mental health together, alongside leading-edge academic research.
In addition, the hospital aims to be an exemplar in carbon reduction as part of its role in providing a safer and more sustainable future for all.
7. Public transport system in the capital region of Finland
In Finland, Ramboll has been selected to participate in the design and the construction management of the City Rail Link in Espoo, one of the first phases of the new high-speed rail link between Helsinki and Turku.
The Espoo City Rail Link will provide the 1.5 million residents in the greater Helsinki area with fast, frequent, and more sustainable transport options.
The high-speed rail project includes new bridges, four stations, and an inviting park-and-ride facility adjacent to an existing station.
