Hette Kaastra – Proposals Coordinator, Allseas Marine Contractors Australia
Hette Kaastra did not expect to enter the oil and gas industry when he began studying civil engineering in Groningen, Netherlands.
He specialised in dredging during his degree, however upon completing an internship with subsea pipeline installation company Allseas, he was offered a job as a welding engineer.
The job offer came with the requirement of completing a post-graduate degree in
welding technology.
For two years Hette worked for Allseas while completing his welding engineering
post-graduate degree.
Allseas, which Hette describes as a “very innovative minded company”, has focused its core
business in subsea pipeline installation since 1985 while also providing services in heavy lifting and subsea construction.
The company has installed subsea pipelines for the Pluto, Wheatstone, Gorgon, Jansz, and the Tasmanian natural gas pipeline, and in 2014 added the world’s largest vessel by gross tonnage, Pioneering Spirit, to its fleet.
Hette has worked for Allseas for the past eight years, however, moved from welding engineering into its sales and marketing department three years ago.
“Having worked as a welding engineer for five years and onboard vessels for roughly two to three months a year across the world, I decided to move on,” Hette said.
He said his time as a young and passionate engineer has helped in his transition into sales and marketing as it allowed him to build a deep understanding
of Allseas’ products and core business.
In 2019, Hette moved to Perth with his spouse, with his parents and younger brother still living in the Netherlands.
When not working, Hette likes to stay active, especially when it comes to sailing, downhill skiing, cycling, and mountain biking.
He recently started kite surfing and playing golf as they are “have to do sports in Australia”.
“I have a very broad spectrum of interests, and I like to read papers on technology, finance, and sports,” Hette said.
He also enjoys meeting people and attending social catch-ups, which is why he joined the Petroleum Club as a member in January this year. “I like the diversity of people and companies,” he said.
“People from different industries can connect through the Petroleum Club, they attract people from young to old; starters to top managers; oil and gas operators to mining companies, technology developers, data analysts and financing companies.”