Conferences

«Gas Meets Wind» is an annual gathering for the two growing renewable sectors, in which GCE NODE is deeply involved through the projects Fremtidens Havvind (offshore wind) and Agder H2 Network (hydrogen).

Agder County Mayor Arne Thomassen praised the efforts of GCE NODE and the participating companies, underlining the commitment from the governmental level as the region is positioning itself for further growth.

Agder has proximity to the first Norwegian large-scale offshore wind farm, Sørlige Nordsjø II. Agder is also where a hydrogen production facility is currently under construction, and home of regional utility Å Energi, which is building a hydrogen production plant at Pikerfoss.

“This makes Agder a front-runner within offshore wind and hydrogen. We are excited to witness the progress and happy to support the industries by bringing all good forces together,” says Kristian Johnsen, Project Manager for Fremtidens Havvind and Agder H2 Network.

“Gas Meets Wind” included presentations and talks from Greenstat, National Competence Center for Offshore Wind, Norsk Vind, LO Agder, NHO Agder, HMH and County Mayor Arne Thomassen.

Given the responsibility to lead a division of 400 people in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, Furnes packed her gear a few months ago and found a new home in the Saudi city of Dammam. Her apartment and office are close to the headquarters of global oil giant Saudi Aramco, which is – unsurprisingly – the largest SLB client in this region of the world.

It is the third time Furnes has taken on international responsibilities for her long-time employer SLB – the largest oilfield service company in the world. Furnes has previously been deployed four years in China and two years in Dubai, in between her years at SLB in Kristiansand.

“I have always been keen on accepting new challenges. Saudi reminds me a lot of an early period in China – high-paced and ambitious. That is what attracted me and persuaded me to go on the road again,” says Furnes.

She has daily meetings with Saudi Aramco and drilling contractors, and there is a constant push to advance SLB’s technological edge.

Furnes is currently involved in the upgrade of two jack-up rigs that she knows well. They are equipped with drilling packages from SLB in Kristiansand and pressure control systems from SLB in Houston – and they were built for Saudi Aramco in Dubai, while Furnes was there.

Ongoing upgrades include integrating hardware and software to improve safety, efficiency, and environmental performance. Digital-enabled rigs are part of a broader transformation, where automation and data analytics reduce human exposure on drill floors and optimize operations across the board.

Much of the innovation driving this shift originates in Norway, particularly from SLB’s hub in Kristiansand. The goal is to create smarter rigs that not only perform better but also contribute to lower emissions and more sustainable energy production.

“Look to Norway for digitalization,” says Furnes. “Our staff is highly competent, and we recently added more competence with the acquisition of Stimline Digital – also located in Kristiansand.”

The jack-ups are part of Saudi Aramco’s newbuild program. SLB equipped the first two rigs, while NOV won contracts for the next two.

“Orders for newbuilds are hard to come by. After-market and upgrades have been – and still are – an essential part of ongoing business,” says Furnes. “We put a lot of effort into improving the performance of existing rigs. By integrating digital solutions and artificial intelligence with world-leading mechanical equipment, we are future-proofing the rigs.”

Furnes is the only Norwegian and one of few Scandinavians – or women – working for SLB in Saudi Arabia. This time of year, her close-to-freezing Nordic hometown and the burning hot Arab Dammam could not have been more different. Furnes has embraced the setting and the local culture.

“Dammam is a place full of contrasts. Despite the heat, the cultural shifts, and the distance from home, I would not trade the experience,” she says. “The work tempo is intense, but life outside the office is calm, family-oriented, and surprisingly welcoming.”

Whether horseback riding on the beach or exploring the desert, she finds joy in the unfamiliar.

“I am very happy to be here. I have already made new friends, and I am close to old friends in Dubai. These are years in which I will grow not just professionally, but personally,” says Furnes.

 

 

“It is important to get out of Oslo to learn more about the industry and to listen to industry voices. Based on industry input we are better equipped to make good policy decisions in the coming years,” said Sagebakken.

The former Mayor of Lindesnes serves as State Secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries – with a special responsibility for maritime industries and aquaculture. He spent Monday and Tuesday this week visiting maritime companies in his home region of Agder.

 

Among the highlights was his visit to Nymo, a long-standing industrial player with deep roots to the oil and gas industry. Sagebakken was given a tour of the Grimstad headquarters and fabrication site, home to the construction of many topside structures, subsea installations, and plug and abandonment projects.

Having added 70 more to the payroll in recent years, Nymo currently employs around 250 people, in addition to 600-700 contracted workers. While offshore projects are still dominant, Nymo is also diversifying into offshore wind, hydrogen, and aquaculture.

Sagebakken’s two-day trip, which took him to eleven companies in Agder, was organized by GCE NODE and Maritime Forum South.

“It is part of the GCE NODE strategy of ensuring favorable framework conditions for the industry in Agder. Engaging in a dialogue with politicians and various governmental levels is important. This is a way of giving our participating companies a voice,” says Knut Mjåland, CEO of GCE NODE.

During a tour of the premises, Sagebakken inspected some impressive structures and met with several of the Nymo workforce. Among them were two apprentices, Maren Kjebekk and Ingrid Ølnes, who were recently recruited.

“I was inspired by the stories of these young women who just started their careers. They are fortunate to be with an organization that has had great success in finding and training apprentices while also making a conscious effort to recruit more female talent,” said Sagebakken.

While the visit at Nymo was cordial and good-spirited, Jan-Børre Sannæs Managing Director at Nymo, added a serious tone.

“The activity level in all Norwegian yards are expected to drop significantly next year. We need more projects, and we need faster implementation of policies that are important for new initiatives, in particular within aquaculture,” said Sannæs.