The Rig Specialist p. 6 · In Distant Waters p.10 Preffered partners p

JU N E 2 0 1 3
A MAGAZINE FROM WESTCON GROUP AS
The Rig Specialist p. 6 · In Distant Waters p.10
Preffered partners p. 13 A Clear Message from HSE Instructor Audun Reistad p. 17
The Wind Surfer p. 22 · A Catering Life p. 30
2 WESTCONTACT
JUNE 2013 3
Challenges to be
Resolved
Westcon has had the good fortune of having
demanding customers that have presented us with
many challenging jobs and this in turn has enabled
us to further develop our company. We are now
in the process of completing a number of projects
simultaneously, and on completion we envisage
that we will in all likelihood have excess capacity
for much of the rest of the year, although we fully
expect an influx of work in 2014.
My father used to say: “Every cloud has a
silver lining.” At long last we have an excellent
opportunity to deal with the bottlenecks that we’ve
identified in our production. In Ølen, this means
building additional workshops and a new recycling
station. In addition, during the next six months,
we will refine our project management system,
train additional supervisors and team leaders, and
implement more efficient work processes.
The shipyard in Florø has been kept busy by the
Deep Energy project. Now it’s time for Westcon to
seize the future and put its mark on the operations
here. While the yard will continue to adhere to its
strategy of focusing on the repair and maintenance
of rigs and vessels, we will nonetheless soon
commence the work of adapting the Florø yard
to the even larger rig projects that we can expect
as the nearby shipping lane is deepened in the
months ahead. In the future there will be increased
focus on offshore and subsea, in close cooperation
with Westcon’s Offshore Division in Stavanger. We
already see newbuilding projects on our horizon.
We are also working on an entirely new business
sector for our company – “Westcon Geo” will be
making important contributions to subsea seismic
exploration. I am confident that our cooperation
with Magseis will be fruitful.
With these and other well-considered measures in
place, Westcon will be even better positioned to
realize our vision of being “the preferred shipyard
in the North Sea”. That is never a matter of course;
continuing to reach for our vision will require all our
expertise, knowledge and concerted efforts.
I wish you all a great summer!
Øystein Matre
CEO, Westcon
Contents
4 Where to find us and what we do
6 The Rig Specialist
9 Right On the Millimetre
10 In Distant Waters
13 Preffered Partners
14 AWA – A Unique Strategic Alliance
17 A Clear Message from HSE Instructor
Audun Reistad
18 Enjoying Confidence in a Competitive Market
20 A Hectic Conclusion at Westcon’s
Shipyard in Florø
22 Portrait - John Harald Mannes
26 A Revolutionary Digital Service
Editor: Liv-Kari Bødtker
Text: Oktan Stord and Westcon
Layout & Design: Oktan Stord
Photos: Øyvind Sætre, Elisabeth Tønnessen and Westcon
Translation: Olav Grinde
Print-run: Scanner Grafisk
Editions: Norwegian: 10, 500, English: 1, 000
Front page: Transocen Searcher
Photo: Øyvind Sætre
Westcon Group AS
NO-5582 Ølensvåg, Norway
Ph: +47 53 77 50 00
Fax: +47 53 77 50 01
westcon@westcon.no
If you have opinions or suggestions
for this magazine, please contact
livkari@westcon.no
28 Celebrating an Anniversary
– and a Bright Future
30 A Catering Life
32 Welfare
34 News
36 Forum: Gøril Eidhammer
4 WESTCONTACT
JUNE 2013 5
Westcon is a rapidly growing provider of comprehensive
services within the offshore, energy and maritime industries.
Our customers rely on us to always strive for the best
solutions, to continually innovate – and to deliver their
projects on time.
Yards
Power and Automation
Westcon Group
Lifting Techniques
HELGELAND 1
Design and Engineering
Where to find us
and what we do:
Geo/Seismic
2
TRONDHEIM
ÅLESUND 3
Yard
1
4
7
9
Westcon Yard actually consists of four modern
shipyards, each of which are equipped to carry out
the most demanding vessel and rig projects. We
also deliver offshore, both Top-Side and Subsea.
The defining traits of Westcon Yard are efficient
mobilisation of personnel and resources, and the
ability to always complete projects on time. Turbine
repairs (11).
Lifting Techniques
5
8
10
Westcon Løfteteknikk is Norway’s leading provider
of cranes and heavy-lift services. This includes
equipment sales and rental, services that require
access techniques, engineering services, control
and certification, courses and training.
Power and Automation
6
7
9
Westcon Power & Automation offers solutions that
are expertly tailored to each customer’s needs.
We have highly qualified employees with extensive
professional experience and resources within
installation and commissioning. We continually
carry out research and development of our own
advanced products for the petroleum, maritime and
offshore industries.
FLORØ 4
Design and Engineering
Westcon provides design and engineering services
within all our areas of operation. In addition, we
own specialised engineering and design companies
that are situated in Florø (4) and in Stettin, Poland
(12). Westcon’s services range from preliminary
studies within 3-D scanning (2, 8,10), to project
management and comprehensive project designs.
Geo/Seismic
BERGEN 5
STORD 6
ØLEN 7
HAUGESUND 8
9
BØMLO
KARMØY
DRAMMEN
11
STAVANGER 10
3
Westcon owns and operates several seismic
vessels, and will now be offering a cutting-edge
subsea seismic technology.
12 POLEN
6 WESTCONTACT
JUNE 2013 7
The Rig Specialist
Safe Britannia was the first oil rig to arrive at the shipyard in Ølen.
Nineteen years later we celebrated a new milestone, Rig Job No. 100, with
West Alpha. The shipyard’s success is based on skills and expertise, the
employees’ flexibility and can-do attitude, their ambition of being the best
team, and the yard’s track record of consistently delivering every job on time.
“The shipyard looked very different when Safe
Britannia was towed in for an upgrade in the early
1990s. We had one quay and a single crane then. If
you hadn’t seen it since, you wouldn’t recognise this
place,” says Malvin Eide, Rig Manager at Westcon.
Untraditional mooring
Svein Stene, now Project Manager on Transocean
Searcher, was a sheet-metal worker at Westcon in
1994.
“I remember how crowded the quay was when Safe
Britannia arrived then. Many people from the village
came out to the shipyard to witness the event. The
sight of a huge rig being
towed into the fjord was
exotic then. I recall that we
used rather untraditional
means when we moored
the rig; it involved use of the
forklifts as well as a steamshovel,” says Svein Stene
with a chuckle.
shipyard, which has modern quay facilities and
cranes with enormous capacity, couldn’t be greater.
“The yard has been developed with efficiency
in mind. Logistics are much better, and every
employee knows which tasks they will be doing, well
before the rig arrives for an upgrade, maintenance
or classing. We have a reputation for excellence, but
are always striving for further improvement. In this
field, your training is never done. Your relationship
with customers must always be proactive,” says
Malvin Eide.
Well ahead of deadline
West Alpha was Project No. 100. Westcon Yard,
Westcon Power & Automation and Westcon’s 3D
Division were all called on to carry out work on the
milestone project, which involved the installation of
third-party equipment on the rig.
“The West Alpha was able to leave our shipyard
ahead of the deadline. That’s always satisfying,”
says Rig Manager Malvin Eide.
Always proactive
Svein Stene also worked
on our very first rig project,
in 1994.
The contrast to today’s
19941995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122013
(9)(5)(10)(5)(9)(4)(3)(3)(6)(2)(4)(2)(5)(2)(4)(9)(6)(4)(5)(3)
Safe Britannia
First rig serviced
Bideford Dolphin
The largest project
of the 1990s
Oil crisis
Turnover dives from NOK 750 million
to 150 million
Second rig quay
added
This timeline shows the key events of the period 1994–2013.
The number of rigs serviced is shown in parentheses.
West Elara
World’s largest jack-up
drilling rig
Third rig quay added
West Alpha
Rig Project No. 100
Scarabeo 8
Our largest rig project so far
8 WESTCONTACT
JUNE 2013 9
Right On the Millimetre!
The Westcon family
Rig Manager Malvin Eide is convinced that Westcon
Yard has an important competitive advantage
beyond its excellent infrastructure, extensive
experience and skills.
“We’re a one-stop-shop capable of carrying
out comprehensive projects. With Westcon
Løfteteknikk, Power & Automation, and Westcon
3D augmenting Westcon Yard’s own expertise,
we have a significant advantage over many of our
competitors, both international and Norwegian. But
it’s demanding. In the face of hard competition for
every assignment, we always have to be cost and
price conscious.”
