Mitch Johnson, a seasoned maritime and subsea operations expert, has taken the helm as Vice President at Aberdeen-based robotics firm HPR. With over 15 years of international experience under his belt, Johnson brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, most recently honed at Beam. His career trajectory includes a stint as Program Manager at Oceaneering, where he significantly advanced Underwater Inspection in Lieu of Drydocking (UWILD) capabilities on a global scale. His tenure at the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) further bolstered his expertise in classification and inspection services, setting a solid foundation for his new role.
HPR is betting big on UWILD as a key growth area, leveraging advances in miniaturized sensors and robotics technology. This shift allows the firm to offer services that were previously the domain of heavier, more costly equipment. The timing of Johnson’s appointment is strategic, following a transformative year for HPR after its acquisition by Ventex Studio. The new ownership has injected significant investment, opening up fresh markets for the business.
Jan Stander, HPR’s Managing Director, expressed enthusiasm about Johnson’s appointment. “We are excited to welcome Mitch to the team. His depth of expertise in subsea inspection and class certification, combined with his proven leadership in global operations, makes him an ideal fit for our next phase of growth.” Stander highlighted the technological advancements that enable HPR to make a substantial impact in subsea work that wasn’t feasible just five years ago. Johnson is expected to play a pivotal role in helping more companies in the Americas harness the benefits of miniature robotics.
Johnson’s career began at the United States Merchant Marine Academy, and he has since accumulated operational experience across the globe, from San Diego to Dubai, Singapore, and West Africa. This global perspective aligns perfectly with HPR’s international ambitions. Johnson himself is optimistic about his new role. “HPR is a fantastic business that is driving down the cost of subsea inspection, intervention, and repair through its growing capabilities. I’m excited to join at such a dynamic time and help drive its continued success across the Americas and beyond.”
Over the past year, HPR has doubled its turnover, rebranded, expanded its fleet, and relocated to the Aberdeen Energy Transition Zone. The company, known for its work with oil and gas giants like Shell, Wood, and EnQuest, is now making waves in the offshore wind sector. HPR’s robots recently delivered live footage of the intricate operation to land subsea power cables for the Dogger Bank project, which will power six million homes.
With Mitch Johnson now on board, HPR is poised to scale its innovative subsea technologies into new global markets and play a leading role in the energy transition. The maritime industry is watching closely, as this strategic hire could reshape the landscape of subsea inspection and intervention. The question now is, how will other players in the sector respond to this move, and what innovations will emerge as a result? The future of subsea operations is looking increasingly robotic, and HPR is at the forefront of this technological tide.