NOR Offshore Rental (NOR) today announced the acquisition of ECHO81, a leading US-based provider of subsea survey equipment and technical services. The acquisition marks a significant step in NOR’s global growth strategy and strengthens the company’s position in the North American market.
“The acquisition of ECHO81 represents an important milestone in our journey to become a truly global provider of offshore and subsea solutions and equipment rentals,” said Tore Gautesen, CEO of NOR Offshore Rental. “Damon and his team have built an exceptional business with deep industry knowledge and a customer-focused culture that aligns perfectly with ours. We are very proud to welcome ECHO81 into the NOR family.”
ECHO81 is headquartered in Hartwell (Georgia), with offices in Houston, Maine and New Jersey. The team has built a strong reputation as a trusted supplier of hydrographic and oceanographic equipment, serving customers across the Americas. With this acquisition, NOR Offshore Rental adds a strategic hub for equipment rental, sales, and support services in the US, complementing its existing operations in Norway, the UK, India, Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia.
Founder and main shareholder of NOR, Jan Sigurd Østebøvik gives following comment on the acquisition “We have followed Echo81 for some time and I have great respect for Damon Wolfe as a person, and how he and his team have built a well-run and highly respected company in the U.S. This acquisition will give NOR a stronger presence in the United States and reinforces our position across key geographic markets and customer segments. I’m very pleased that Damon will become a shareholder in NOR, reflecting our shared commitment to long-term growth.”
As part of the transaction, ECHO81 founder Damon Wolfe will be staying on as Regional Director for NOR US and Americas regions operations. The combination of NOR’s extensive rental fleet and ECHO81’s regional experience will enable customers on both sides of the Atlantic to access a broader range of equipment and technical services. NOR will make substantial investment in equipment in the US to further strengthen its offering and support continued growth in the region.
“Joining NOR Offshore Rental is an exciting next step for ECHO81,” said Damon Wolfe, CEO of ECHO81. “We share the same values—technical excellence, service quality, and strong relationships with our clients. This partnership gives us the resources and global reach to accelerate our growth while continuing to deliver the personal service our customers value.”
“This is a significant step forward for NOR,” said Jostein Jansen, CCO of NOR Offshore Rental Group. “By joining forces, we can now offer the best of both worlds – local presence and global capacity. Our clients will benefit from greater access to top-tier rental solutions, and the consistent, high-quality service NOR is known for.”