Now, at the end of May, West Phoenix is moored at
the quay. Many other rigs will require maintenance,
classing and interim classing, as well as other work,
in the months and years ahead.
“We have every reason for optimism, barring
unforeseen events that affect the market as a
whole,” concludes Weston’s optimistic Rig Manager,
Malvin Eide.
Westcon’s 3D laser measurements provide very high precision, and is increasingly in demand among several customers.
Oil rigs have become a common sight in Ølensvåg. In the autumn of 2012, COSLPromoter, Deepsea Bergen and West
Alpha docked simultaneously.
West Alpha
Compared to Westcon’s
A Fully Satisfied
Anniversary Customer
West Alpha arrived in Ølen in March, shortly
before the Easter holidays. However, this was
no hindrance to North Atlantic Drilling getting
all planned work on their semi-submersible rig
completed, precisely as scheduled.
“On 22 March, we experienced that Westcon Yard
was indeed well prepared for our arrival. Despite
the holidays, it soon became clear that there
was no reason for us to worry. The workforce
and all required equipment were in place, and
our accommodation was prepared. The only
real challenge was limiting the amount of noise
generated during Easter work on West Alpha.
Together we solved this challenge as well, and work
on the rig continued uninterrupted,” says John van
der Graaf, Project Coordinator in North Atlantic
Management.
3D scanner, traditional
measuring equipment
Numerous milestones had been defined as part of
the rig’s planned 18-day stay at the yard.
“Not only did we reach each milestone as
scheduled, but we were able to leave Ølen a full day
earlier than planned!”
The shipyard may soon see the return of North
Atlantic Drilling.
“Westcon enjoys an excellent
reputation and a strong
position in the market. It will
be natural for us to seriously
consider Westcon Yard when
we need such services in the
future,”
says John van der Graaf.
John van der Graf.
such as folding rulers and
tape measures seem both
cumbersome and wildly
imprecise.
“Our 3D scanner ensures that equipment will fit
without fail, as intended. Laser scanning yields
precise measurements and makes for a very
efficient surveying process. It also gives our
customers peace-of-mind, because it guarantees
“as-built” accuracy,” says Sigurd Urdal, Marketing
Manager for Westcon 3D, the division in charge of
surveying and 3D scanning.
“The first step is to use a surveyor’s telescope
to establish a coordinate system, within which
measurements from the 3D laser scanner are
plotted as a point cloud. In addition, HDR quality
photographs are taken to ensure a photorealistic
result. The resulting 3D laser scan, containing
millions of precisely measured points, will appear to
be a realistic colour photograph – which makes it
extremely useful and easy to work with.”
Transocean Artic
“Our work on the Transocean Arctic, a semisubmersible drilling rig, is an excellent illustration
of the benefits of 3D scanning. Westcon Yard was
in charge of the project, while our people carried
out scanning and 3D modelling. Onshore, we did
precise measurements with 3D laser scanners and
made a 3D model. This virtual model was used to
ensure that the installation of new equipment would
not be in conflict with anything already installed
on the rig. In other words, we could prefabricate
all equipment and be fully confident that it would
fit perfectly as intended on board the Transocean
Arctic,” explains Sigurd Urdal enthusiastically.
Building an “airport” on an oil rig
Westcon 3D also carried out surveying for Fabricom
and Statoil in connection with the construction of a
new helicopter hangar and extension of the runway
on Statfjord B.
“It was a very exciting project. How do you make a
whole “airport” fit on an oil rig? Millimetre precision
was required – and Westcon 3D delivered, with
both offshore surveying in the North Sea and
high-precision prefabrication onshore,” says Urdal
proudly.
http://survey.westcon.no/gyrotest/
Open the link and see how a
CAD model (yellow) has been imported into a 3D
laser scan. By using tablet computer or smartphone
you can”move” in the picture.
10 WESTCONTACT
JUNE 2013 11
2
3
5
6
4
1
In Distant Waters
In recent years, assignments have taken many Westcon
employees to distant corners of the world. Svein Åge
Berge, for instance, has been to Turkey, China, the
Caribbean and the Falkland Islands – and on short notice
he’s ready to pack his suitcase for a new destination.
Service Electrician Svein Åge Berge doesn’t mind
carrying out missions abroad. In fact, he welcomes
the challenge.
1. Westcon’s experts worked on
Eirik Raude during its yard stay in
Las Palmas
2. 17th of May celebrations on
COSLPromoter, en route to Singapore
3. A pleasant wait on the
beach in Curaçao
4. Mauritius is in sight from the top of
the derrick
5. Reception on arrival in Port Elizabeth
6. John Albertsen being “christened”
after crossing the equator
“It’s safe to say that the Falkland Islands are well
off the beaten path. But it was fun and exciting,
even though it involved 24 hours of flying, and there
wasn’t even an opportunity to leave the plane to
look around when we landed on Cape Verde after
eight hours.”
The Falkland Islands, called Las Malvinas in South
America, is perhaps best known for the 74-day
war that Argentina and the United Kingdom fought
“Two of the most exciting assignments came last
year. One was on COSLPromoter, as the semisubmersible drilling rig was being transported from
China to Singapore. The other was on board the
ocean rig Leiv Eiriksson when it sailed from the
Falkland Islands to Las Palmas, Gran Canaria.”
“Our plane landed in a military area where a great
number of soldiers were milling about. But by large
the Falklands are desolate, wind-swept islands with
rather scattered houses.”
Not a single bird – but lots of flying fish
He didn’t spend long on the islands themselves;
almost immediately the ocean rig headed out to
sea.
“During our 40-day voyage, we saw neither land,
vessels or even a bird. We did, however, observe
lots of flying fish.”
Cape Verde
Svein Åge explains why last trip was particularly
exotic:
in 1982. England still maintains a very noticeable
military presence.
Svein Åge Berge
That doesn’t mean Svein Åge Berge and the fully
staffed crew on board Leiv Eiriksson had much
chance to get bored.
“Together with my colleague Bjarte Bokn Haaland
and hired hands from the Faroe Islands, I carried
out different tasks, including cabling. As soon as we
reached Las Palmas, a group of mechanics from
Westcon Yard came on board, joining us for the
last, northbound leg of our journey to Ølen, Norway.
It’s clearly a strength for Westcon to be able to
draw on the expertise represented by the various
companies in the group.”
A well-chilled Spanish bonus
After 40 days at sea, Svein Åge Berge admits he
insisted on a small bonus when they reached Las
Palmas:
“It was a true pleasure to finally step ashore and
enjoy a good, cold pint!”
A “Cruise” to
Rio de Janeiro
5
JUNE 2013 13
Travelling On Behalf of Westcon
With the World
as Her Workplace
Nancy Håkonsen, Access Techniques Expert and
Inspector at Westcon Løfteteknikk, has carried out
a number of interesting jobs in foreign waters.
On both these jobs, she was part of
a team hired from Westcon Power &
Automation.
40 Westcon experts from a variety
of professional fields sailed with the
ship to Brazil.”
According to Albertsen, varied
tasks, and a good collegial tone
spiced with humour, are ingredients
that are essential to making a good
workplace.
“I travelled from Vats to Las
Palmas, and from there to Rio de
Janeiro. During the 42 days on the
Corcovado, everyone on board was
like one great big family. Altogether,
In a dynamic maritime market, it is more important than ever to adapt to the
customers’ needs and demands. Westcon experiences that our customers to an
increasing degree prefer comprehensive deliveries and service – and we are aiming
Supervisor Jon Albertsen at Westcon Offshore
is one of the most experienced hands in the
business. One of his most exciting recent
offshore assignments was on board the ocean
rig drillship, the Corcovado.
“That’s precisely how it is at
Westcon. As an employer they are
constantly digging up new and
varied challenges for us – and I like
that!” concludes Albertsen.
A Preferred Partner
“I’ve had two assignments on board
the semi-submersible drilling rig
COSLPromoter. The first of these was
in Yantai, China; the second was a
long voyage between Port Elizabeth,
South Africa, to Las Palmas, Gran
Canaria. I find working abroad to be
exciting,” says Håkonsen.
“We were several access techniques
experts who helped them install
cables in high and otherwise
inaccessible places. No two days
are ever the same when you work
for Westcon Løfteteknikk! Besides,
I get a thrill from never knowing to
what distant part of the world my next
assignment might bring me. Oh, and
be sure to include that I love being
part of a great team. Good colleagues
are important!” concludes Westcon’s
expert climber.
to give them precisely that.
