Who are we?

Our history

Pioneering IT Excellence for the Industry

Option's journey began as an IT development company, Option Development, closely intertwined with the oil and gas sector. Recognising the unique IT needs of this industry, we set out on a path of specialisation that has defined our success.

From our inception to the present day, Option has been defined by innovation, specialisation, and a deep understanding of our clients' unique requirements. As we continue to sail towards new horizons, our history remains a testament to our commitment to excellence and our vision to empower industries with the cutting-edge IT solutions required for the future.

2007

The year 2007 marked the birth of Option. Our dedication and commitment led us to secure a pivotal contract in September 2008. The task involved mobilising and operating Aker Barents for Aker Exploration – a venture that allowed us to showcase our capabilities, and set the stage for many future endeavours.

2009

By 2009, the merger of Aker Exploration with Det norske oljeselskap opened a new avenue for us. Acquiring their server park and equipment enabled us to offer specialised services and expertise to a wider range of operator companies.

2011

In 2011, we partnered with Det norske oljeselskap to design office infrastructure and IO rooms for a XLE2CJ-70 rig being constructed in Singapore.

2020

The year 2020 saw us collaborating with Lundin, where we designed the IO room and essential infrastructure for the Deepsea Bollsta, a new SeaDrill rig.

2021

In 2021, Smedvik ASA / VENI AS became the proud owners of Option, affirming our position as a leading player in the industry.

2022

Option's evolution can be summarised by our commitment to building partnerships. In 2022, we achieved two significant milestones: a framework contract with Island Drilling for the supply of ICT services and a 5-year framework contract with OMV, extending the possibility for another 5 years.
Embracing the global stage, we expanded our reach in 2022, venturing into the UK, South Africa, and West Africa.

The cornerstone of our culture

Our Vision and Values

Our guiding star is to be an admired ICT provider for the maritime Industry. This vision fuels our passion to provide industries with innovative IT solutions that drive progress and create lasting impact. As we work towards this vision, we're dedicated to fostering a culture of respect, innovation, integrity, proactivity, reliability and practicality.

Respect

We treat every individual with respect, valuing diverse perspectives, and building relationships based on trust and empathy. Our interactions are characterised by openness and mutual understanding.

Innovative

We thrive on innovation, pushing boundaries to bring forth fresh ideas and creative solutions. We embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, leading us to envision new possibilities and redefine industry standards.

Integrity

Integrity is at the core of our actions. We uphold honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in all that we do. Our commitment to integrity ensures that our relationships with clients, partners and each other are built on trust.

Proactive

Anticipating needs and challenges, we take a proactive approach to deliver solutions that go beyond expectations. We stay ahead of the curve, adapting swiftly to changing landscapes and pioneering new avenues.

Reliable

Trust is the foundation of our relationships. We are reliable partners who deliver on promises, ensuring that our clients can rely on us for unwavering support, consistent quality and dependable solutions.

Practical

We believe in practical solutions that address real-world needs. Our focus is on delivering tangible results that make a difference, balancing innovation with practicality to create lasting value.

Shape Your Own Path

Want to join the team?

Check out our vacant positions or send us an open application. We are always looking for talented people. 

See our vacant positions here

About | Option

 

Who you will met at Option

Learn more about us

Herman Haatuft

Herman Haatuft

CEO
Herman is the Chief Executive Officer at Option AS Since March 2024, he has been guiding the company’s strategic vision and ensuring the effective delivery of innovative solutions in the maritime industry. Prior to his CEO role, Herman served as a Business Controller at Veni and as a Finance Consultant at VIEW Ledger AS.
 
With over a decade of experience in the Norwegian Armed Forces, he brings strong leadership and operational expertise to his current role.
 
 
Jens Andersen

Jens Andersen

CCO
Jens is the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Option AS, a company specializing in Ocean ICT Services. Since August 2024, he has been responsible for driving the company’s commercial strategy, focusing on building customer relationships and delivering tailored IT/ICT solutions for the maritime and offshore sectors.
 
With a strong background in sales and business development, Jens has previously held roles such as Sales Manager at Veni and Sales Leader at Maksimer AS, where he developed strategies to enhance customer value and optimize IT solutions.
Bjørnar Høiland

Bjørnar Høiland

CTO
Bjørnar Høiland is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Option AS, a company specializing in Ocean ICT Services. Since August 2024, he has been leading the company’s technological strategy and innovation. Before joining Option, Bjørnar served as a Network Team Leader at Veni for five years, where he managed key IT operations.
 
