The IMarEST’s 120th President says: “The path to the future is through the present.”
Martin Shaw has become the 120th President of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST). Martin’s priorities for his presidential year include engaging with seafarers and the shipping industry, working to further build the IMarEST’s global reach, and acting on inclusion and diversity.
Martin says “I am honoured to be the President of the IMarEST. Over the next year, there is much to be excited about and I am looking forward to working with the wide range of talented marine professionals who make up our membership.”
Speaking of the challenges faced by the marine sector, Martin adds: “The headline issue is climate change and how we ensure that the engineering of the required technology works. It has been quoted that this will cost $3.4 trillion, so it is vital that the equipment does not fail. The expertise of our membership, which includes engineers, scientists and technologists, is central to this challenge. We need to make sure that equipment is designed to operate and operated to design. We also need to remember that the current fleet needs to continue to operate safely.”
Martin succeeds 119th President, Alastair Fischbacher, and will hold the position of the IMarEST President for one year. Yves De Leeneer, a Board Trustee and Council member of the IMarEST, is the new President Elect, he is based in Singapore.
The Glasgow-born 120th President began his career as an engineer officer where his love of being at sea blossomed. After 13 years at sea and with a growing family, Martin moved his career ashore, with positions as a fleet safety officer, engineer superintendent, and senior management roles.
Whilst learning to fly, Martin developed an enthusiasm for human factors and improving safety. He was awarded a Merchant Navy Medal presented by HRH Princess Royal for his contribution to marine safety. This passion and expertise saw him become Chair of the IMarEST’s Human Element working group and representing the IMarEST in the Human Element Industry Group. He was also involved in setting up the Institute’s Ship Repair, Maintenance and Safety Special Interest Group (RAMSIG).
Martin concludes: “As I begin my year as President, I would like to encourage individuals to get involved with the Institute, whether that is by joining, volunteering, or becoming active in our Special Interest Groups and local branches. By collaborating with other professionals both locally and internationally, we will be able to accelerate progress to overcome the vast challenges that the marine industry faces.”
EIVA announces CEO leadership transition
Jeppe Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Danish maritime survey software and equipment manufacturer, EIVA, is stepping down as CEO on medical grounds with immediate effect.
Jeppe will remain with parent company Covelya Group in a new part-time strategic advisor role and will also join the board of EIVA. Flemming Hjorth, EIVA’s Vice President of Business Development, has taken on the role of Acting CEO while the board seeks a permanent successor through a transition process which will consider both internal and external candidates.
Jeppe has been at the helm of EIVA since 2011 during which time he oversaw the transformation of the business from a small core team of less than 30 people, to becoming the leader of maritime survey software alongside a flourishing equipment manufacturing team supporting offshore activities in renewable energy, defence and ocean science. He led the company through a successful sale in 2019, with EIVA now established as an integral part of offshore and marine engineering specialist, Covelya Group.
Jeppe says, “Having navigated through market downturns, the high of our successful sale process in 2019, and most recently the unprecedented lockdown experiences of COVID and the impact of the Ukraine war, it is with sadness that I am stepping down as CEO. It will be the great colleagues I will miss most; EIVA is a different company to the one I joined but through all the growth, the business has kept its great culture – we know it is about work, but it is also important to enjoy it while we are there.”
Stephen Fasham, EIVA’s chairman and Covelya Group’s CEO, says, “I’ve been privileged to work with Jeppe over the last four years, have learned a lot from him, and the legacy he leaves at EIVA will be long remembered as we continue to grow from the strong base created by Jeppe and his team. I am truly delighted that we’ve been able to retain Jeppe on a part-time basis and look forward to the part he will play in further developing the whole group, and to his great contribution to EIVA from his position on the board. I’d also like to thank Flemming and the whole EIVA management team for stepping up during a difficult time for the company and for providing strong leadership during this transition.
EIVA continues to move forward, with planned expansion into our Singapore location this year, as well as new product releases. Under Jeppe’s leadership, EIVA has become a critical part of Covelya Group, developing new partnerships with other Covelya companies from which we are already seeing results, and we have expectations for more in the coming years. Supported by Covelya, we will see EIVA further strengthen its market leader position, and I look forward to welcoming Jeppe back many times in the future to share with him the new chapters in EIVA’s story.”
OceanTools promote Brian Hector to GM
OceanTools Limited, a world-leading subsea engineering company based in Aberdeen Scotland, are delighted to announce the promotion of Brian Hector to General Manager. Brian has almost 30 years of experience in the subsea industry having progressed through the ranks from graduate engineer to Technical Director before joining OceanTools as Technical Sales Manager.