Our agreements with specialised companies are making us even more competitive
for new contracts in both the maritime and offshore sectors. In recent months, we
have expanded the list of our strategic subcontractors and partners. It’s especially
encouraging that a number of these agreements are with renowned companies that
have taken the initiative and requested formalised cooperation with Westcon. Clearly
these are votes of confidence!
1.WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST EXCITING JOB?
2. WHAT WERE YOUR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES?
3. WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT WORKING OFFSHORE FOR WESTCON?
Name: Oluf Lunde
Position: Industrial Mechanic
at Westcon Yard
1. “That must have been our journey to
Curaçao to work on Veritas Viking.
2. “One of my tasks was to help overhaul the
propellers.”
3. “I take great delight in seeing the world,
and experiencing the peoples and cultures
of other countries. And I love the varied
experience the job entails.”
Name: Aleksander Stople
Position: Project Coordinator
for the Offshore Division at
Westcon Yard
1. I was there when we sailed the newly built
COSLPromoter from the shipyard in China to
Singapore.
2. In China and offshore, I was a field engineer.
3. I usually don’t work offshore, except at
Westcon Yard in Ølensvåg. But it was exciting
to travel to a remote part of the world, and I
was proud to wear my Westcon helmet and
show them what we’re capable of.
Name: Jost Wittmann
Position: Senior Surveyor at
Westcon 3D
1. Scanning on board the FPSO vessel
Sendje Berge. Route: Stavanger – Houston
– Nigeria – Stavanger
2. Scanning of the main deck, pump room
and AC room. All in all we carried out 333
scannings, which was a record.
3. Working offshore requires a lot of
improvisation and creativity. No two jobs
are ever the same!
The following articles
highlight some of our
important strategic
partnerships.
A PREFERRED PARTNER
12 WESTCONTACT
JUNE 2013 15
A PREFERRED PARTNER
Westcon and Roxel have entered a cooperation agreement,
commencing on the 1st of January this year, which is
designed to strengthen both companies’ market position.
A Strengthened
Position with Roxel
What happens when you
combine expertise on fixed
petroleum platforms with
know-how on drilling and
well services? The result is a
very strong competitor within
offshore services – and that
is the objective of the Archer
& Westcon Alliance (AWA).
Jørn Berg and Jan Arvid Wammer-Pettersen (left to right) in Archer, and Steinar Matre and Jonn-Egil Berget in Westcon,
have every reason to feel optimistic about their companies’ alliance.
AWA – A Unique Strategic Alliance
Jan Forsell from Roxel and Jonn-Egil Berget in Westcon are convinced that their companies can achieve strong synergies.
Last year, Westcon was contacted by Archer,
a strong player within drilling and well services.
Archer wished to explore the prospects of an
alliance. They lacked Westcon’s specialist knowhow on modelling, fabrication and installation, and
delineated how an alliance might complement the
strength of both companies.
that AWA will be a strategic alliance representing
our companies’ unique combination of services,”
explains Steinar Matre.
“We are very pleased that Westcon was Archer’s
first choice of partners,” says Steinar Matre,
Westcon’s Project Coordinator in charge of
implementing the alliance.
“Clearly this is a win-win situation. Archer, which
already has framework agreements on numerous
fixed platforms, needs our expertise on fabrication
and installation, as well as our know-how on mobile
rigs. For us, this alliance will bring opportunities for
assignments related to fixed platforms,” adds JonnEgil Berget, head of Westcon’s Offshore & Subsea
division.
Opens new markets
A single joint project manager
Up until today, Archer’s main activity has been to
offer services for fixed platforms, while Westcon has
concentrated on mobile rigs.
For customers as well, this opens up additional
benefits.
“In one sense, you might say that Archer will
contribute the engineering muscles, while we
provide the installation muscles to this alliance. This
will strengthen both companies. Our objective is
“First of all, it yields a better project overview. They
will only have to deal with one service provider and
a single project coordinator, from the tender process
all the way through project completion. This will be
on a “best-suited basis”; on fixed platforms, Archer
will provide the project manager, while Westcon will
do so on mobile rigs,” says Steinar Matre.
Generating considerable interest
The new alliance was formally launched in March,
and Westcon and Archer are well on the way to
establishing a good model for their joint projects.
AWA will have its base in Stavanger. In the months
ahead, there will be a focus on presenting AWA’s
comprehensive approach to rig owners and
installation operators.
“In fact, we have already carried out our first project
– in Florø – which was a modestly sized platform
structure for Statfjord B. There are, however, many
more projects in the pipeline. We are pleased that
major foreign companies have expressed an interest
in AWA. All in all, there is every reason to believe
our alliance has a bright future,” concludes Steinar
Matre.
“This will yield important positive synergies. Roxel
has strong expertise in the automation systems
on drilling rigs, especially with regards to drilling
systems and mud/solids control systems. In
addition, Roxel has considerable know-how about
HVAC solutions. These elements dovetail perfectly
with the expertise of Westcon’s Offshore & Subsea
and Power & Autmomation divisions,” explains
Jonn-Egil Berget, head of Offshore & Subsea.
Solution-Oriented
“When we sought out a partner who
mastered floating rigs, the obvious choice
was Westcon. Our companies complement
each other perfectly,” says Jørn Einar Berg,
head of Business Development at Archer’s
Engineering Division.
He is very pleased that AWA can take on
more comprehensive projects than either
Archer or Westcon would be able to carry out
single-handedly.
“I have great expectations. Our alliance has
been very well received by the market, and
we are looking forward to a long and fruitful
cooperation with Westcon’s experts in the
years ahead. They have proven they are
solution-oriented and very quick to respond,”
says Berge.
The fact that the companies have joint headquarters
in the city of Stavanger bodes well for their
cooperation.
Now gathered under a single roof, at Skogsøstraen in
Stavanger.
The agreement aims to exploit Westcon and
Roxel’s complementary expertise in the area of
fixed offshore platforms and mobile rigs. Together,
the companies will be better equipped to compete
for new contracts from oil companies and rig
operators.
“Now that we are all under one roof, we’re
creating a larger and more dynamic workplace.
The response from our respective employees has
been very positive. They see this as interesting
and exciting. It’s worth noting that we already have
established several joint projects with Roxel,” says
Jonn-Egil Berget.
A PREFERRED PARTNER
14 WESTCONTACT
16 WESTCONTACT
JUNE 2013 17
A PREFERRED PARTNER
HSE
Staking Our Future on
Innovative Seismic
Exploration
“One of Westcon’s most
important safety measures
is intensive courses that
Westcon owns a fleet of seismic vessels that operate
The umbilicial being readied in Florø.
Westcon Heads
for Subsea
Westcon has announced its entry into
the exciting and challenging subsea
are designed to instil good
in whatever part of the world they are needed. Today, in
HSE practices and constant
cooperation with Magseis, a company that specialises
mindfulness. The response
in seafloor seismic services, Westcon is making a
from course participants is
major investment in new technology and building a very
unanimously positive,” says
specialised vessel.
Audun Reistad.
market. The company’s endeavours will
Audun Reistad has a reputation as a knowledgeable and dedicated instructor at Westcon Yard in Ølen.
be administrated from the Stavanger
A Clear Message from
HSE Instructor Audun Reistad
office of Westcon Yard, which will give
customers the benefits of a single point
of contact, regardless of where in Norway
the work is being carried out.
“From Stavanger, we have an excellent overview
of the skills and expertise offered by the various
parts of the Westcon Group. This enables us to
offer solutions that are tailored to each customers
particular needs,” says Steinar Matre, Project
Manager at Westcon Offshore & Subsea.
“We can, for instance, coordinate engineering done
by one group, with crane certification from Westcon
Løfteteknikk, and prefabrication done by the yard
that is closest to the customer’s subsea field. With
our strategically situated facilities along the coast,
we are able to offer a comprehensive service
package.”
Steinar Matre mentions the company’s expansion
with the purchase of Westcon Yard Florø and
underscores Westcon Yard Helgeland, which is
ideally situated to service exciting new subsea
projects.
“Westcon Yard Florø recently received a subsea
control cable that has to be readied for installation
at Visund Nord this summer. It’s also worth
noting that we have a close dialogue with another
company about delivery and testing of their subsea
equipment off the coast of Helgeland next year.
These are very interesting projects that might seem
to have a distant horizon, but it is crucial for us
to plan accurately for the long term and take very
measured steps,” concludes Matre.
