Cluster Insight with DeepOcean

– Companies in the marine and offshore space should make use of available remote operations capabilities, says DeepOcean’s Olaf A. Hansen.

Cluster Insight is a column where we ask six questions to catch a glimpse into the daily business-lives of the partners and members of GCE Ocean Technology.

This week we have spoken with Olaf A. Hansen, to learn more about him and his work in DeepOcean - a leading subsea services provider, servicing any equipment with specialised expertise.

1. What is your role in DeepOcean?

I am Managing Director of DeepOcean’s European operation, which includes several offices in Norway and the UK, plus offshore operations all over Europe executed by in average ten specialized subsea vessels packed with advanced remote subsea technology and skilled offshore professionals.

The role include P&L responsibility for the largest business unit in DeepOcean.

2. Your primary focus at work right now is?

We are very busy with both planning and executing subsea operations within both the offshore oil and gas and renewables industries.

We are also working hard to expand our remote operations offering, including quadrupling the number of operators at Remota’s Remote Operations Center at Killingøy outside Haugesund.

Our remote operations capabilities are also paving the way for our first uncrewed surface vessel (USV), which will be delivered in 2025 and enter a long-term charter with DeepOcean.

Finally, we are busy supporting Equinor after being awarded a landmark eight-year subsea IMR contract with them last year.

As part of this contract, DeepOcean will charter a newbuild vessel from Rem Offshore for the duration of the contract period.

This state-of-the-art vessel will establish a new standard for digitalized and environmentally sustainable IMR operations. We look forward to introducing it to the market.

3. Biggest challenges and opportunities for DeepOcean in the future?

We are currently experiencing strong demand for our services, which bodes well for the future.

One of our and the industry’s biggest tasks, however, is to answer operators’ calls to reduce cost, time usage, emissions and HSE risk associated with offshore operations.

We believe remote operations are a key enabler to achieve this, which is why we are investing a lot of time and resources to realise such savings.

In this context, I should underline that Remota’s Remote Operations Center isn’t only available to DeepOcean.

It is available for all companies that operate in the offshore and marine space, so please make use of it!

4. Best part of being member in a cluster?

Meeting like-minded people that have a keen interest in ocean technologies.

We may be competitors during the week, but everyone is dedicated to helping to advance the industry by driving innovation and sharing knowledge.

It is a group that is generous with both their competence and time.

5. Your business/life motto

Invest your energy where you make a difference and can make an impact. - For me this is a golden work rule emphasizing to stay focused, keep your eyes on the target and drive results.

6. Which cluster member should we interview next?

Corvus Energy.

Thank you for the insight, Olaf!