Managing Director Kevin Parker said “When Brian joined OceanTools in 2019 we were hardly involved in the camera market. Now, less than four years later, we have a comprehensive range of cameras and lights of which we’re selling many hundreds every year. This is largely due to Brian’s hard work and dedication, so I’m delighted to promote him to the position of General Manager”
Brian said “As my career has progressed, I have enjoyed the challenge of sitting between both technical and commercial departments. I’m really looking forward to my new role as General Manager at OceanTools driving the company forward”
MacArtney announces succession at the top for their US operations
The MacArtney Group is pleased to introduce David Marchetti as the new President for its US operations covering all of North and South America. A strong profile with the right background and experience, solid leadership, and the credentials to attain the growth goal in the Americas.
Houston-based David Marchetti comes from a Senior Director position at Ocean Power Technologies, where he headed the company's regional (Americas) business development activities.
He previously held leading positions with Hawboldt Industries, Forum Energy Technologies, FMC Technologies Schilling Robotics, and GE Vetco Gray.
His over 20 years of experience include management, aftermarket/customer service, engineering, manufacturing, project management, and business development.
Strategic match
MacArtney has high expectations for the new US President. Based on his business acumen, he will be the focal point in the continued growth of the largest MacArtney entity outside headquarters in Denmark. He is seen as a vital strategic sparring partner contributing to the company's global development.
Happy about the appointment, Group CEO Niels Peter Christiansen says:
"In David, we have found a successor with all the right credentials, network and ability to expand the business, supporting the strategy and growth goal for the Americas. Furthermore, his engaging leadership style and personality fit the MacArtney culture, both with regards to our customer-centric approach and our focus on the most valuable asset; our staff!"
Looking forward to exploring the growth potential
David Marchetti is well-versed in the underwater market and technology sectors, with demonstrated expertise in oil & gas subsea production systems, ROV/AUV systems, and wave energy.
He is very familiar with MacArtney's business, complex solutions, and the industry's opportunities and challenges. He is excited to join his new colleagues, continue the growth journey, and explore the market potential of the Americas and says:
“MacArtney has a long-standing reputation of providing reliable solutions and has set the bar as the technology leader in multiple market segments. I am excited to lead the great MacArtney Inc. team and further advance the growth that the organisation has experienced while continuing the tradition of delivering outstanding customer service.”
Will be heading up MacArtney's US operations
MacArtney Inc. was founded in Houston, Texas, in 1998. Over the past 20 years, it extended its offerings to include the complete MacArtney range of underwater connectivity, technology products and solutions, and high-level workshop facilities.
The Americas operations employ a staff of about 40 members and manage several operations in strategic locations across the United States in the Northeast, Pacific Northwest and West Coast, Canada and Latin America.
Lars Hansen will partake in the transition, ensuring a smooth handover, with David joining MacArtney in January and taking the helm in April.
Strategic Robotic Systems appoints Sam Adams as its newest team member
Strategic Robotic Systems (SRS) is thrilled to announce the addition of Sam Adams to its team as Sales Engineer. A highly accomplished professional with over 24 years of military and capability development experience, Mr. Adams has served with both the British Special Forces (Special Boat Service) and the Specialist Capability Cell for the UK MoD.
“Sam brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise in military operations and most recently, in sales and business development,” said Omer Poroy, CEO of SRS. “We are confident he will add tremendous value to our organization as we expand our capabilities in the United Kingdom and Europe.”
Prior to joining SRS, Mr. Adams worked as the Business Development Lead for Defense at L3Harris where he played a key role in identifying, qualifying, and maintaining a growing pipeline of new and follow-on business.
“Sam is a dedicated and passionate professional who is excited to be joining our team,” commented Jesse Rodocker, founder of SRS. “We are excited to see the results of Sam's contributions, and the impact he will have on our company's growth and continued success.”
Mr. Adams is currently studying for his MBA from the University of Northampton, which he intends to complete this year.
Rovco strengthens team with strategic appointment: Graham Bells joins as Head of Geoscience
Rovco, global provider of subsea robotics and integrated survey solutions to the offshore wind and oil field decommissioning sectors, has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Graham Bell as Head of Geoscience.
He joins Rovco at an exciting time as the company grows into new markets, with a significant expansion of its offshore hydrographic, geophysical, and shallow geotechnical survey capabilities.