Magseis utilises listening monitors on the seafloor to discover new subsea oil and gas fields.
The Oslo-based company is placing a wager on
new technology and innovative seismic methods,
aiming to discover new oil and gas fields beneath
the ocean floor. In December 2012, Westcon
invested NOK 85 million in Magseis.
“Westcon intends to be a part of this exciting
future. We are confident that our technological
investment will yield results, says Arne Birkeland,
Deputy CEO of the Westcon Group.
Listening monitors on the seafloor
The traditional method of marine seismic charting
is for the vessel to tow seismic listening devices.
Westcon and Magseis are implementing an
innovative method whereby listening monitors are
placed on the seafloor.
“The advantage is that this yields far more
reliable data. Such monitors are not vulnerable
to the noise and uncertainty inherent with
towed listening devices. With traditional
devices, propeller noise, water layers of varying
temperatures, as well as the towing cables
themselves may cause false readings,” explains
Arne Birkeland.
A specialised vessel
Westcon recently purchased Seisquest, a vessel
that is presently being equipped for this new type
of monitoring.
“The boat will be operated by our Ålesund
company, Maritim Management AS. As Magseis
succeeds with this innovative technology, as we
believe they will, we’ll be very well positioned
to develop and expand our seismic ship
operations,” concludes Arne Birkeland.
Arne Birkeland,
Deputy CEO
He is an experienced instructor who has led many of
Westcon’s HSE courses.
practices and regulations to be thoroughly
understood by everybody.”
“We offer a variety of courses for different rigs.
Everyone who works on board must first complete
an HSE course. The courses emphasise how vital
it is to follow all HSE rules and regulations, and to
consider the safety ramifications before carrying out
any task. This has to be an ongoing effort.”
The feedback from course participants, customers
and operating companies is unanimously positive.
The safety instructor offers examples from workshop
industries to underscore how essential safe work
practices are.
“Many participants appreciate our focus on courses
that are short in duration, but that are intense,
concrete and have a clear focus. There is absolutely
no doubt that these courses are having a positive
measurable result in our work. Moreover, they
enable us to clearly signal Westcon’s values,” says
instructor Audun Reistad.
“I believe the best way to show the importance of
good HSE practices is by the example of concrete
incidents. Employees must bear in mind that they
are paid not only to do a job, but also to do it safely.
For Westcon it is imperative that everyone finishes
the workday as healthy and uninjured as when they
came.”
QA/HSE Manager Gunnar Hustvedt agrees.
Many languages
We Care
The courses are offered in several languages,
including Polish.
The courses are also an important opportunity to
inform new Westcon employees about the We Care
awarness campaign, which we launched last year.
“When it comes to safety, it’s essential for the
“For Westcon it is vital that everyone who works on
our projects is knowledgeable about our practices
and mindful of HSE. A key to success is having
skilled HSE instructors who really care about what
they are teaching.”
“During their HSE course, participants receive
a thorough introduction to We Care. Our other
measures include reminders in the form of posters
in the work areas. In this manner, we maintain
a constant focus on this vital ongoing effort,”
concludes Hustvedt.
Praise for Westcon’s
HSE Team
The feedback from the crew on West
Hercules is a clear indicator that systematic
HSE measures are very worthwhile. Jarl
Aspen, Safety Officer of North Atlantic
Norway’s rig, recently conveyed the following
message to Westcon’s QA/HSE Manager,
Gunnar Hustvedt:
“I do believe praise is in order for Westcon’s
HSE team. They really know their job. In
addition to having a humble and highly
professional demeanour, the work they
carried out on board our rig was very
thorough and proactive. Well done!”
18 WESTCONTACT
JUNE 2013 19
Ship owner Einar Sandtorv
and Managing Director
Kåre Jarl Salvesen at
Westcon Yard Karmsund
enjoyed an excellent
dialogue during the yard’s
maintenance work on
Brennholm.
Enjoying Confidence
in a Competitive
Market
The experienced team at the yard know this vessel
well - in fact the 75-metre long Brennholm was built
here in 2007.
The classing of vessels is
a major focus at Westcon
Yard Karmsund. Recently,
the fishing trawler Brennholm
was brought in for its annual
maintenance.
“It’s a beautiful boat, quality through-and-through,”
says Kåre Jarl Salvesen, Managing Director at
Westcon Yard Karmsund, with barely concealed
pride. It’s not the first time Brennholm visits his yard.
Excellent feedback
“The fishing vessel has been here for its annual
classing both before and after Westcon assumed
operations at the shipyard in 2009. The owner of
Brennholm has given us excellent feedback on the
work we do, and they clearly appreciate Westcon’s
role as yard operator. The fact that they return here
with Brennholm, year after year, is a big vote of
confidence.”
Five hectic months
Ordinarily, a job that involves dry-docking – such as
the interim classing of Brennholm – entails cleaning
and surface treatment of the hull, in addition
to servicing such as the replacement of oil and
lubricants, and any maintenance deemed necessary.
The classing, that is done every five years on a
vessel such as this, is far move comprehensive.
2013 has been a very good year so far.
“The first five months were hectic at the shipyard.
But we always do our best, and this of course helps
us to secure a steady flow of new jobs. One of the
major challenges in this business can be the brief
time horizon, from the time a job order is placed
with the shipyard until it must be completed.”
40 employees
Fortunately, Westcon Yard Karmsund has proven
time and again that it turns challenges into
opportunities. The very best way to secure future
assignments is to ensure satisfied customers.
“At present, we have 40 employees, covering a
broad range of specialised tasks. In addition we
have numerous apprentices. Thanks to everyone’s
dedication and flexibility, Westcon Yard Karmsund
enjoys a strong and confident position in a highly
competitive market,” underscores
Kåre Jarl Salvesen.
A Royal Visit
Last year while in the port of Bergen,
Brennholm was visited by Charles, Prince
of Wales, and King Harald V of Norway.
Brennholm was noted to be a good example
of the Norwegian fisheries fleet. According
to the owner of the fishing trawler, the royal
visitors appeared to be quite interested
as when they were given a guided tour on
board.
Three Quick Questions:
Lars Einar Sandtorv, owner of Brennholm
Why did you choose Westcon Karmsund for the
docking of Brennholm?
It’s a combination of factors: location, the fact
that we always feel very welcome there, and most
importantly that we’re very pleased with the work
they do.
discovered anything unforeseen that might cause
delay, the coordinator at Westcon Karmsund will
always inform us immediately. Of course, we have
to recognise that the work we’re having is never
routine, so there can be surprises when a vessel
is in dock.
How important is it to you that the yard finishes
their work by the agreed-upon time?
That is of course very important. We always have
an excellent ongoing dialogue. Should there be
Will you be using Westcon Karmsund in the future
as well?
Oh yes, I should think so. It’s an excellent yard,
and it is a perfect match for us!
20 WESTCONTACT
JUNE 2013 21
A Hectic Conclusion at
Westcon’s Shipyard in Florø
Said During the Christening of
Deep Energy
FACTS
DEEP ENERGY
“We are
deli
have com ghted to
pleted th
is
advanced
pipelaying
vessel, one
of the m
ost
complex
projects
executed b
y any No
rwegian
shipyard.
This ach
iev
ment pro
ves West ec
on
Shipyard
Florø’s c
apabilities a
nd disting
uishes
Westcon
’s ability
to
deliver sp
ecial-pur
pose
vessels w
ith soph
is
cated des
tiigns.”
Gustav J
ohan Nyd
al
Managin
g Directo
r,
Westcon
Yard Florø
• State-of-the-art pipelay vessel owned by
the French company Technip
The christening of Deep Energy on 3 May was a
joyous occasion at Westcon Yard in Florø, even
though the weather gods could have been kinder.
Also the sea trial that took place several weeks
earlier was a success.
Godmother Patricia Pilenko and CEO Gustav Johan Nydal ready for christening of Deep Energy in Florø.
The last few months have
“There is no denying that winter and spring have
been hectic here in Florø. Our employees and
subcontractors had to make an impressive,
coordinated effort to finish the vessel by the
deadline – and we delivered as promised. This has
been one of the most complex projects executed by
any Norwegian shipyard,” said Gustav Johan Nydal,
Managing Director of Westcon Yard Florø.
An urgent job
been extremely hectic at
At the same time as the shipyard was completing
Technip’s state-of-the-art pipelay vessel,
Deep Energy, work had to be carried out on other
projects.
