– Sharing is key to drive technology and business forward

Valley Voice – a column where our cluster members are in focus. This week we had a talk with Peter Jenkins, CEO at 4Subsea. As one of the founders, he has transformed 4Subsea from an engineering consultancy business, to a digital service provider within oil and gas, offshore wind and shipping.

1. What are you doing right now? 

Right now, I am working on plans to re-open and expand our offices. Our organisation has grown quite a bit while working from home, and we are expanding our office space to make sure we have plenty of room for all our new colleagues. Although working from home is no technical challenge, it does not provide the same energy and creativity as being in the same room, sharing ideas, insight, and personal experiences with good colleagues.  I miss having a coffee with friends and colleagues, and I look forward to meeting clients and partners around the world face to face again!

2. How is 4Subsea contributing to the Energy Transition?  

Our most important contribution to the energy transition is transferring technology and know-how from oil and gas to the renewable sector. Right now, we are adapting and deploying sensors and algorithms initially developed for subsea oil and gas onto wind turbines to prolong the operational life- and reduce operational expenditure of wind farms.

In general, we see our capabilities to use data to make operational decisions as a key part of the energy transition. In addition to our efforts within wind energy, we are also using our technology to reduce emissions from- and optimise fuel efficiency of ships. This a great example of how digital solutions combined with strong analytical capabilities can provide cost savings and at the same time have a significant positive impact on the environment.

3. What are the biggest challenges and opportunities in the future?  

The biggest opportunities for us going forward are linked to the use of data and advanced analytics to drive the energy transition and reduce emissions. At the same time, it will be important to use digital solutions to ensure safe and responsible tail-end production from existing oil and gas assets. The fact that this industry is slowing down will make it gradually more difficult to maintain the necessary competence to safely operate existing infrastructure. This is an environmental threat that will need to be managed. Digitalisation can reduce risk and help ensure that experience and know-how are made available to future generations.

4. What keeps you up at night with regards to the Energy Transition?  

I must admit that the Energy Transition rarely keeps me awake at night. There is so much positive focus and energy around it that I am confident it will lead to a better and more sustainable way of life and create many new and interesting jobs. 4Subsea has so much experience and technology to bring to the table in this context that we see the Energy Transition as an exciting and meaningful opportunity rather than a concern.

5. What is the most valuable about being a member of Energy Valley?  

For me, Energy Valley is most of all a source of inspiration where individuals and companies can meet customers, partners, and competitors alike and share experiences and opinions.  In 4Subsea, we believe sharing ideas and insight is key to driving technology and business forward, and we continuously look for collaboration opportunities. Energy Valley is a great forum for expanding your network and building collaborative relations.

6. Is there any book that have inspired you in the way you lead? 

Yes, “Endurance” by Alfred Lansing.  The book gives an amazing recollection with diary extracts of the survival of Ernest Shackleton and his team when their ship, the Endurance, was crushed by ice off Antarctica in 1915. The leadership demonstrated by Shackleton, which eventually led to the safe rescue of the entire crew nearly 20 months later is a great example of leadership. It is not the military-like leadership of a typical, traditional polar expedition. On the contrary, it exemplifies the value of having an empathetic yet strong, visionary yet realistic leader who is honest and sets an example for his team members. Worst case, if you don’t get leadership inspiration like me, it is still a really good book!

7. Which Energy Valley member do you want to pass the baton on to?

I would like to pass it on to Steven in FossTech.

Thank you, Peter!