BY LINDA KJAERAAS

Over many years, Drilling Supervisor Svein-Inge Svela has been a driving force in facilitating, securing and renovating known landmarks in the Stavanger region. In recognition of his inspiring volunteer work, ConocoPhillips recently honored Svein-Inge with a 2023 Individual Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is given to an exceptional employee who has over a period of 20 years or more made outstanding volunteer grassroots contributions and demonstrated unparalleled commitment to the advancement of a community. 

“Many of us have grown up volunteering and have experienced how meaningful it is to contribute to the community,” Svein-Inge said. “While I've received the award for my volunteering efforts, many of my colleagues have a large stake in this. Together, we might have contributed to developing the company culture. This award also demonstrates how the company encourages you to be 100 percent yourself.”

A 37-year ConocoPhillips Norway veteran, Svein-Inge started as a young drilling supervisor after working in the Norwegian Armed Forces and on a floating rig. When offshore, he has responsibility for the Ekofisk 2/4 X drilling and wellhead platform in the North Sea.    

“The Armed Forces taught me leadership, camaraderie, the importance of creating confident teams, and not least the value of shared experiences. I brought this with me, and ConocoPhillips allowed me to further develop these values.”

Svein-Inge has mentored many colleagues over the years and is described as both inclusive and engaging. 

“I've always been interested in teamwork and achieving a sound culture of sharing. People need to believe in themselves and others to contribute in the best possible way. Trust is fundamental, but it takes time and culture to establish it. And it can be torn down in just a single moment. In drilling, you rely on making quick decisions and that everyone involved in the operation is confident that they can contribute and participate in solving the task.” 

Svein-Inge focuses on communication and takes every opportunity to give positive feedback. “It's a gift to sit in the coffee shack, smiling and laughing about shared experiences.” 

Safer trail to Pulpit Rock 

Svein-Inge has coordinated and planned teambuilding events for different departments. One day in Nov. 2002, he and a few colleagues hiked up to the scenic Pulpit Rock. On the way, they discovered that part of the route was not adequately secured. For a period after the hike, he and offshore colleagues ensured getting in place the necessary equipment for securing the trail.

“As a ConocoPhillips employee, you do not have the opportunity to turn your back on a problem. When you see it, you own it!” 

In addition to Pulpit Rock, Svein-Inge has been involved in several other local projects, including Kvassheim Lighthouse, Fjøløy Fort, Bakken Farm and developing stone stairways in Ryfylke. 

The jewel of the Jæren coast 

“Kvassheim Lighthouse has become a jewel, thanks in part to the teamwork of ConocoPhillips employees,” Svein-Inge said. "While we have contributed to the public’s hiking experience, work colleagues shared the experience and got to know each other better. And a lighthouse was quite symbolic.” 

To renovate the lighthouse, Svein-Inge helped organize cooperation between Jæren Friluftsråd, an inter-municipal nonprofit organization for recreation in the area, and ConocoPhillips. During off-duty time, he and many offshore colleagues invested countless hours contributing to make Kvassheim Lighthouse the jewel it is today. 

 Historical fort 

Since 2009, Svein-Inge has been working to maintain and renovate the historical Fjøløy Fort.

“I was asked to look at the fort’s cannon to see how it could be maintained after the Armed Forces left the area, and I was instantly convinced it could be done. Having spent many hours together on other projects, it wasn't hard to get colleagues to show up with paint brushes, shovels and hot dogs. Fjøløy Fort is a unique destination, and many ConocoPhillips employees take their Sunday walks in the area.”

Efforts in Ryfylke 

When Bakken Farm in the Lysefjord was awarded to the Norwegian Trekking Association in Stavanger, efforts to renovate the building hit the ground running. It was a challenging project, and as soon as word reached Svein-Inge that help was needed, he didn’t hesitate to set off for the fjord. But what a result they achieved! If you visit the farm, you need to take a closer look at the stonework in the courtyard; it features a Svela signature.

“Stacking rocks is like a jigsaw puzzle, requiring hard work and a lot of meditation,” Svein-Inge said. "You need to be completely focused when working with stone.”

If you’ve ever taken the trail up to Randåsen in Ryfylke, you may have seen the sign: Takk for trappa Svein Inge Svela (“Thanks for the stairways, Svein Inge Svela”). Svein-Inge does not know who posted the sign, but the long stairway was developed following one of his many hikes in the area, where he witnessed someone fall because the trail was not properly prepared.

“Of course, that meant: ‘when you see it, you own it,’ so, I had to strap my crowbar on my back and get started," Svein-Inge said. “It took two years, but the stairs are still in good condition today.” 

“I’ve been fortunate to work for ConocoPhillips with so many great colleagues. We have a lot of good stories and memories, and I've truly valued and learned from the work ethic that's always solution oriented. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my workmates for going the extra mile, and not least thank those who nominated me. I work with so many fantastic role models.”