Westcon Yard Florø. After
the successful completion
“We’ve had a steady stream of docking
assignments so far this year, including classing and
repairs on offshore vessels, seismic vessels and
heavy-lift vessels. Perhaps I might also mention our
work on a platform structure for Statfjord B, which
was our first joint delivery with Archer. This was an
urgent job that was successfully completed well
within the deadline.”
of the Deep Energy, the
shipyard is acquiring new
projects for the months and
years ahead.
Actively seeking new contracts
The head of the shipyard is well aware that there
The Christening was celebrated by all involved who have really worked hard to complete the ship.
• Construction:
China, with completion in Florø
• Overall length: 194.5 m
• Breadth moulded: 31 mm
• Speed: 19.5 knots
• Accommodation: 107 cabins
• Crew: Up to 140 persons
is likely to be less activity during the second half
of 2013. Nevertheless Nydal feels no cause for
pessimism.
“Of course it is important to secure new work,
and we are actively seeking new contracts. I am
confident we will succeed. When it comes to
traditional classing, we already have a number of
vessels that are booked for docking in the months
ahead.”
New owner – new opportunities
The head of Westcon Yard Florø believes his
shipyard is in a stronger position than ever.
“It’s very encouraging to have an owner who
plays an active role in formulating our strategy
and defining our areas of focus, going forward,”
concludes Gustav Johan Nydal.
“The qua
lity delive
red
by Westc
on Yard F
lorø
is excell
ent. Few
other
shipyards
can com
pete
with the
quality o
f
the work
carried o
ut
here! Th
e Deep E
n
e
r
introduc
es yet an gy
other
valuable
asset to
Technip’s, add
ing furth
er
capabilitie
s to the
wide
integrated
range of
services we
already o
ffer
our clien
ts and th
e
ir
projects
.”
Thierry P
ilen
Chairman ko
an
Technip to d CEO,
Firdapos
ten
JUNE 2013 23
PORTRAIT
PORTRAIT
22 WESTCONTACT
The
Wind Surfer
Twenty-one hours have passed since he set out from the
City of Trondheim. He can feel the strain in his thighs – but
only a short distance remains. So far, John Harald and
his Westcon colleagues have cycled 540 kilometres. The
weather has been great, sunny and with the wind at their
backs for most of the trip. Half an hour later he and his
friends cross the finish line. Den Store Styrkeprøven 2011
(The Great Endurance Test 2011) successfully completed.
Almost two years has passed since that extreme
bicycle ride, and we’re sitting in John Harald
Mannes’ living room in Ølen. His home is perched
like an eagle’s nest on top of a cliff. If he ever
decided to sell, the realtor’s ad would surely read:
“Exceptionally well-maintained house with unique
qualities and breathtaking panorama …” The view
from his living room and terrace is truly astounding,
an unbroken panorama of the fjord. On the other
shore he can see Westcon Yards.
“My wife is constantly suggesting new renovation
projects for our home, so I keep in good shape”
says John Harald with laughter in his voice. He
leans back on the brown couch, although somehow
giving the impression that lazy relaxation is simply
not part of his nature, either at home or on the job.”
Education with a twist
“I did technical studies at a vocational school
before I studied engineering in Stavanger. In 1997 I
started working for ABB, in a division that eventually
became Westcon Power & Automation.”
After a short time on the job, John Harald made a
request that astonished his employer. Feeling that
he lacked the practical experience to be the best
possible engineer, he asked permission to work as
an assistant manual labourer.
“Yes, I suppose that was unusual, and I stayed with
it for three years. By then I got my craft certificate. I
haven’t regretted that for a moment.”
Satisfied clients is the motivation
We soon realize that the endurance and cando attitude John Harald displayed in the Great
John Harald Mannes
JUNE 2013 25
PORTRAIT
PORTRAIT
24 WESTCONTACT
Endurance Test is also readily apparent in his
professional life. After studying engineering and
getting his certificate, he has seized one challenge
after another within Westcon. From 2000 to 2001
he worked as an engineer. From 2001 to 2007 he
was project manager in charge of newbuildings,
seismic vessels and offshore vessels. In 2005 he
became a certified electrician. In 2007 he was put in
charge of marine services, and since 2011 he has
been Deliveries Officer for the company’s projects
marine and offshore.
“I love being a part of Westcon’s team. I enjoy
a good challenge, and in Westcon Power &
Automation I get them all the time. My job is
exciting, and it’s especially rewarding when we
perform well as a team and satisfy our customers.
I must add that I have great colleagues, everyone
from fitters to supervisor. That means everything.”
A maniac on a scooter
Suddenly John Harald darts out to the kitchen to
fetch the coffee and refills our cups.
FACTS
“My childhood? Oh, it was fine. I wasn’t the best
behaved kid and certainly not always popular with
my teachers,” he confesses with a satisfied grin.
• Name: John Harald Mannes
• Background: Has advanced through the ranks of Westcon
“I suppose not everything we did was equally safe.
I did some wild driving on a scooter in my younger
years. Later my friends and I might spend hours
on the football pitch, and skiing from the moment
the first snow fell. Mostly downhill. Later I got into
windsurfing – there were quite a few of us doing
that when I was 15 or 16 years old.”
Power & Automation
Current position:
Deliveries Officer in Westcon Power & Automation
• Home: Ølen
• Interests: Bicycling, wind surfing, football
• Car: VW Golf and a VW Passat CC
• Good reads: Jo Nesbø and Lars Kepler (crime novels),
A windsurfer with car trouble
Pondus and Lønsj (Norwegian comic strips)
• Music: Dire Straits, Bruce Springsteen, Kings of Leon, and
many “new” artists he can’t name.
John Harald Mannes has full control when he rides the wind!
In good winds, he often reaches speeds 30 knots.
Recently John Harald dusted off his old windsurfing
board, and bought a new one.
“It’s at least as much fun now as I remember it
being then. With my formula board, I can hit speeds
of 30 knots.”
His grin is even wider now. Windsurfing is adrenalincharged, grown-up fun, not just the memory of
Have You Heard …
• John Harald loves plucking away at his
guitar strings – apparently without any
audible sign of talent. One day when he
was singing as well, his son walked in.
“Dad, what in the world are you doing!?”
juvenile adventures. We can’t resist asking him
“how many knots” Jon Harald was doing in his car,
rushing to get to the windy beach.
“Well, it’s no secret that I can be rather absent
minded, and there have been occasions when I’ve
forgotten to set the hand-brake. Since our house
is situated on a steep hill, that’s not such a good
thing to forget. One time my car ploughed into the
neighbour’s garden. That other time, the one you’re
asking about, was a day with perfect weather for
windsurfing and … well, I was in a hurry … I rushed
to pack the equipment and tore down the hill in
reverse – straight into our other car!”
• Last year John Harald and some of
his friends flew to Egypt – to test the
windsurfing conditions.
Jon Harald chuckles, clearly recalling the episode in
a rather light-hearted way.
• It is rumoured that John Harald
occasionally relaxes watching Mad Men or
Modern Family. On his living room wall is a
picture of Marlon Brando.
“Well, it was a great day out on the fjord.”
• John Harald’s sports hero is his sensei,
Geir Havreberg, who he feels has
contributed so much to local amateur
sports.
• He is supposedly a Liverpool fan – just
to frustrate his son who is a sworn
Manchester United supporter.
“John Harald is fair, kind and occasionally
rather absent minded. He’s incredibly fit
and he’s a very good father.”
Wife: Mariann Mannes
The family man
If the fjords or country roads aren’t luring him, then
he may well be busy as assistant coach of Ølen’s
14-year-old boys’ football team – or just being a
dad.
“My family means a lot to me, and it’s great having
my wife and children close. I’ve been fortunate.”
He turns pensive and looks out over the fjord.
Toward Westcon, his place of work.
“It’s wonderful to have such a great workplace
right here in Ølen – and there are many positive
developments. Our company is growing and
everybody is thriving. The Matre family takes good
care of their employees. And we all share a “can
do” attitude! That’s inspiring and it means a lot to us
who work for Westcon.”
26 WESTCONTACT
JUNE 2013 27
The new service was developed by Westcon
Power & Automation, as a consequence of
petroleum companies strengthening their HSE
practices, including the implementation of a more
comprehensive documentation of EX-category
equipment, in close cooperation with Norway’s
Petroleum Safety Authority. EX-Certified equipment
are electrical tools and equipment that are specially
designed to prevent explosions in EX Areas –
areas that may contain gas or easily combustible
materials.
Egil Brekke (left) and Andreas Halvorsen using tablet
computers during their digitally-aided inspection of
EX equipment.
