Working offshore means working through trust and consensus with a keen focus on everyone’s well-being; especially because roles are rotational and shared by different people.

Malene, Offshore Installation Manager

Meet Malene, our first female Offshore Installation Manager

On Halfdan B platform in the North Sea

Malene is one of a growing number of women working offshore in TotalEnergies Denmark and has been with us since 2001, starting as a Process Engineer Trainee and working her way up to become an Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) in 2022 on the Halfdan B platform. She shares her story of how she got there, what she loves about her job, and what she has experienced as a female leader in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Malene was born and raised in Odense, where she developed an interest in engineering and technology. She moved to Esbjerg to pursue a civil engineering degree at Aalborg University Esbjerg campus. She met Maersk Oil at a job fair and after graduating, she joined as a Process Engineer Trainee. This gave her the first opportunity to work abroad for the company – a short stint in Singapore

After working as Process Engineer for 8 years, Malene moved to Qatar with her family, where she gained valuable managerial experience and cultural intelligence in a diverse and dynamic environment.

A new leap, a new adventure

After having been abroad for several years, Malene decided to take a new leap in her career and moved offshore as an OIM on Halfdan B platform. She was ready for a new challenge and a new adventure and saw this as a natural next step. She wanted to apply her knowledge and skills working with offshore on Halfdan B and learn from the people who work on the front line of operation.

As OIM, she works in a fixed offshore rotation. It starts with 2 weeks offshore followed by 3 weeks leave and then 1 week at the office before returning to the platform. Malene enjoys this rhythm of working full speed and focusing 100% on her job for 2 when she is offshore and then having the focused, quality time.

Even when she is offshore, she is never far away from her family.

“I stay in touch with friends and family, facetiming with my kids every morning and evening to share stories and keep updated”. Many of her offshore colleagues have already ‘met’ her family on those regular calls, extending her family to her colleagues on the North Sea.

“Working offshore suits my sense of work-life balance perfectly but it does require good planning and communication with the family. Before I took the job offshore, I discussed all the pros and cons with my family – it’s important that it is a shared and supported decision. But it does bring a flexibility and balance to my personal life.”Malene

Malene´s funfacts

Got her engineering degree in 2001

Joined the oil industry after visiting a job fair

Likes to challenge herself and enjoys the periodical freedom that working offshore provides for her and her family

A female leader in a ‘male environment’

Malene enjoys being a female leader in an historically male-dominated industry.

Some people offshore also thought she was a new medic - and some were unsure about how to work with a female boss.

“What worked for me was to establish clear expectations and boundaries with my team members - while also being able to relax and have fun with them. In general, I received a very warm welcome and support from the team on Halfdan B and I could not wish for a better place to stay.” Malene

A role model, an ambassador

“I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire more women to pursue careers in engineering and offshore operations, and to break the stereotypes and barriers that sometimes still exist. There are many opportunities and benefits for women who work in this field – it is not only rewarding professionally but also personally. I have grown tremendously by working offshore and it has given me a unique perspective and appreciation of life."

“The only way to break down prejudices and assumptions about women working offshore is to have more women offshore. It is a misconception that offshore work involves heavy lifting and craftsman work. Offshore work has changed a lot over the years and not all roles require a background in the trades. There are many opportunities for women with a range of skills and qualifications.”

Finally, Malene’s advice to all the women and in general younger people in STEM disciplines to follow their passion and curiosity for a fulfilling and meaningful career.

“Choose a field that sparks your interest and enthusiasm, and that challenges you to grow and learn. Trust your own judgment and preferences, and don’t let others dictate what you should do. Don’t base your career choice on how much money you can make, but on how much satisfaction and joy you can get from it. Remember that your career is a long-term journey, so make sure it is something that you can envision yourself doing for many years to come.”Malene

TotalEnergies is so much more than oil and gas. It is a place where you can pursue your passion, challenge yourself, and make an impact being part of a multi-energy company.

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