Meet the team: Marius Venter, Senior Marine Surveyor | ABL South Africa
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?
What does your day-to-day look like at ABL?
On a day-to-day basis, my work focuses on marine operations. There is a variety of work and new challenges to tackle every day, making my job very interesting. In general, you could say that my job is not boring.
What inspired you to join the industry?
I joined the seas at a young age in the South African Navy and worked up to ship Captain. I then moved into commercial shipping, re-qualifying and ultimately re-achieving the rank of Master in mainly offshore and subsea work with some survey and DP Navigation training/lecturing in between. In joining ABL I saw a new challenge to service back in the Maritime industry which is the industry where I served and ultimately understand the people, seafarers and offshore professionals involved in the operations.
Can you tell us about something exciting you are working on right now?
Having completed attendance on a cargo salvage matter upon joining the company, I am currently on secondment to the UAE region to further my skills and experience in the offshore survey and MWS arenas, as well as take the opportunity to work with experienced professionals in the region.
What does the future look like in energy and oceans in Africa?
The future of the energy front in Africa rests in an integrated energy approach incorporating low-carbon technologies whilst adapting sustainable and environmentally considerate strategies to grow the oil and gas sector. Africa presents its own unique narrative of the energy transition, with active growth across all sectors of the energy spectrum.
Southern Africa has been developing and researching significantly into renewable sources of wind and solar, as well as increased focus towards inland countries pursuing hydroelectric options of generation.
The oil and gas sector remains a pivotal and expanding industry, particularly in terms of gas supplies for energy introduction as well as base load supply source to allow adaptation from fossil fuel utilisation to gas power in heavy industries.
ABL seeks to mitigate risk of operations, and as such is committed to protecting the marine environment, being mindful both the vital roles the ocean plays in regulating climate, as well as providing sustainability to both subsistence and commercial undertakings.
Our future is one of Ubuntu. Enshrining this meaning of “humanity to others”, our future is one of innovation and sustainability for a just energy transition.
What do you enjoy in your spare time?
On my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, walking my dogs and camping and Overlanding in Africa. I also really enjoy Cycling and Motorsport. My favourite book is Richard Branson’s Autobiography ‘’Losing my Virginity’’, a book that truly inspired me.
Learn more about ABL South Africa.