“It’s crucial to have a full overview over all required
and planned maintenance, and for this information
to be systematised in a manner that provides rig
personnel, rig owners and onshore operators with
instant access to historical data, up-to-date detailed
information and the location of all rigs. For years we
have been systematising this for our maintenance
services; now we are offering our customers a
digitised service that exceeds applicable laws and
regulations,” says Kåre Topnes, Sales Manager for
Oil & Gas.
Gives detailed status
Digitalisation enables inspectors to carry out
their work with a tablet computer, immediately
transferring data to update status details on the
rig, regardless of where in the world it is located.
This live updating of detailed status, allows the
extraction of fresh reports even as the inspection
of EX-Certified equipment is taking place. The final
documents can quickly be sent to the customer,
formatted according to their specifications.
“We can now do a red mark-up of drawings as
well as photographs taken during the inspection,
immediately transmitting them to onshore
engineers. This opens up a whole new world of upto-date documentation and reports. For instance,
the customer can search by unit, and get instant
access to the drawings and location, detailed
information and a link to the relevant EX Certificate
in the final document.
A successful project
Westcon Power &
A Revolutionary
digital Service
Automation is now offering
the international rig market
a new technology that will
enable a unique approach to
maintenance services.
In short, Westcon’s system combines the
maintenance overview with an update of relevant
documentation, including the detailed drawings and
plans of the rig in question. That is the vision that
has guided the development of this digital service.
“We’ve had EX inspections carried out offshore.
However, in our experience, this system minimises
the risk of human error; in addition, trouble-shooting
may now be carried out offshore, in close dialogue
with onshore engineers. This assures a uniquely
higher level of quality for the rig market, and we look
forward to offering these tools to a growing number
of interested customers. We are offering to sell this
service in connection with all rig assignments that
are carried out at Westcon shipyards, thus assuring
that our yards are the customer’s best possible
choice, concludes Kåre Topnes.
Egil Brekke (left) and Kåre Topnes can now easily
check the data continuously and have a dialogue
with operators offshore.
28 WESTCONTACT
JUNE 2013 29
The Loyal Colleague Lifelong Learning
Offered by the
Westcon Academy
Name: Leif Ivar Haukås
Position: Supervisor at the
Westcon Løfteteknikk Shop
Experience: 20 years in Westcon
Løfteteknikk
Were things different when you started working here 20 years ago?
“In 1992, I worked as a fire watcher at the Kårstø refinery, a
Westcon contract worker assigned to Kværner. Two weeks after my
assignment ended, I got a call from Karl Johan Jentoft, the man who
got me the job at Kårstø; now he wanted me to join him in building up
a new division specialising in crane work and heavy-lift assignments.”
Aleksander Stople (front) and Bard Kristian Hovde may enjoy a good laugh, but are very
serious about the courses at Westcon Academy.
“Initially, I signed up for a month at a time, as we were uncertain
Celebrating an Anniversary
– and a Bright Future
as to what the future would bring. After half a year I became a regular
employee.”
“We were working out of an unheated metal shed at Frakkagjerd,
which was really only suitable for storing our machines and equipment.
And truth be told, we didn’t even own all the equipment we needed.
Fortunately our good neighbour, Vimek, had the generosity to lend us
much of what we lacked. I remember asking Karl Johan for permission
to buy a pallet jacket – he told me we couldn’t afford one! It took a
year before we got our own. Times were very different then!”
In 1993, Westcon asked Karl Johan Jentoft and his colleagues if they would be interested
in establishing a new division for their company, one that was to specialise in cranes and
How have you experienced developments at Westcon Løfteteknikk?
“The company has grown in size and developed into a very solid
divisions throughout Norway. This strategy has been a success.”
Why has your company succeeded?
Over the course of the last 20 years, the subsidiary
has grown in a well-directed manner. Today it is
Norway’s leading provider in its field.
company in 1997, moved into our own building on
Hasseløy in 2002, and opened a Stavanger division
in 2008.”
“We have built all this from the ground up,” says Karl
Johan Jentoft, who has every reason to feel pride.
“But that’s all history. We’re concentrated on
creating the future. Our objective is to further
strengthen our services, emphasising our specialist
expertise to the market,” says the head of Westcon
Løfteteknikk.
Looking forward
This year, as the company celebrates its 20th
anniversary, Karl Johan Jentoft is still at the helm.
He explains why the specialist company Westcon
Løfteteknikk is such a success.
“We’ve got the expertise, the professionalism, the
optimism and a can-do attitude. It’s these qualities
that make our company a winner, enabling us to
reach important milestones. We became a limited
“There is every reason to believe that our next 20
years will be as bright as the past 20 years have
been. It is we who make the future, today. It is up to
us to reach the goals we set for ourselves!”
Karl Johan Jentoft underscores their comprehensive
and strongly multidisciplinary approach, as well as
their apprenticeship programme. Most important,
however, is Westcon Løfteteknikk’s focus on quality
at every level.
“I believe it’s a combination of Westcon recruiting many skilled
workers, and having a boss who has been good at procuring new
projects. Another key factor is our flexibility; we’re able to take on a
wide range of jobs, large and small.”
Which jobs have you had through the years?
“I started as a menial assistant. After gaining experience and
completing the required courses, I became an inspector. For the last
few years I have been supervisor at the Løfteteknikk Shop.”
Quality in every link
development if its employees are
encouraged to continue developing and
learning. That’s why Lifelong Learning is
such a high priority at Westcon – and
that’s why we established the Westcon
Academy.
competitor. Moreover, I recall our management always thinking longterm, and even in our early years planning to establish a network of
lifting technology. Today Westcon Løfteteknikk has 110 employees.
A company will see its best possible
This spring, the Academy offered Project Management and Supervisor courses
within the field of Logistics.
“The feedback on our courses is excellent, and so is participation,” reports
Stein Fridfeldt, HR Director for Westcon. He emphasises that the Westcon
Academy was recently established and its activities are being systematically
expanded.
“The mission of Westcon Academy is to offer our employees professional
enrichment and Lifelong Learning. A clear objective is to ensure that we have
highly skilled people at every level. Our Academy is an ongoing offer to every
employee in the Westcon Group,” says Fridfeldt.
Additional courses that will be offered in the months ahead include
introductory courses for new employees, senior courses for employees who
have passed 60, and courses for foremen and supervisors. In addition, the
Academy will offer advanced electrical and electrical engineering courses.
How would you characterise Westcon Løfteteknikk today?
“It’s a safe and secure workplace where skills, expertise and a good
working environment are winning traits!”
Karl Johan Jentoft
head of Westcon Løfteteknikk
“It is through Westcon Academy that two employees from Westcon Power &
Automation are starting Bachelor-level studies at Stord/Haugesund University
College this autumn. This is one indicator of the range and depth of our
objectives,” say Stein Fridfeldt.
JUNE 2013 31
FACTS IN BRIEF
CATERING PARTNER
• Owner: Westcon Yard
• Established: 1998
(Westcon Canteen until 2004)
2
• Employees: 49
• Main areas of activity: All types of
catering, corporate events, canteen
operations, accommodation, cleaning
services
• Number of hotel rooms: 928
Did you know…
• Catering Partner operates canteens for
Fjellstrand and Naturkraft (Kårstø).
• The canteen in Ølen has a free ice cream
bar, with 24 flavours.
1
• You can rent spacious party tents from
Catering Partner.
3
• You can rent an expert chef for your
corporate event from Catering Partner.
A Catering Life
“Yes, that’s a convenient time. I’ll let everybody
know you’re coming. See you on Thursday!”
Our brief conversation with Egil Jørgensen, Manager
of Catering Partner at Westcon, seems to confirm
the rumour that he and his team are service-minded
24/7.
Action all the time
Two days later he greets us by the bench outside
the canteen.
“I’m Egil. A pleasure!
4
He and Ann Kristin “Anki” Skålnes, who is Hygiene
Supervisor, are enjoying fresh air and a two-minute
“time out”. They’re clearly in a great mood. In the
kitchen behind the red wall, their team is busy
preparing lunch. Catering Partner is a smoothly run
operation.
• Individuals are also welcome to book
hotel accommodation, with meals, for a
reasonable price.
1. Kristian Sletten preparing today’s lunch at Catering Partner. 2. Ann Kristin Skålnes and Egil Jørgensen enjoying good-natured banter. 3. Zaneta Tindeland puts the finishing touches on
a tray of open-face sandwiches, under the watchful eye of Chef Kjartan Bokn. (Irene Gullhaug is busy in the background.) 4. Today`s lunch buffet 5. Zaneta Tindeland and Åse Øvrevik take
great delight in resolving the day’s many challenges, large and small.
