Conferences

“Aftermarket sounds like spare parts and simple maintenance, but it is really about major upgrades, comprehensive modernization, and the building of more effective systems. This makes the aftermarket interesting,” said Pål Skogerbø, Chief Technology Officer at HMH.

His remarks fell during a panel debate at the GCE NODE Executive Forum in Kristiansand Thursday evening, where Skogerbø, Rune Johnsen (Managing Director at NOV Norway) and Anstein Jorud (Managing Director at SLB, Kristiansand) were placed in the hot seats.

For years, the Agder region was the global center for offshore drilling packages, led by HMH, NOV and SLB. Newbuilds were plenty and the global market share of the three players in Kristiansand was estimated to 80 – or even 90 – per cent.

In recent years, newbuild activity has been close to non-existent, while aftermarket services have dominated. “Is this the new normal,” asked Knut Mjåland, CEO of GCE NODE.

“Day rates remain too low to justify newbuilds, but upgrades are increasing and will continue to be essential,” said Rune Johnsen.

Anstein Jorud added that optimization and efficiency improvements will define the next phase, making aftermarket work even more important.

Skogerbø pointed out that many rigs are aging and will require major upgrades to stay competitive.

“This makes the aftermarket an exciting and long term industry, driven by the need for smarter, more efficient solutions,” said Skogerbø.

When asked about the near future for the major companies, and the SMEs that are part of their value chain, Johnsen highlighted that Kristiansand remains strongly drilling oriented, while NOV globally also operates in segments with different cycles.

“We see strong growth in other regions which will drive future drilling activity. It will, however, take some time before it trickles down to our region,” said Johnsen.

GEO-POLITICS
The GCE NODE Executive Forum – by invitation only – gathered close to 90 executives in Kristiansand. Highlighting the current geo-political situation, the theme of the forum was “Turbulence”.

EU-expert Anne Elizabeth Stie from the University of Agder and Kai Eide, a former top diplomat, took the stage to provide insights and possible paths forward for the world.

Johnsen was elected at the Annual General Meeting in Kristiansand Thursday. He replaces Pål Skogerbø, Chief Technology Officer at HMH. It is customary that top position on the BoD is alternating between the major cluster companies. Skogerbø remains on the BoD as a Board Member.

Anstein Jorud (SLB Kristiansand) and Morten Rosenberg (Knowit) were elected as new board members.

The full GCE NODE Board of Directors for 2026-2027:
Rune Johnsen, chair (NOV)
Pål Skogerbø (HMH)
Anstein Jorud (SLB)
Kristin Dale (Å Energi)
Sunniva Whittaker (University of Agder)
Siren Neset (NORCE Research)
Morten Rosenberg (Knowit)
Deputy Board Member: Knut Inge Edvardsen (cDynamics)

“Our Armed Forces need to broaden their footprint. Agder would be crucial in a conflict scenario, and the Ministry of Defense has not fully recognized how strategically important this region is. Lista is a unique asset for Norway,” says Alf Erik Andersen, Member of Parliament (MP).

He was one of three MPs attending a high-level meeting at Farsund Airport Lista this week. Organized by the Future Defense Industry South project (FFS), which is led by GCE NODE, the meeting also gathered regional and local politicians and industry representatives.

Activity at Farsund Airport Lista has grown since the war in Ukraine began, and the Norwegian Armed Forces now rely on the site as a key location for drone training, air defense exercises, and testing of new counter drone technologies.

While two military bases are available for such training, the privately owned airport at Lista is the preferred venue. According to drone unit commander Per Morten Strømmen, Lista offers conditions that are increasingly rare.

“For flying 110 kilo drones at 400 knots, Lista provides the necessary airspace, safety, and proximity to the sea. We enjoy the open airspace and immediate access to the sea,” says Strømmen.

He also emphasizes that weather conditions are far better than in the north, resulting in more days suitable for testing advanced systems.

Both the politicians and the airport’s owners agree that Lista is underutilized. With minimal civilian traffic and extensive existing infrastructure, it represents a rare opportunity to strengthen Norway’s defense posture in Southern Norway while supporting innovation and preparedness.

“Proximity to vital offshore infrastructure, such as fiber cables, power cables, and oil and gas installations, makes us ideal for surveillance, emergency preparedness, and technology development,” says Arne Mikalsen, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Farsund Airport Lista.

The unique combination of infrastructure and geography is why the FFS project is advocating for a national test and preparedness center at Lista. Establishing a national center would ensure permanent capacity for testing, training, and protecting critical infrastructure, while bringing new activity to a facility built for far more than it is used for today.

“We would like to see a center dedicated to drones, autonomous systems, and maritime critical infrastructure. Farsund Airport Lista could be a key venue for civilian and military innovation,” says Stephen Sayfritz, Project Manager for FFS.