Meet Ahmad Adil Azabar Kamarzaman, Rig Move Lead, ABL Malaysia
The team at ABL Group shares the passion, vision and values for working in energy and the world’s oceans, de-risking and driving the energy transition. We are driven by the idea that the best work is born from professionalism, diligence… and fun. You know ABL Group, but do you know our team?
Give us a glimpse into your day-to-day work at ABL. What keeps you on your toes?
As a Rig Move Lead at ABL Kuala Lumpur, my day revolves around planning, coordinating, and executing safe and efficient rig moves. This includes reviewing procedures, engaging with clients and marine contractors, managing risks, and making real-time decisions offshore or remotely.
What really keeps me on my toes is the dynamic nature of operations, weather conditions, vessel availability, technical constraints, and tight schedules, all require constant adaptation. No two moves are ever the same, so situational awareness and quick decision-making are critical.
What drew you to the industry and what keeps you passionate about it?
I was drawn to the offshore industry by the scale and complexity of operations, as well as the opportunity to work in a highly technical and operational environment. Rig moves, in particular, sit at the intersection of engineering, marine operations, and logistics which I find incredibly engaging.
What keeps me passionate is the impact of what we do: ensuring safe operations while supporting energy supply. There’s also a strong sense of teamwork and problem-solving that makes every project rewarding.
Can you tell us about something exciting you are working on right now?
Currently, I’m involved in coordinating rig move campaigns where we’re optimising operations by improving pre-move planning, route analysis, and risk assessments.
What’s exciting is integrating lessons learned and leveraging digital tools to enhance efficiency and safety, whether it’s better weather routing, simulation exercises, or improved communication frameworks across stakeholders.
What does the future of energy and oceans look like right now?
The future of energy and oceans is clearly transitioning toward a more balanced mix. While oil and gas remain essential, there is strong momentum in offshore renewables like wind, as well as emerging sectors such as floating energy solutions and subsea technologies.
From an operational perspective, we’re seeing more focus on sustainability, digitalisation, and reducing environmental impact. The oceans will continue to be a critical resource, so managing them responsibly is becoming just as important as extracting energy from them.
What are the biggest operational challenges you’re currently facing in rig moves, and how is your team adapting to overcome them?
Some of the biggest challenges in rig move operations include weather uncertainty, tight project schedules, vessel availability, and increasing operational costs. On top of that, coordinating across multiple stakeholders, each with their own priorities, adds another layer of complexity.
We’re addressing these challenges by strengthening front-end planning, enhancing risk assessments, and leveraging real-time data to support better decision-making. Strong collaboration is also essential to ensure alignment early on, which helps minimise surprises during execution.
One of the key principles we follow is that every move is a new move. No matter how similar a project may appear, each operation comes with its own unique variables and risks. This mindset keeps the team focused, adaptable, and committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
Looking ahead, what trends or innovations do you think will most shape the future of rig move operations?
Digitalisation will play a major role, with things like real-time monitoring, predictive weather analytics, and simulation tools that will significantly improve planning and execution.
We’re also seeing advancements in vessel capability and equipment, which will enhance safety and efficiency. Additionally, sustainability pressures may drive innovations in fuel efficiency and operational optimisation, which could reshape how rig moves are conducted.
Beyond the work, what makes you tick outside of the office?
Outside of work, I place a strong emphasis on spending quality time with my family and staying active, it helps me recharge and maintain a healthy balance. I also enjoy simple downtime activities like fishing, watching football, and catching up on Netflix, which help me unwind after busy operations.
At the same time, I like to keep myself mentally engaged, whether that’s staying updated on industry developments or exploring new skills. At heart, I’m someone who thrives on both structure and challenge, so even outside the office I tend to stay curious and driven. Maintaining that balance allows me to return to work focused, energised, and ready to take on whatever comes next.
More about Ahmad
Position: Rig Move Lead
Office: Kuala Lumpur,
Hobbies: Fishing, sepak takraw and football
Favourite film and music: Action and true stories movies. Slow rock song