“There is full-time action here,” observes Egil.
Partner’s hotel accommodation counted 200 rooms;
today they operate 928 hotel rooms.
You’ll remember Jørgensen!
“As we expand, hiring enough qualified staff can
be a challenge. But even during our most hectic
periods, we see that our strong focus on getting
the job done and our excellent HSE practices are
resulting in an extremely low level of absence due to
sickness. People look forward to coming to work in
the morning.”
He leads us up the stairs to his office. From the
second floor, Egil Jørgensen has a full overview of
the yard. He leans forward, takes a satisfying sip of
coffee. Egil is wearing a black catering jacket and
glasses, and he has a beard and a ponytail. Rallycross pictures decorate his walls. Egil Jørgensen is
a man you remember.
“I have lots of great people here. Good service is
our greatest strength. When the customer wants
something, we deliver,” says Mr Jørgensen matterof-factly.
Expansion from 200 to 928 rooms
In 1998, when he started as a chef for Catering
Partner, the company had just three or four
employees. Now there are 49. In 2008, Catering
• In 2011, Catering Partner had a record
turnover of NOK 220 million.
5
We pay a visit to the canteen. Åse, the team leader,
is making sure everything is in order. Bread and
cold-cuts. Clean cutlery and dishes. Desserts. Filled
milk dispensers. Hot food in the oven.
“The days pass quickly. I like it when it’s busy, and
we have a great team. People are always smiling
when they arrive in the morning, and our friendly
tone keeps things running smoothly,” says Åse.
Starting at 04.00
We scarcely believe our ears when they tell us their
schedule.
“The early shift starts at 04.00. We open the canteen
at 05.00. By then there may be 20 people or more
eager to enter. They’re usually a quiet lot, but
sometimes we hear one of them humming or singing
softly.”
She laughs. Beneath her black cap, Åse has
a twinkle in her eye. After working 19 years for
Westcon, she is still just as happy. The chef pops his
head out and even he is smiling. Kjartan is his name.
Kjartan Bokn.
“Having a team leader like Åse is invaluable.
She is always in full control, and that’s essential.
Sometimes there are a thousand people in here
eating at once. That’s rarely a problem, and it’s
almost unheard of for someone to complain about
the food. Nevertheless there are always challenges.
We’re not happy when there is a power outage.
And this Sunday the dishwasher broke down. In
a situation like that, you need to find an instant
solution. The paper plates worked out just fine!”
Kjartan smiles and hurries on.
Watch out for moose!
From time to time, strange things are bound to
happen in a large and busy workplace. Gerd Iren
Steinsland, another chef, is about to dart past us
holding a light-green coffee cup. She stops for a
moment to share a story.
“I remember one year our cold storage room was
filled with two newly-butchered moose. A jokester
had hung up a sign: “Beware of the moose!” The
people on the morning shift got quite a shock when
they opened the door at 04.30.”
Laughter fills the air. The team is smiling and
bantering, but they’re in full control. Half an hour
until the first breakfast guests arrive. Back to work!
CLOSELY
CLOSLEY
30 WESTCONTACT
32 WESTCONTACT
JUNE 2013 33
Beautiful mountain lakes where the trout are plentiful, heath-covered moors
fiery with autumn colours, secret spots where you can pick the treasured
cloudberries, and a good book that you can enjoy by the warm wood-burning
stove when the rain is pouring. Yes, those relaxing days at the mountain cabin
are truly wonderful – whatever the season is.
Vindafjord Employers’ Forum
Treasured Time in the
Mountain Wilderness
(VAF) is actively engaged
in making the municipality
a great place to live and
work. As the largest single
employer in the Municipality
of Vindafjord, Westcon
has made significant
contributions to VAF in
recent years.
Vindafjord Employers Forum has helped Haugesund Turistforening fund the rebuilding of the popular lodge, Olalia Fjellstove,
with NOK 1 mill.
supported 127 projects in the local community.
Kristine Vik Ekornrud,
Project Coordinator
at VAF.
VAF is owned by the largest local companies in the
region. Over the last seven years, VAF has spent
NOK 15 million on a variety of local measures.
“We have two main agendas that are designed to
strengthen business and commerce in our area.
One is to aid efforts to enhance skills and expertise,
while the other is regional development. About
70 percent of our budget is devoted to the latter.
Westcon is the single largest contributor to the
funds we manage,” says Kristine Vik Ekornrud,
Project Coordinator for VAF.
127 projects
VAF was established in 2004. Since 2006, it has
“Many local organisations apply for funding. The
final decision on allocations is made by VAF’s
Board of Directors. One of many projects that have
received support in recent years is Olalia Lodge,
which is owned and operated by the Haugesund
branch of the Norwegian Trekking Association,”
says Ekornrud.
Other major recipients have been the pedestrian
and bicycle path in Ølensvåg, and the sports halls in
Vikedal and Skjold.
“Our objective is to ensure that our municipality is
an attractive place in which to live and work. That
is why VAF’s Board of Directors chooses to support
large projects that benefit everyone who lives here.
Management school
VAF’s other main effort is concentrated on
enhancing skills and expertise, which is primarily
done by offering professional enrichment courses to
the local business community.
“We register the needs voiced by our member
companies, and strive to coordinate skill-building
courses that address these needs. Some examples
are intensive language courses in Norwegian,
advanced Excel courses, and our Management
School, which is a 70-hour programme tailored to
supervisors and managers,” explains VAF’s Project
Coordinator, Kristine Vik Ekornrud.
FACTS IN BRIEF
• Vindafjord Arbeidsgiverforum (VAF) is
a forum of the largest employers in
Vindafjord, and is owned by these. VAF
administrates compensatory government
grants that are allotted on the basis of the
higher-rate payroll tax paid by companies
whose total annual wage expenses exceed
NOK 15.4 million.
• These funds are used to promote a range
of measures to promote the positive
development of Vindafjord’s business
community. The Chairman of the Board of
VAF is Øystein Matre, CEO of Westcon.
1
2
3
1. The lodge at Fjellstad, Vågsli can accommodate twelve people, and has additional accomodation in the annex in the background. 2. Avid young anglers Joakim Lillegraven and Tommy
Kaldhiem try their luck fishing in a mountain lake. 3. Frode Bødtker grills sausages on a spit during an autumn hike.
A job in Westcon should be part of the good life.
That’s why all companies in the Westcon Group
prioritise attractive benefits for its employees – and
one of the most tempting is the option of renting
one of Westcon’s cabins, for a nominal sum. The
mountain cabins are especially popular during
the winter when you can ski the trails. However, a
growing number of employees and their families
are exploring the mountain wilderness during other
seasons of the year.
“Some of the best memories with my family are
from hikes in the mountains of Haukeli and Vågsli,”
says Jan Tore Heggebø. He tells us of the great
trail and about his favourite lakes for fishing, and
how his children eagerly devour trout prepared
over a campfire by the lake. But ask him about
cloudberries? You can’t get a word out of him!
“Nope, I have nothing to say, because those
delicious golden berries would tempt everyone
to head for the hills. And we’d risk that the cabin
would be fully booked for the entire autumn!”
Training and football tickets
The Westcon companies located in the
Haugalandet region have access to tickets to
Haugesund Football Club’s home games. A wellkept secret is that you qualify for tickets even if
you’re a fan of the other team!
Jan Tore Heggebø and
his daughter Elin on one
of their many hikes. This
photo shows them picking
blueberries a few years ago..
Yet another attractive benefit is that Westcon will
pay a fair share of your membership at the gym and
participation in races and amateur sporting events.
Keeping employees healthy and vibrant and happy
is a high priority.
WELFARE
Measures that Benefit
the Local Community
34 WESTCONTACT
JUNE 2013 35
Mobilising Talent through Global Future
NEWS
Westcon supports the efforts of the
Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO)
to mobilise the talents of men and women
of multicultural backgrounds who are highly
educated and have good knowledge of the
Norwegian language. This also applies to key
corporate jobs, managerial positions, directorships
and board appointments. Global Future is an
initiative that aims to further companies’ access to
diverse, highly qualified people.
New Offices
Resolving
Case No. 10,000!
facebook.com/Westconyard
1200
LIKES
Kristian Steinnes receives a pleasant surprise from
Helpdesk Manager Vibeke Frøsaker Lunde.
