New base manager with extensive offshore experience

Text and photo: Sveinung W. Jensen, Tellus Kommunikasjon

-The aim is to increase the level of activity and bring in more projects than we currently have, says Stenberg, who started in the newly established position as base manager on Monday, August 21st.

As a young boy, he helped Arnfinn Nilsen, the founder of what is now FFS, to open and close the Straumen bridge.

- I CYCLED down from Mosvold in Farsund, where we lived. Back then, the bridge was manual, so I cranked it up and closed it again, Stenberg explains.

At the age of 15, he had a summer job aboard a vessel engaged in international voyages. He realized that becoming a sailor wasn't his aspiration. Instead, he pursued an engineering education in Stavanger after high school and later completed master's studies in petroleum engineering at Mississippi State University in the USA.

- While studying, I had a summer job at Statoil, and I was offered a permanent position there even before I finished my studies in the USA, Stenberg recalls.

AFTER WORKING in quality assurance and system auditing for a couple of years, he was entrusted with the responsibility for the subsea part of the Yme Field development in the North Sea. Later, he was brought in as the network leader for engineers and well supervisors in the offshore company.

- Perhaps this is the position I've enjoyed the most. I worked closely with the director of drilling and well operations, and at the age of 29, I had overall personnel responsibility for around 200 people, Stenberg says.

BUT A CAREER In the oil industry often requires several years offshore. That was also the case for Stenberg, who eventually was sent to the North Sea as a drilling supervisor after his time at Statoil, which is now Equinor.

He enjoyed that role, but after 15 years at Statoil, he wanted to try something new. He accepted an offer from the Canadian oil and gas company Talisman Energy and worked there for several years – first as a drilling supervisor, then as a platform manager.

IN 2016 NEEDED he needed a break from offshore life due to family reasons. Stenberg came ashore and started his own consulting company. In the initial years, he worked as the CEO of Bjørndal Vedlikehold, and later took on consultancy assignments as a drilling supervisor for various oil companies.

However, when the position of base manager at FFS emerged in his hometown of Farsund, he was tempted to apply.

- FFS is a very exciting company, and I'm impressed by what the team here has managed to build. Now, I'm looking forward to contributing to even more growth alongside the rest of the team, Stenberg says.

IN THE PREVIOUS roles, he has often been brought in as a kind of troubleshooter. However, that's not his starting point for joining FFS.

- It will always be a goal to maintain low costs and deliver better results. But my main job will be to support the project managers we have, ensure that we adhere to the established procedures and certifications, and then see how we can improve together, Stenberg emphasizes, adding that he is not averse to donning the coveralls if needed.

- Throughout a long career in the oil industry, I've built up a vast network that I hope will benefit FFS. With my leadership experience from Equinor, Talisman Energy, AkerBP, ConocoPhillips, and Wintershall Dea, I have strong connections in several companies, says the 55-year-old. He points out that he hopes to bring new activities to Lundevågen.

- Are there any new activities you hope to obtain in Lundevågen?

- Offshore wind is very exciting. We are proficient in seismic activities today. But there are also many oil and gas-related clients that could fit in with FFS, Stenberg adds, who will have an office at Norgesgjerde, which FFS acquired earlier this year.