Erik Kold Bakkevig – The Driving Force Behind Kystdesign

Erik Kold Bakkevig was immersed in every aspect of the business. A detail-driven engineer, he had a hand in nearly every project—providing valuable and honest feedback, sharing expertise, refining solutions, and occasionally sprinkling in one of his many captivating stories.

Until his passing in 2022, Erik was an active driving force in determining the direction of our technology. He charted a course based on broad expertise and experience, a passion for technology and a healthy dose of creative ideas.

Erik’s focus was clear: to explore new depths and tackle challenges where others couldn’t.

From ROV Pilot to Entrepreneur
Erik’s career began in 1985 as an ROV pilot with Stolt Nilsen Seaway, where he worked offshore until 1991.

After transitioning to land-based roles, Erik took on positions as project engineer and project manager for various R&D initiatives, eventually becoming Technical Manager for the Subsea Services division.

In 1997, he co-founded Interov AS, which was soon acquired by Seateam Management AS, later merging with DSND Subsea AS.

A One-Man Operation, now a Thriving Business
While his former colleagues from Stolt Nilsen Seaway went on to form DeepOcean in 1999, Erik brought his passion and entrepreneurial spirit to Pål Eides’ single owned business at the time—Kystdesign AS.

Erik had a vision from the start—improving ROVs, implementing upgrades, and establishing an engineering and design environment dedicated to professional subsea equipment.

By late summer that same year, Åge Holsbrekken and Knut Ståle Storesund joined the team, and together they set the stage for Kystdesign’s evolution, in Smedasundet 1.

A decade into this entrepreneurial journey, Erik became the sole owner of Kystdesign in 2009.

Not the Biggest, the Best
Erik’s aim was never to be the largest, but to lead in underwater technology. His unmatched attention to detail, expertise, and passion earned him the respect of everyone around him.

When meeting with major clients, it wasn’t about what sweater he wore or focusing on formalities. What mattered most was the technical expertise and solutions.

He wasn’t concerned with controlling the organisational or administrative details, such as the exact schedule or meeting room. What mattered most to Erik was creating user-friendly, reliable, and robust products.

Hydraulic precision at its finest.

A Lasting Legacy
Erik Kold Bakkevig passed away in July 2022 after battling a prolonged illness.

His legacy extends far beyond the technology and direction he helped shape at Kystdesign—he left a profound impact on the people within the company. His unique multidisciplinary understanding, practical insight, and strategic thinking are constant sources of inspiration.

His guiding principle lives on in our daily work: “Work should be fun.”

Erik was known for his thoroughness in everything he did, not just as an engineer but also as someone who lived life fully. On sunny days, it was not unusual to find the office suddenly empty, with Erik off diving, flying gliders, or paragliding.

As one of our engineers aptly put it:

“Erik was a pillar and a role model for me professionally, but also a great guy with a good sense of humor.”

Carrying the Vision Forward
Erik undeniably laid the foundation for the robust and dynamic workplace Kystdesign is today. We have achieved the goal of becoming a world-leading ROV company, especially in deepwater ROVs for ocean research, fast ROVs for inspections and net cleaners for the aquaculture industry.

Erik witnessed his vision become a reality, leaving an indelible mark by elevating Haugesund’s subsea industry to global recognition.

Following his passing, Erik’s family heirs and colleagues have taken over the ownership of the company, and the growth has continued with a steep upward curve.

From a one-man business in the 1990s, Kystdesign now boasts a dedicated team of over 60 engineers and production specialists, all housed in new and modern facilities in Aksdal.

We, his colleagues at Kystdesign, are grateful to have worked alongside Erik, some of us for over 30 years. Erik will always be remembered, and his vision will continue to guide us.