Ærfugl – Optime

Erlend is now working as a full-time project engineer at Optime Subsea. He started his career at Optime Subsea during his studies at USN Kongsberg. Erlend studied Systems Engineering, specialized in Software. The young engineer has already been a key contributor to the development of the mSHPU, SCILS and ROCS products. He has lent his talent over the whole stack, from driver-development, through controls-engineering, and to the top layer of human machine interface.

I was wrong.

– In 2011 I was offered to play for NFK – Notodden Fotball Club. I lived in Trondheim, one of Norway`s biggest cities and I saw myself as a city boy. I hesitated and was slightly negative when I moved to Notodden. My opinion of this small town was that there was nothing to do. My initial plan was, therefore, to return to Trondheim, Trøndelag.

Can you tell us what made you change your mind?

– After a while I realized that Notodden had the whole package. The city is surrounded by astonishing nature and had a lot of activities. Notodden is simply an idyllic place to live with its good reach to more central areas like Drammen, Oslo, Skien and Porsgrunn. Since my partner is from Notodden and I now work at Optime Subsea, I find my life here enjoyable.

As you enter the door at Optime, you get the opportunity to set your mark.
Erlend

Why did you want to work at Optime Subsea?

– When I got hired as a software engineer, Optime was smaller than today. I immediately experienced the Optime spirit, drive and commitment that has brought us to where we are today. My ambitions were heard and acknowledged from the first day, and I was given room for creativity. Optime is intentional when hiring, and it is all about finding just the right people. In this way Optime takes care of the culture, that which contributes to the success of the company. With Optime, you have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to its further development.

Freedom and creativity

– In my role as a software engineer at Optime I work closely with other people and disciplines. From start to finish, you gain essential knowledge as a participating part in different projects. It is the opportunity to develop myself and the company that keeps me thriving. Optime does not put you in chains, but instead gives you flexibility and freedom.

Optime Subsea`s mission is to be the market leader in subsea intervention and control systems. Our mission is to be the leading provider of systems for subsea intervention and control, within the oil and gas industry. We will accomplish this by continuous innovation, with focus on productivity, modularity, and optimization – always to and for our customers.

As a Software Engineer, you might have prejudiced thoughts of the industry

The oil – and gas industry is not known for being a forward – leaning industry within software.

In Optime we want to be innovative in everything we do. Our slogan “We simplify subsea” permeates everything we work with, and together as a company we strive to break limits continuously. It is evident in our projects like ROCS and SCILS where this is demonstrated. Both projects that needed electronics, and software knowledge to make the control system.

If you are a software engineer and thinking about working at Optime – I have one advice; leave an application!

Optime are innovators in the industry, and I can guarantee you will find this journey an enriching one to be a part of.
Erlend

Exciting Projects as a Software Engineer

– NUI was exciting because it was my first project. The responsibility I was given from the beginning made me have to trust myself and believe in my decisions. These projects leave you with experience and pride. By taking part in processes like these and working through them from start to finish, you gain an understanding of planning, execution, and the context.

ROCS is high-level innovation within oil and gas. I got to be a part of this project from start to finish. Out on operation, it was amazing to see the result of every hour and day of work.

Using the new technology was a real success!

Your attitude is important!

– The only thing I look for when hiring is attitude. For us, this means being eager to learn and not shying away from responsibility.

Optime will further innovate the industry with its disruptive technology. If we are to innovate the industry and maintain the pressure with new ideas, we also have to innovate ourselves – become better. It is a prerequisite that we hire different types of people; To ensure diversity and good questions.

Are we too similar, then we will not be innovative enough.
Erlend

Erlend – Outside Optime

– I am very fond of staying active. Before covid hit, I played football, as well as skiing. I am always active, no matter what the season is. Having moved to Notodden, we now have access to a lot of great opportunities and offers throughout the year.

– The fact that Optime able to dissuade me of moving back makes my partner very happy. As am I to this day. And as a father I am not interested to live anywhere else but right here. We are very happy, and we are looking forward to establishing at Notodden.

Optime became the anchorage for Notodden and the reason why we have established ourselves here.
Erlend

Optime’s subsea system, Remotely Operated Controls System (ROCS) has completed a successful subsea operation for Aker BP. The ROCS eliminates the umbilical during well completions.

This is not just a first system use, but also a first type of operation for the industry.

ROCS was deployed during a completions operation for a production well for Aker BP on the Ærfugl-field on the Norwegian Contintental Shelf in late February.

-This is a major achievement! Optime has developed ROCS over several years and from looking at the total work hours available internally, we have spent a significant share of resources on this development.

Together with Aker BP we have now achieved success on the first operation offshore. I believe that is a great accomplishment and the start of a major industry transition with this system.
Jan-Fredrik Carlsen, CEO at Optime Subsea

ROCS Simplifies Operations

Through ROCS, Optime is contributing to increased efficiency for the oil and gas industry in numerous ways. ROCS is remotely:

controlled topside,
using an advanced technological controls unit providing improved functionality,
without a large hydraulic system, including a costly and heavy umbilical.

– We have now completed a successful operation on the Ærfugl-field using Optimes ROCS. The operation was planned in great details, allowing for a safe execution. Imbedded in Aker BP is the continous drive towards technology that permanently improves our subsea well operations.

ROCS is a good example of that, as it reduces HSE risk, optimizes operations and also reduces the overall cost for us, says Mads Rødsjø, head of Aker BP’s subsea well operations.

Read the amazing story behind the SCILS and the creation of a unique company culture

-Through the use of ROCS we have been able to move tonnes of actual equipment from the rig, as well as mechanical and hydraulic interfaces, into a simple and efficient software. This is truly digitalization, says Rødsjø.

Optime signed a frame agreement with Aker BP January of 2019. The agreement includes work on Aker BPs subsea systems for two years, with an additional 2 year extension.

– Aker BP and their competence as well as focus to leverage innovative technology, is fundamental to continous industry improvements. This reduces the environmental footprint, improves efficiency, increases safety, and reduces cost – we believe it will create a new industry norm,
Jan-Fredrik Carlsen, CEO at Optime Subsea

About Optime Subsea

Optime Subsea is based with its HQ on Notodden, Norway as well as office in Houston, Texas. Over the last years it has established itself as a leading specialist on subsea intervention and controls systems globally.

Come work with us: We´re hiring like never before – Right now, we have 5 vacant positions

ROCS Facts

When completing subsea wells, the tubing hanger is placed on top of the well head, as a seal towards the rest of the subsea well.

Normally this is controlled through a dedicated hydraulic umbilical which includes a large 20-30 feet control container. When running the umbilical, it is clamped to the tubing for increased stability.
ROCS replaces the operation by remotely controlling a controls unit towards the well head. This allows for safer, simpler and more efficient operations
ROCS is mobilized in a single basket and prepared and made up onshore, allowing it to be ready to run immediately offshore from a vessel or rig.

For additional information, please reach out to the following:

(Norwegian) Jan-Fredrik Carlsen, CEO Optime, cell: +47 414 60 996 , email: jfc@optimesubsea.com

(International) Thor-Arne Lovland, CCO Optime, cell: +1 832 904 6842, email: tal@optimesubsea.com