Kenneth Fjeldstad joined Benchmark Animal Health at the start of May 2022, based in Bergen. In his role as Technical Services Specialist, Kenneth works to ensure wellboats have the correct equipment and that their crews are provided with sufficient training and support to allow treatments to be carried out successfully and at optimal standards. Kenneth brings expert knowledge to Benchmark, having served as Chief Engineer on multiple vessels and as a Technical Inspector ensuring compliance with Norwegian Maritime Authority standards.
What is a typical day at your job? What are your key responsibilities?
A typical day of work can vary so much. From carrying out audits and assessments onboard vessels to planning future treatments with new customers, and new wellboats. My key responsibilities are ensuring all wellboats planned for treating with Ectosan® Vet meet the requirements of the SPC (Summary of Product Characteristics) and that all crew is suitably trained and prepared for treatments.
No two vessels are exactly the same, so we must work daily to improve our knowledge to best be able support customers in achieving the best possible results. I’m also looking ahead on future wellboats, which present opportunities to evolve our treatment, finding possible improvements for increased efficiency.
How did you get started in the industry? What did you study and what was your first job?
I studied to be a Bachelor Graduate Marine Engineer and obtained an M1 license, allowing me to work as a Chief Engineer on almost any vessel in the world. When I moved into the aquaculture industry, I started as a Chief Engineer on wellboats and I then jumped at the chance to start working on the pharmacological side of the industry. My first job wasn’t related to aquaculture, I worked as a lathe operator for a small company in Bergen, manufacturing prototype equipment for a variety of industries.
What is your goal for the future or your biggest priority in 2023?
One of my main goals for the future is to build and develop a competence base for wellboat technology and equipment across suppliers. I hope that as a business, Benchmark can continue to utilise all the specialist knowledge at our disposal and collaborate with customers to optimize the use of Ectosan® Vet on their wellboats.
