For more than three decades, Hampidjan Advant has been a key partner to Shearwater. What began with a local delivery of shackles has evolved into a global technical partnership – centered around ropes, rigging and expert advice.

Together, they have solved complex challenges, pushed boundaries, and set a new standard for what a true partnership in the maritime industry can be. Headquartered in Bergen, Norway, Shearwater is a leading player in marine geoscience and seismic exploration. With proprietary technology and a world-class fleet, the company delivers precise subsurface insight to the energy industry, laying the groundwork for energy security and sustainable resource management beneath the seabed.

Behind the software and seismic data lies an extensive operational setup, involving large volumes of specialized equipment. This is where Vishal Chib and his team come in. As Source Towing Manager at Shearwater, he is responsible for survey design, towing simulations, and technical support to both vessels and ongoing projects.

“We handle everything mechanical related to our seismic systems,” says Chib. “That includes ropes, deflectors, rigging hardware, HP air system, Hydraulics system, and technical evaluations. We also support our commercial team during tenders and in developing new concepts.”

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More Than a Supplier

In this work, Hampidjan Advant plays a central role. According to Chib, the majority of Shearwater’s rigging hardware - from fiber ropes to shackles and specialized chains, comes from Hampidjan Advant.

“They're not just a supplier. They’re one of our most important technical partners.”

The relationship dates to when Hampidjan operated under the name Mørenot and mainly served the fisheries industry. It all began with a simple order for shackles. Over time, the partnership has grown in pace with Shearwater’s operations, and is now characterized by mutual trust, high availability and technical collaboration.

“For us, they are a reliable resource we can trust, both in day-to-day operations and long-term development.”

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Technical Expertise That Creates Value

One of the reasons this partnership is so strong is Hampidjan Advant’s role as a technical advisor. They're not just a manufacturer and supplier – they actively contribute with evaluations when new jobs are being planned.

“Whenever we plan a new survey, we consult Hampidjan Advant,” Chib explains. “They provide recommendations, specifications and help us choose the right solutions. It’s essential to involve the experts, and they are the experts.”

Their guidance also supports Shearwater’s sales processes, forming the technical foundation for documentation and towing simulations used in tenders.In this way, Hampidjan Advant is a key contributor, both operationally and commercially.

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Quality First – Every Time

When asked what Shearwater expects from its suppliers, Chib doesn’t hesitate:

“Quality is the most important factor. If a rope fails, the consequences ripple through the entire operation. It’s never just one component - failure scan cause project delays and significant financial losses. That’s why it’s important with products we can trust.”

Cost and delivery time also matter, but they are secondary to reliability.

“Quality comes first. Then we will consider cost and lead time. And Hampidjan Advant delivers on all three.”

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When Time Is Critical

In offshore operations, time is often a critical factor. Delays can trigger cascading costs. That’s why flexibility and fast response are invaluable, and Hampidjan Advant stands out in this regard.

“We’ve had several situations where we needed deliveries much faster than usual,” says Chib. “What would typically take four weeks was delivered in two. They go beyond what’s expected, and always meet our deadlines.”

One of the most demanding deliveries came during an OBN project in theNorth Sea. With over 7,000 nodes deployed using a “nodes-on-a-rope” system and three vessels involved, the project required massive volumes of rope within a tight timeframe.

“Hampidjan Advant delivered – on time. That project is now an internal benchmark for what successful collaboration looks like under pressure.”

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Progress Through Partnership

In addition to daily operations and logistics, innovation is a key part of the relationship. Shearwater is continuously exploring new technologies and designs – and challenges its partners to join the process. Hampidjan meets those challenges head-on.

“Recently, we challenged them on one of the components of deflector towing solutions,” says Chib. “They came back with suggestions, improvements – and challenged us right back. That’s how development works. Both sides bring solutions to the table and share the responsibility.”

This collaboration flows smoothly, thanks to the strong connection between the technical teams.

“We know each other well. There are no barriers – just openness and mutual respect. That allows us to move quickly, even when the projects are confidential or technically complex.”

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A New Standard – and the Benchmark for Future Partnerships

For Shearwater, a great partnership goes beyond price and products. It’s about trust, quality, and the ability to deliver when it truly matters. In that regard, Hampidjan Advant is acknowledged as one of the leading benchmarks in the industry.

“They set the standard,” says Chib. “It’s a level that’s hard to match –and it’s the one we use when evaluating other suppliers.”

What began with a local delivery has grown into a high-level strategic partnership – critical to Shearwater’s offshore operations.

“We have great respect for each other. We believe in long-term collaboration, and so does Hampidjan Advant. The relationship keeps getting stronger.”

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About Hampidjan Advant:

Hampidjan Advant is a key supplier of advanced fiber rope solutions and rigging systems for the maritime and offshore industries. With decades of experience and a strong focus on innovation, the company delivers high-performance products and technical expertise to customers worldwide. Hampidjan Advant is part of the Hampidjan Group, a global leader in specialized ropes and netting solutions.