Eknes is the global segment director of offshore service vessels and special ships in DNV. The role includes responsibility for DNVs strategic directions and business development within the market segment, to help DNV and the industry to prepare future standards and services.
His background after graduating with MSc in Marine structures includes +33 years of experience in different technical and management positions. This includes heading a section responsible for plan approval of ships and class rule responsibility for specialized ships and ice classed vessels. When working as country manager for DNV in Finland and the Baltic states, a key focus was to address complex ship systems and how to accelerate the transformation of the industry to use cleaner energy sources. His background in communicology, a subject addressing communication and change processes, has been highly relevant when acting as strategic advisor to the industry.
Eknes has been involved in multiple projects addressing innovation, decarbonization, digitalization and new ways of assuring safe & responsible performance. Several of these projects have been with universities in collaboration with industry players. Examples include projects addressing marine and offshore safety aspects, emission reduction, development of the ocean space eco system (offshore wind), and introduction of new technologies.
Eknes is a board member of the Shipping & Offshore Network, the Maritime Battery Forum and the Norwegian Forum for Marine Minerals.