Mark Kendall
Since 2017, Techfirm Canarias has been supporting the maritime industry digitalization trend. Based in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Spain) and founded by Oil & Gas telecom experts with decades of experience on the field, the company offers technical third party services to the Telco super Majors (VSAT, Satcoms, Wireless and Cellular).
Techfirm Canarias’ field engineers are trained at the highest industry standard (GWO, GVF, Manufacturer’s certifications, …) and a strong focus is given to safety and technical expertise.
Relying on a major partner network, the company also provides TVRO & Connectivity services at sea with technical capabilities in the main Maritime hubs!
Tell us about yourself?
Maritime passionate and Masters of Science | (TELECOM MSc at French Ecole Centrale ) with a strong background in the O&G and Yachting industries. Result-oriented, I love challenges and make the impossible a reality !
If you could go back in time a year or two, what piece of advice would you give yourself?
“Follow your dreams, they know the way!” – Entrepreneurship is a long journey !
What problem does your business solve?
Connectivity, Entertainment and TV at sea are our paramount. Our expert Team knows how to have your Fleet, Operations & Crew CONNECTED in a timely and cost-effective manner! Techfirm Canarias is bringing technological skills to the Maritime industry!
What is the inspiration behind your business?
After spending lots of time Offshore or in remote locations without any TV / Internet access, the founders decided to give up their duties in West Africa to bring their vision to the market by founding Techfirm Canarias in the Mid Atlantic hub (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria).
Meanwhile, seafarers recently won commitment to mandatory internet access in international law. Considering the technologies revolution, it’s obvious that the Maritime industry needs expert hands to support the digitalization process.
What is your magic sauce?
Our technical skills and internal culture are well appreciated in this small world! Our folks always deliver a professional job with happiness.
What is the plan for the next 5 years? What do you want to achieve?
Our plan is to confirm our technical leadership on the market by keeping our Technical team trained and ensuring we are mastering the latest technologies in terms of connectivity at sea.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?
During my previous positions, I remember a day when offshore workers in Nigeria went on strike because there was no TV on a platform…
I was mobilized quickly on site under strong pressure. There are some situations where you cannot say you cannot or something is missing – you just have to make it work no matter the effort…
Reporting and transparency with seafarers were key, so it was easy for me to have their support on each action requested to tackle the issue… and make it work !
How do people get involved/buy into your vision?
Techfirm Canarias is always open to enable new partnerships and deliver connectivity services at sea! We are based in the Canary Islands and support our maritime clients in West Africa, the Gulf of Mexico, the North Sea and the Med !
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