In a move that’s sure to send ripples through the maritime tech scene, Phoenix International Holdings, Inc. has just snagged Scott Hansen to lead their Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Division. Hansen, a seasoned pro with two decades under his belt in Marine Engineering and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), is no stranger to the high-stakes world of underwater exploration. He’s traversed the globe, dipping his toes into research, scientific, biological, and oceanographic industries, and even spent six years in the merchant marine industry, climbing the ranks from Assistant Engineer to Superintendent Engineer. Talk about a guy who knows his way around a ship!
Hansen’s journey began at Maine Maritime Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Engineering Technology. Since then, he’s worn many hats—technician, pilot, advisor—and now, he’s adding Project Manager to his impressive resume. But what does this mean for Phoenix International and the AUV sector as a whole?
Steve Benjamin, Commercial Operations Manager at Phoenix, is thrilled about the new addition. “Scott Hansen joins Phoenix as a Project Manager with underwater robotics experience spanning from technician to pilot, to advisor. His technological expertise and hands on approach makes him an excellent choice to effectively manage our day-to-day offshore AUV operations,” Benjamin said. This isn’t just a hire; it’s a statement. Phoenix is doubling down on their commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible underwater.
So, what’s next for the AUV industry? With Hansen at the helm, Phoenix could very well become the gold standard for offshore AUV operations. His extensive experience and hands-on approach could lead to more efficient, safer, and innovative underwater missions. But let’s not forget, the maritime industry is a beast of its own. It’s not just about having the best tech; it’s about navigating the unpredictable, the challenging, and the downright dangerous. Hansen’s diverse background and problem-solving skills could be the key to unlocking new possibilities in this ever-evolving field.
Moreover, this move could spark a trend in the industry. Other companies might start looking for candidates with similarly diverse backgrounds and hands-on experience. After all, when you’re dealing with the deep, dark ocean, you need more than just book smarts. You need grit, adaptability, and a whole lot of experience.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Hansen’s first order of business will be to hit the ground running, managing Phoenix’s day-to-day offshore AUV operations. How he tackles this challenge will set the tone for his tenure and, potentially, the future of the AUV industry. One thing’s for sure, though—with Hansen at the helm, Phoenix International is in for an exciting ride. And the rest of the industry? Well, they’ll be watching closely, ready to see what tricks Hansen has up his sleeve.
