We were delighted to have the opportunity to sit down with Fergus McCann, Senior Director at Aize, as he reflected on his remarkable career journey in the subsea sector ahead of his retirement.
With decades of industry experience, Fergus provides insights into the evolution of subsea asset integrity inspections – from the early days of computerisation to the digital transformation that brought us Cobias, and now, Integrity Elementz.
In this conversation, Fergus shares valuable perspectives on safety, sustainability, and the benefits of digital solutions, along with his vision for the industry’s future – a future we’re committed to shaping by redefining industry standards today.
Reflecting on a Transformative Career in Subsea Asset Integrity
Fergus McCann reflects: ‘I’ve been programming since the days of punch cards and have witnessed the evolution of technology from its early stages to today’s cutting-edge AI. With a long and fulfilling career in software development and design, I’ve contributed to a wide array of advancements, particularly in the energy sector.
The Early Days: From Punch Cards to Pioneering Concepts
My career began in the early 1980s when I joined a small company called Orca. Back then, I was employee number nine, simply referred to as “the programmer.” Orca was a transformative company for the industry, driving innovation and shaping the way it operates today. During my time there, we developed crucial concepts, like anomalies detection, an idea introduced by Ken Slavin, which revolutionised how the industry functions.
It was an exciting period of invention and collaboration, and after my time at Orca, I ventured out to start my own company. Eventually, I joined forces with a few ex-Orca colleagues, and together we founded what would become Coabis.
Moving From Paper to Digital: A Transformation in Process
At Coabis, our mission was clear: we wanted to change the world. And we did. We played a pivotal role in transitioning the industry from a paper-based workflow to what we now call “digital” (or as we termed it back then, “computerised”).
This shift from manual paperwork to digital systems streamlined the industry, allowing companies to move faster and more efficiently. A significant milestone in my career came in 1994 when AKER acquired our company. From there, I expanded my expertise into project management and project controls, covering the entire lifecycle from concept to decommissioning.
Learning the Industry and the Power of Data
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned over the years is the importance of data. In every phase of a project—whether it’s engineering, construction, or decommissioning—data plays a crucial role. Understanding what data is needed and how to use it effectively has been one of my key strengths.
More recently, I’ve worked on developing what we now refer to as “digital twins.” This innovation allows us to create a virtual model of a physical system, helping us to optimise performance, predict potential issues, and extend the lifecycle of assets. We applied those lessons to completely redesign Coabis, making it more configurable and expandable for future use.
Building a Sustainable Future: The Integrity Cycle
One of the most important aspects of sustainability in the industry is managing the “integrity cycle.” By shortening this cycle, companies can save significant amounts of money, time, and energy while ensuring safety and efficiency. Our software, Integrity Elementz, is designed to streamline this process.
At its core, Elementz helps us answer a fundamental question: “Are we safe, and can we prove it?” The solutions DNA revolves around gathering data, analysing it, and making informed decisions to ensure safety. Whether it’s identifying potential issues or using findings to make better decisions for the future, Elementz plays a critical role in keeping operations safe, cost-effective, and sustainable.
Key Moments in the Industry: From Human Factors to Robotics
Over the years, I’ve witnessed many key events in the industry, some of which could have had disastrous consequences if not for careful intervention. In the 1980s, for instance, we discovered a broken member in a jacket (an underwater structure used to support offshore structures) that no one had expected. It was a stark reminder of how simple human factors can have far-reaching effects.
Technology has evolved dramatically since those early days. What once took divers five months to inspect can now be accomplished in a single day using an ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) and advanced techniques like flooded member detection. These advancements have made the industry faster, safer, and more efficient.
Beyond the tangible benefits, a key advantage of bringing all the data together in one platform is the ability to make better decisions, quicker. The subsea industry, notorious for poor data management, is now evolving thanks to solutions like Elementz, which enable teams to access, track, and share data effortlessly.
Looking Back and Looking Forward: 50 Years of Industry Evolution
Fifty years ago, this industry didn’t exist in the way it does today. There were no standards, no qualifications, and everything was done on paper. When we started Coabis, our first task was simply to print paper more quickly. What used to take a team of people six months was now being done in a day.
Then came the realisation: why print paper at all? Why not input the data directly into the computer? At the time, that idea seemed too modern, but now, it’s the standard across the industry.
Looking forward, I believe robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) will continue to drive change. The core of what we do—going to a site, checking for degradation, recording findings, and making decisions—won’t change. What will change is the speed, accuracy, and efficiency with which we do it, thanks to AI and automation.
That’s what Elementz is all about—empowering the industry to work faster, smarter, and safer by putting the right data into the right hands at the right time.
In the end, it’s been an incredible journey from the days of punch cards to the era of AI. But no matter how much the technology changes, the principles of good software design and the importance of data remain the same. Here’s to the next wave of innovation.
Ready to Transform Your Subsea Operations?
Fergus McCann’s journey highlights the power of innovation in subsea asset integrity. Are you ready to take your operations to the next level with cutting-edge digital solutions? Discover how Elementz can streamline your processes, enhance safety, and improve efficiency.
Contact us today to learn more about how our platform can revolutionise your asset management and shape the future of your business.