Graham’s specialism is the management, interpretation, and reporting of complex multi service line projects, and he has a proven track record in the delivery of shallow geophysical, UHR/HR site surveys, cable route surveys and offshore windfarm site investigations.
In his new role, Graham will support Rovco’s site characterisation business unit, and as a technical and subject matter expert, he will be a main point of contact to support the business acquisition function.
Graham has more than 20 years’ global experience in marine site characterisation and has lived and worked in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
He graduated from Bangor University, Wales, with a BSc in Geological Oceanography in 2002, before joining Thales GeoSolutions as a graduate geophysicist. His previous employers also include Fugro and EGS Indonesia.
He worked offshore for 10 years as a geophysicist and party chief and has a decade of experience in managing teams of geophysicists and in the interpretation of a broad range of geophysical data, on complex marine site characterisation projects.
Speaking about his new appointment, Graham said: “Rovco is a key player in the offshore wind survey market; I have followed the company as it has evolved and am looking forward to working with the talented team and to being part of the next phase of growth. With a strong reputation as a leader in technology-enabled subsea solutions, I am excited about Rovco’s future and to playing a key role in its expansion.”
Simon Miller, Chief Revenue Officer at Rovco, added: “Graham will play a vital role in the growth of our site characterisation business unit. Recognised in the industry as one of the most experienced operators in his field, he brings with him the particular skillset and expertise which will help us deliver this industry-leading aspect of our business to our clients.”
This further growth and organisational shift comes on the back of a successful series B raise, co-led by Legal & General Capital alongside Equinor Ventures, which saw £20.5m - increased from the previous £15.2m raised last April – invested into Rovco and its sister technology company, Vaarst, last year.
Miros Mocean appoints Andreas Brekke as new CEO
Miros Mocean has appointed Andreas Brekke as CEO to drive its growth in the global shipping market.
Launched in 2021, Miros Mocean is a joint venture between wave technology expert Miros, BW Group, one of the world’s leading maritime companies, and Copenhagen Commercial Platform (CCP), an independent commercial platform with a specific focus on ESG for shipowners.
Miros Mocean is a future-facing platform, that integrates real-time vessel data and normalises it from local wave and weather parameters, this provides an unprecedented accuracy in vessel performance and thereby enables optimal performance and decarbonisation.
With more than 20 years’ experience across the energy sector, Mr Brekke’s appointment follows nearly a decade as CEO of Miros Group. During his tenure, the company increased its position in the offshore operations and energy markets, with contracts secured with key industry players around the world.
Based in the company’s headquarters in Asker, Norway, Mr Brekke will drive Miros Mocean’s mission to support the shipping industry with measured – not derived – local environmental data, for a precise overview of vessel performance in real-time, giving clear proof of efficiency and commercial viability throughout the lifetime of a vessel.
Mr Brekke said: “I am very proud to be continuing my journey within the Miros team as the CEO of Miros Mocean. After nearly a decade in my previous role as Miros Group CEO, I am honoured to have the chance to help the company explore specific solutions tailored to the shipping market.
Christian Bonfils, CCP CEO and Chairman of Miros Mocean added: “I have full confidence that Andreas Brekke will leverage his experience and knowledge of the industry in his new role, to further establish Miros Mocean as a leader in next-generation vessel performance."
Miros Mocean’s vision is to give the shipping industry accurate and relevant performance data to optimise costs and create a transparent, collaborative, and greener shipping industry for the future.
Dr Bernhard Bruggaier appointed as Group Chief Executive of Acteon Group Ltd
The Board of Directors of Acteon Group Ltd, a global provider of services to the renewable, infrastructure and oil and gas industries, has appointed Dr Bernhard Bruggaier as Group Chief Executive, succeeding Dr Carl Trowell.
Bernhard joined Acteon’s subsidiary MENCK in 1994, became its Managing Director in 1998 and joined Acteon’s executive management team following the acquisition of MENCK in 2003. After that, Bernhard served in various senior strategic and operational management roles before being appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2018 and joining Acteon’s Board of Directors in 2021.
Commenting on the transition, Chairman of the Board, Juan de Ochoa, said: “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Carl for his significant contribution as Group Chief Executive and wish him all the very best for the future. As the business moves into a new phase of growth, we are delighted that Bernhard has agreed to transition into the role. We are confident that he will lead the company and our people with the passion and strategic vision he has shown in serving the business for so many years. We look forward to working closely with Bernhard as he continues leveraging the company’s innovative technology, engineering capability and operational strength to pursue sustainable growth.”