The headquarters at Ølensvåg has been expanded
with new offices that can accommodate up to 200
people.
Since 1994, Westcon has invested more than NOK
600 million in expansion of the shipyard and the
adjoining buildings. Recently the company invested
an additional NOK 200 million in production halls,
accommodation and offices that are being made
available to subcontractors and customers. The
new offices are in the E5 Building, which is situated
on the rig quay.
Development Engineer Andy Lim and Jason Ong from ST Marine receive instruction from Jens Magnar Tveit in the use of
e-SEAmatic.
A Deeper Shipping Lane Near Florø
More specifically, the revised NTP calls for a
deepening of the shipping lane here. According to
Gustav Johan Nydal, this opens new opportunities
in the mobile rig market for Westcon Florø.
“Everyone here views this as a very positive
development. It will allow our shipyard to take in
SupportPoint
Westcon’s IT Department has five full-time employees
and two apprentices. This team is responsible for
providing support for the Westcon Group in Norway
and abroad, as well as our rig customers and
subcontractor. All in all, the IT Department has 1500
registered users. Questions to Westcon’s Help Desk
may be registered via phone, email or the company’s
Intranet.
In the course of 2013, STM will invite its customers
to demonstrations of SMS-P, which we hope will
result in additional orders for our e-SEAMatic,” says
Jens Magnar Tveit, Technical Manager at Westcon
Power & Automation.
This spring, Norway adopted a revised National Transport Plan (NTP) for the ten-year period
2014–2023. One key component – at least for people whose livelihood depend on good coastal
communications – will be to improve the shipping lane near Florø.
Precisely 9,999 help requests had been received
before his. To celebrate this digital milestone, Vibeke
Frøsaker Lunde, head of the Helpdesk, had the
pleasure of awarding Kristian Steinnes a Westcon
jacket, a “gold-plated” mouse, and a mousepad
inscribed: “The Golden Mouse – Help Request No.
10,000”.
1500 users
For several years, Westcon Power & Automation
has cooperated closely with STM, a major
Singapore shipyard. One year ago, a contract was
signed for delivery of the Ship Management System
Prototype (SMS-P), a prototype that consists of
the e-SEAMatic control system and applications
from STM. SMS-P integrates a number of key
systems, including the alarm systems, propeller
control, propulsion and navigation systems, making
it possible to fully control a vessel via one simple
monitor.
The research and development that Westcon Power
& Automation has carried out this last year has been
extensive, and SMS-P is the most comprehensive
system our company has ever delivered.
When Kristian Steinnes submitted a help request
to our Help Desk, he had no idea what the
consequences would be. He simply needed advice
on a Bluetooth headset for his mobile phone. Kristian
works in Simonsen Electro, a company that was
recently purchased by Westcon Power & Automation.
Since November 2011, Westcon’s IT Department
has been using SupportPoint to keep tabs on
things, and to help users navigate step-by-step
through various procedures and processes. There
are presently over 10,900 procedures registered in
the software. “Users have done a fabulous job of
registering their requests!” says Vibeke Frøsaker
Lunde, the IT Consultant who is in charge of the Help
Desk. “Thanks to this technology we have a much
better overview and better control, and questions are
immediately categorised and forwarded to the right
person. Moreover, SupportPoint designates a unique
case number that makes communication and status
unambiguous.”
Developing the Most Comprehensive System Ever
The photo shows Eivind Lien, head of Ølen Skyttarlag, and Elisabeth Lothe Nervik, head of Etne Skyttarlag,
together with Johannes Hundseid, who won the recent first round of the Westcon Cup at the Fikse Shooting
Range.Foto: Irene Mæland Haraldsen, Grannar
Hitting Bullseye with Our New Sponsorship
Agreement
Westcon Group and Sunnhordland
Skyttarsamlag (a regional shooting club), which
has 3000 active members, have recently
signed a three-year sponsorship agreement
worth approx. NOK 200,000. In addition
Westcon is now also the main sponsor of
the key regional shooting competition, which
includes participants from Hardanger and
northern Rogaland County.
“We look forward to making the renamed
Westcon Cup and Westcon Winter Cup
into even better and broader shooting
competitions. One important objective is to
intensify our recruiting efforts and to maintain
their interest with activities and events they find
worthwhile,” said a satisfied Ole Bennæs upon
signing the sponsorship agreement.
Haugesund Football
Club and Westcon
Løfteteknikk
larger rigs that haven’t previously had access,” says
the Managing Director for Westcon Florø.
“Yes, this opens up opportunities for maintenance
assignments on new and larger rigs,” add Arne
Birkeland, who is Chairman of the Board.
Both Nydal and Birkeland are full of praise for the
good efforts of local and regional politicians who
lobbied hard for the project’s inclusion in the NTP,
and for the political will of the Government and the
Storting (Norwegian Parliament).
“We’ve felt the authorities really understood Florø’s
maritime needs and were on our side,” ascertains
Birkeland.
There are clear indications that work to improve
the shipping lane will start before the end of the
year. That’s good news! Between 2014 and 2016,
many of the drilling rigs operating in the North Sea
are due for classing and maintenance. In addition,
Norwegian shipyards will be called on to carry out
work on Asian newbuildings – and the deepened
shipping lane will allow Westcon Florø to compete
for these choice assignments.
Nydal and Birkeland, and all the skilled workers at
their yard, eagerly await completion of the deeper
shipping lane.
Westcon Løfteteknikk is making a major effort
to support the local sports scene – and that,
of course, includes sponsoring Haugesund
Football Club. This year, both the football team
and their sponsor are celebrating their 20th
anniversary.
In October 1993, the same year Westcon
Løfteteknikk was established, the local football
clubs Haugar and Djerv 1919 merged to form
Haugesund Football Club FK Haugesund.
The rest is, as they say, history – and a success
story:
“FK Haugesund is in every way a professional
football club. Just like we are in our field of
competition,” says Karl Johan Jentoft, Managing
Director of Westcon Løfteteknikk, and active
Member of the Board of FK Haugesund.
RETURADRESSE
FORUM
Westcon Yard AS
N-5582 Ølensvåg
Appreciates Woody Allen
Name: Gøril Eidhammer
Position: Westcon Yard`s new Finance Manager
Education: (MBA) from NHH
Family: Willy Asbjørn (husband) and three
children – Erlend (13), Inger Constanse (11) and
Torgeir (9)
Music: R&B and Top 40. Melissa Horn, Adele,
Jay-Z, Karpe Diem and John Mayer.
Watches: Beautiful nature, good movies, and
the nightly news
Drives: BMW X3
Favourite holiday destinations:
Corsica, Sardinia, London and Nice
analysis and management. In our company, people
will listen when you have a good proposal. As
Finance Manager, my ambition is to help create
wealth for the future, working closely with my team
of skilled colleagues,” says Gøril with passion in her
voice.
A perspective on life
She is equally passionate about her recreational
activities. Top of the list are skiing and enjoying time
with her children.
Naturally we want to get to know the person behind
the name. We’ve heard she grew up in Ølen and
lives in nearby Etne.
“Yes, I grew up here. After a few years on the island
S E R V I C E S V E I
of Stord and a year in Vikedal, The Eidhammer
family settled in Ølen. It’s a great village to grow
up in, always something to do, including volleyball,
football and athletics. Now, my family and I are
happy in Etne.”
S
A S
“Family is my Number One hobby. I enjoy taking the
kids to football practice, or joining them on a skiing
trip to Håradalen. Spending time with my children
has become even more important after one of our
sons suffered a serious accident two years ago. An
incident like that gives you a perspective on what’s
most important in life,” she says thoughtfully.
Jo and Woody
Westcon – an ideal place to work
After spending her childhood and youth locally, Gøril
Bergen and Oslo to study. She returned
with a business degree. Gøril Eidhammer has
worked for Westcon since 1996.
G O T H I C - D Eheaded
M I 1 0 .for
8
“I see myself as someone who wears a lot of hats,
so to speak, and perhaps that’s why I consider
Westcon to be an ideal employer. I get try my hand
at a wide range of challenges, from marketing
and building a new corporate website, to financial
When she is able to escape her Excel spreadsheets
and duties as Westcon’s Finance Manager, Gøril
favours relaxation with a good book or film.
“I enjoy good literature. My favourite authors
include Jo Nesbø and Liza Marklund, two of the
best Scandinavian crime novelists. And I enjoy a
good Woody Allen Film, such as Match Point. I like
Woody’s sense of humour!”