Northern Ocean Ltd. Welcomes Arne Jacobsen as New CEO

Arne Jacobsen to Lead Northern Ocean Ltd. into a New Era of Offshore Drilling Excellence and Strategic Growth

Arne Jacobsen Brings Expertise and Vision to Drive Northern Ocean Ltd.’s Growth in Offshore Drilling


Northern Ocean Ltd. (NOL) has announced the appointment of Arne Jacobsen as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective August 20, 2024. Jacobsen steps into this role with a robust background in the oil and gas industry, coupled with a track record of successful leadership in complex operational environments.

Before joining NOL, Jacobsen served as CEO of Orion, a prominent joint venture between Hayfin Capital and Transocean. In this capacity, he also acted as a senior investment advisor for Hayfin Capital’s oil and gas portfolio, bringing a wealth of financial acumen and strategic insight to his new position at Northern Ocean Ltd.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Jacobsen highlighted the significant potential of NOL’s assets—two of the most advanced offshore drilling units in the industry. He emphasized his commitment to leveraging these strengths to explore growth opportunities, all while maintaining a sharp focus on safe and efficient operations that will yield attractive returns for shareholders.

Jacobsen’s extensive experience extends beyond investment. He has held senior positions in key global markets, including Brazil, South Korea, and Norway, during his tenure at Songa Offshore and Ocean Rig. His deep industry knowledge and comprehensive understanding of both operational and commercial dynamics position him uniquely to steer NOL towards sustained growth and innovation in the offshore drilling sector.

Gary Casswell, Chairman of NOL’s Board of Directors, expressed confidence in Jacobsen’s leadership, noting that his deep industry expertise and proven track record make him the ideal leader to guide NOL through its next phase of growth and development.

With Jacobsen at the helm, Northern Ocean Ltd. is poised to strengthen its position in the offshore drilling market, capitalizing on his strategic vision and operational prowess to drive the company forward.