Dr Bernhard Bruggaier commented “I joined Acteon when it was a small company. I have enjoyed our journey to the dynamic, increasingly renewables-focused international organisation that Acteon is now. I am honoured to be asked to lead the team that forms Acteon today and which comprises first-class, highly dedicated individuals in all functions of the organisation, some of whom I have worked with for years. Together, we will shape the future of Acteon through developing our legacy energy markets as much as focusing on the necessary energy transition that we have already been driving for over 20 years.”
General Oceans appoints Omer Poroy as Chief Executive Officer of Strategic Robotic Systems
General Oceans is pleased to announce the appointment of Omer Poroy as Chief Executive Officer of Strategic Robotic Systems, Inc.; one of its four operating companies. Mr. Poroy brings with him over 25 years of experience in the ocean technology space with expertise in sensors, robotics, autonomy, and the interplay of multidomain maritime systems.
“We are excited to have Omer join the group in this leadership capacity,” said Atle Lohrmann, President of General Oceans, adding “his diverse set of experiences in companies ranging from startup to Fortune 100 constitute the perfect fit for our growth plans across the commercial, scientific, and defense sectors within the Blue Economy.”
Jesse Rodocker, founder of Strategic Robotic Systems added, “Omer’s addition to our leadership team enhances our ability to scale this business and diversify into new application areas; we’re happy to welcome him on board as we enter our next stage of growth.”
During his tenure at General Dynamics Mission Systems, Mr. Poroy led enterprise-level strategy and business development initiatives through various campaigns encompassing Undersea Warfare, Maritime Autonomy and Distributed Maritime Operations. Prior to General Dynamics, Mr. Poroy held various leadership positions at Bluefin Robotics and Teledyne Technologies.
“I am thrilled to be joining such an innovative team in the underwater robotics space,” said Omer Poroy. “I look forward to engaging with the broader ocean community to uncover additional uses for this technology and continuing our tradition of introducing groundbreaking capabilities to meet the evolving requirements of our customers.”
Mr. Poroy received his MBA from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management, and holds Ocean Engineering degrees from Florida Institute of Technology.
Kraken Robotics announces Management Transition
Kraken Robotics Inc. announced that Karl Kenny, Founder and President and Chief Executive Officer, has been appointed Executive Chairman of Kraken and the transition of the President and Chief Executive Officer role to Greg Reid. Mr. Reid joined Kraken more than 7 years ago as Chief Financial Officer and since 2019 has been Chief Operating Officer. This transition became effective January 1, 2023.
“It has been an honour and privilege to lead this company as Founder, President and CEO for over a decade, and I am pleased to continue to serve as Executive Chairman to help oversee Kraken’s ongoing progress,” said Mr. Kenny. “Over the course of my 45-year career, I have witnessed the profound impact of technological evolution as well as the expansion of the blue economy. The past decade alone has been transformational for Kraken in science, technology and product R&D. We have delivered some of the most important global advances in seabed imaging and robotics; made significant strategic and tactical decisions across the business and delivered record performance. Most of all, I am proud and humbled to have led our talented and dedicated team around the world. The decision to step aside from daily operations was one of the most difficult of my career, but it is the right one. This is good for the Company and our shareholders as our organization is delivering strong performance across all units and is positioned for continued success. I will turn 63 next year and this is right for me personally, as I can spend more time and focus with family. But rest assured, I won’t be far away. I have the utmost confidence in Greg to lead Kraken as the Company’s next President and CEO.”
“I am honored to move into the President and CEO chair at Kraken, and to continue to build upon the success that Karl, the management team, and employees have driven in the ten years since he founded the company,” said Mr. Reid. “We have a world class team at Kraken and I am excited to lead as we gain market share with a strong offering of products and services that allow our customers to explore and understand the subsea and sub-seabed. Karl’s vision led to the creation of Kraken at exactly the right time. With big challenges such as national security and the global energy transition, Kraken has the technologies and people to help our customers protect and power the world. The Kraken of today is much different than the Kraken of even 3 years ago. We have more management depth, a deeper roster of engineering, science, and services talent and our technologies and systems are more hardened. With major reference customers across various navies, defense contractors, UUV OEMs, and energy companies, we are just getting started. We look forward to capitalizing on the favorable industry trends in subsea robotics and I am excited when I think about our prospects. Our technology, products, people and brand carry incredible momentum. I would like to reinforce our commitment to our employees, customers, shareholders and partners and I look forward to leading the organization for the long-term growth of Kraken,” said Mr. Reid.
