Norwegian outfit Ocean Installer has set up a new business segment dedicated to offshore wind farm development in synergy with its installation ambitions.
Olav Hetland will lead the new division as director of offshore wind farms, taking up the position in the autumn.
Hetland has more than 30 years’ experience within the energy industry, of which more than 17 years is within renewable energy.
He is currently senior vice president for wind and solar Northwest Europe at Statkraft.
Prior to that he was responsible for building up Statkraft’s offshore wind business from 2010 until the projects were successfully sold in 2018.
Ocean Installer chief executive Odd Stromsnes said: “I am very excited about this new chapter for our company, which makes Ocean Installer even more relevant in the ongoing global transition from the oil and gas to renewable business.
“Our proven track record from complex subsea oil and gas projects will be key for success in the process of installing and developing offshore wind farms going forward.
“Olav’s capabilities and track record are of great relevance to our new initiative, where we together with our clients will play an important role in the energy transformation to a greener and more sustainable energy mix.”
Hetland said: “Ocean Installer is already a well reputed company within complex subsea projects in oil and gas, and I am very excited to join this team to bring the company forward as part of the transition process into the offshore wind segment in general – and development of global offshore wind farms specifically.”