His experience also includes being an IT Manager at KAPH Entreprenør AS, along with a solid background in IT consulting and network management from his earlier career.
Gorm E. Johnsen

Gorm E. Johnsen

Senior IT Consultant
Gorm is a Senior IT consultant at Option, where he has worked since 2012. He has extensive experience in software and firmware development and is responsible for developing and maintaining various services and solutions that Option has developed.
 
Prior to joining Option, Gorm worked in similar roles at Iron Mountain and has also served as a Seismic Data Conversion Specialist.

Alexander Waaland

Alexander Waaland

Senior IT Consultant
Alexander is an experienced IT consultant with over 10 years of experience at Option. He specialises in the installation of IT equipment on rigs, pre-configuration of equipment before shipping, day-to-day operations and support. 
 
 He is a dedicated professional with a strong focus on customer service and has a proven track record of delivering quality IT solutions to clients.
 
 
Arne Martin Meling

Arne Martin Meling

Account Manager
Arne Martin is an accomplished Key Account Manager, with over 30 years of experience in the telecommunications and IT services industries.
 
Arne Martin is responsible for managing and developing strategic accounts, ensuring customer satisfaction and identifying opportunities for growth and innovation.
 
Kim Joon Bergum

Kim Joon Bergum

Project Manager
Kim is a Technical- and Project Manager with over 14 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, with an additional 10 years of experience in project management for software development.
 
He has expertise in customer care, delivery management, product development and product training for sales personnel. With his extensive knowledge, he is well-equipped to lead teams to successful outcomes in any given project.

Keyla Brown

Keyla Brown

CISO
Keyla holds extensive expertise in policy and governance writing and provides expert advice and support to clients on Office 365, Azure, security audits and systems administration. She is technically responsible for the Operations team, managing security, backups and cloud solutions.
 
She has extensive knowledge of handling automated deployments, Powershell scripting, cost management, storage/network and virtual machines. 
Claus Tørkje Nielsen

Claus Tørkje Nielsen

Service and Operation Manager
Claus has over 15 years of experience in ICT operations, projects, customer care and management.
 
He has played a key role in developing and implementing customised solutions to meet the unique needs of the offshore drilling environment. He has a deep understanding of network design and implementation, cybersecurity, data management and analysis.
Henrik Bakker

Henrik Bakker

IT Consultant
Henrik is a skilled Offshore IT Technician at Option AS with expertise in maintaining IT systems on offshore facilities. He has extensive experience in troubleshooting, installing, and upgrading equipment, ensuring network connectivity, and implementing security measures. His background also includes IT consulting and specialist roles, where he optimized workflows and managed complex IT tasks for various organizations. Henrik is committed to providing exceptional technical support both remotely and on-site, ensuring smooth operations in challenging environments.
Jason Arrey

Jason Arrey

Sales
Jason is a Junior Sales Consultant at Option AS, specializing in Ocean ICT solutions. With experience in customer service from Santander Consumer Bank and digital marketing from Veni, he brings a strong focus on customer satisfaction and problem-solving. As a student, Jason is eager to apply his skills in dynamic environments and contribute to tailored solutions for clients.
Our Partners

Option board

Meet our board members

Petter Alfsen

Petter Alfsen

Chairman of the Board
A valued manager with a wealth of expertise in the technology industry. He has held key roles at top companies in Norway.
 
Currently holds the role of CEO of VENI and Chairman of the board of Option AS.
 
Petter's extensive knowledge spans several industries including IT, Oil & Gas and logistics. He has established strong relationships with key partners and accounts throughout his career.
 
Sveining Lofthus

Sveining Lofthus

Board Member
A highly experienced board member, CEO and consultant in the oil field service and drilling industries. He holds a degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Stavanger and has worked in various roles within the industry for over 30 years.
 
Lofthus is currently providing consultancy services for rig and drilling operations. He has also served as a board member for various oil field service and drilling companies.

Carl Kyllingstad

Carl Kyllingstad

Board Member
An accomplished board member with a diverse background in the oil and gas industry. 
 
He has held various senior leadership and management positions. He was a Project Leader at Quinterra and is currently a board member at Semco Maritime AS Norge and Sales Director in Presserv AS.
 
Kyllingstad graduated from State University College, with a degree in Human Resources and Public Administration.
Jarle Eide Dysvik

Jarle Eide Dysvik

Board Member
Experienced CFO with a strong background in the oil and gas and technology sectors. Excellent ability to manage finance, supply chain, quality management, HR, and IT functions.
 
Great skills in financial analysis, forecasting, and strategic planning. Effective in optimising business processes and implementing effective controls. Holds a BSc in Economics and Information Technology.
 

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