Position: Managing Director SHM Maritime
Education: Master of Science Subsea Technology

Awoken by the desire to learn something new

Hans Erik Eidem started working part-time in SHM Maritime while he was studying for his master’s in Subsea Technology in 2014. Today he is the Managing Director of the same company, and the motivation is to develop solutions that make the aquaculture industry safer and more efficient.

- We have been the first in the country to develop different types of equipment for the industry, and it is fun to be a part of that, says Hans Erik Eidem about his job as managing director of SHM Maritime in Molde. The company specialises in developing safer deck equipment for service boats in the aquaculture industry. Eidem believes that they are able to live up to their vision which is "optimized marine work operations without harm to people and the environment".

Crash tested flight

Eidem studied for his MSc in Subsea Technology from 2014 and 2016, prior to that he had spent three years at the engineering college in Ålesund.

- What has been the most important skill you have gained from NTNU?
- NTNU awoke the desire to learn new things. You learn how to understand complicated information, another way of saying it is that you acquire knowledge of how to acquire knowledge. And what I learnt in the classroom I could not have learnt elsewhere. 

His master’s dissertation was based on a simulation of an airplane crash where he tested four different wing sections in aluminium and compared it with previously simulated tests. Of course, everything was done under controlled conditions in the lab.
- I had a good supervisor who was very committed and gave me excellent supervision which made it much more interesting to work on the master's thesis.

Appreciates networking

Another important thing he has brought with him from NTNU is a network, which he values both socially and at work.

- How important has the Alumni network been for you?
- The alumni network is important in terms of sharing knowledge. As a member of the network, you have access to expertise in several fields. Alumni is a gateway to establish collaboration. The network is also relevant for recruitment.

Worked part-time as a student

Eidem started working part-time as a project engineer at SHM Maritime the same year he started his civil engineering degree in 2014. He climbed the company ladder until he became the Managing Director in 2018.
- How does a normal working day look like for you?
- We are constantly working in developing and looking at what the industry needs in terms of equipment and solutions. Much of the equipment used by the boats today did not exist until we developed it, and it is rewarding to be involved in developing new products. SHM wants to help drive development in the years to come.

Industry in constant development

- What motivates you in your job?
- Creating solutions that make the working day safer for our customers. After we have developed new products and systems, new regulations are coming, and it is very motivating to drive the development forward and deliver equipment that will enable customers to maintain the regulations. The added bonus is that people see the value in optimising marine operations and making them safer and more efficient. It is exciting to be a part of an industry that is constantly evolving.