Starting ECOsubsea was his most worthwhile investment, says Tor Østervold, the company’s CTO, although it has been a ”roller-coaster ride”, bringing its share of sleepless nights, worries, doubts, and anxieties.
Tor began working on a fishing vessel at 13, aiming to become a captain, before studying Nautical Science. His most influential mentor was Finn Bergesen Jr., former chairman of ECOsubsea, whose wisdom shaped his entrepreneurial journey. Tor aspires to eliminate biofouling, saving the maritime industry billions. He shares their ambitious goal of supporting a more sustainable future by saving 50 million tons of CO2 annually, equivalent to the entire annual emissions of Norway. His motto is “Love! Be grateful!” and he feels he has found balance between work, home life, and exercise.
SAFETY4SEA: How did it come about that you joined shipping industry and your field of expertise specifically?
Tor Østervold: During my school holidays from the age of 13 I started working on a purse seiner fishing vessel operating in the Atlantic/North and Barents Sea. At that time my goal was to become a captain. Later I went on to study Nautical Science, but a month before getting my Deck Officer certificate we established started ECOsubsea.
S4S: What about your current job/ role most excites you and why?
T. Ø: Being an entrepreneur is exciting as there are no limits to what the team can do. We had an ambitious plan to change the world, ship by ship, backed by data and that’s what we’re currently busy doing. So far, we have contributed to saving more than four million tons of CO2 by keeping vessels free of biofouling and thereby reducing their drag through the water. Our next goal is to save 50 million tons of CO2 every year, equally the annual emission of the whole of Norway.
S4S: Who is/was the most influential person/mentor to you & why?
T. Ø: This was without doubt the chairman of ECOsubsea, Finn Bergesen Jr. He joined the board when the company was a year old, with a lifetime’s experience leading large corporations. I was lucky enough to occupy an office next door to his and have daily discussions with him on lots of issues. His input based on many years of solving complex situations was invaluable to me as a young founder. Sadly he passed away in 2012 but I have a photo of him in my office that reminds me of his wisdom and noble character.
S4S: What is the best and what was the worst piece of advice you’ve ever been given and why?
T. Ø: The best advice has been simply ‘Follow your passion!’
The worst was: “It’s important to know when to throw in the towel.” That came from an experienced executive after we had failed for the 100th time with our prototype in 2012. I ignored it.
S4S: What is the most worthwhile career investment (in energy, time, money) you’ve ever made?
T. Ø: Definitely starting ECOsubsea. It’s been a roller-coaster ride but also caused me a good share of sleepless nights, worries, doubts and anxieties.
S4S: If you could give a piece of advice to your 18-year-old-self one thing, what would it be and why? What piece of advice should you ignore?
T. Ø: Stay hungry! Stay foolish! – As said by Steve Jobs in his Stanford commencement address.
S4S: In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your business life?
T. Ø: Making a concerted effort to balance work life, home life and exercise. It’s all been possible thanks to my wonderful and patient wife.
S4S: What would you like to change in the current maritime landscape and your area of expertise specifically and why?
T. Ø: I would like to fix biofouling once and for all, saving the industry 20 billion dollars per year and saving the environment 100 million tons of CO2 every year.
S4S: What is your personal motto?
T. Ø: Love! Be grateful!
The views presented are only those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.
