Nicholas Mackenley is an Engineering Geologist / GIS Analyst with over three years of experience supporting offshore renewable projects through all stages of the development process. Experienced in survey support activities including but not limited to survey scope and specification, general survey support, OCR work, QA/QC of field/factual data, technical reports, and other deliverables. Nicholas has proven expertise in the development and execution of geotechnical survey strategies and collaborates effectively with interdisciplinary teams to consistently deliver high-quality results for clients.
How has your journey with Global Maritime evolved since you joined?
I originally joined Global Maritime between my second and third year of university as part of an industry placement year. During this time, I worked within the Geospatial team, building core skills in data management, spatial data analysis, report writing, and GIS-based problem solving. I was exposed to an interesting and varied set of projects across the globe, each presenting its own unique challenges. This required me to quickly adapt and learn as project needs evolved.
After completing my placement year, I returned to university to finish my Earth Science degree. Following graduation a year later, I rejoined Global Maritime in a new capacity, now dividing my time between the Engineering Geology and Geospatial teams. This hybrid role allows me to combine both geological and geospatial skillsets/understanding, applying them directly to project work.
Overall, my journey has evolved from learning foundational skills to developing complex technical skills and applying them on increasingly technical and meaningful engineering tasks and projects.
Could you tell us what your role in Global Maritime entails?
My role involves supporting a broad range of offshore engineering projects, with responsibilities and tasks that vary throughout the year depending on client requirements and work scopes. This has included tasks such as the production of CAD storyboards for marine operations in the North Sea; working offshore as an Offshore Client Representative to oversee activities on geotechnical surveys; carrying out anchor optioneering assessments for large-scale floating offshore windfarms by assessing paleo-site conditions and present day distribution of engineering geological units to determine suitable anchor technologies; investigating subsea cable damage caused by suspected anchor strike, particularly in areas with very soft seabed sediments where traditional cable burial offers limited protection; and preparation of Scope of Works and Technical Specifications for numerous offshore geotechnical surveys across the UK continental shelf.
These varied tasks are a few highlights from a large range of projects I have been involved with, reflecting the breadth of my role and the engaging nature of work at Global Maritime.
What has been your most rewarding experience at Global Maritime so far?
My most rewarding experience at Global Maritime so far has been the opportunity to go offshore as an Offshore Client Representative. This experience allowed me to broaden my understanding of offshore geotechnical operations and see things from a different perspective when compared to office-based work. Being offshore meant I could observe lessons learned first-hand - seeing what went well, what could have gone better, and how those insights could be fed directly into future scope of works and technical specifications. This quality-focused understanding has already shaped improvements in documentation and planning for upcoming offshore works.
In addition, this role helped me gain exposure to (relatively) deep-sea API drilling techniques to collect samples and perform in-situ tests on a novel floating offshore windfarm site. This has been extremely beneficial for both my own understanding and Global Maritime’s – as due to the deeper-than-usual water depths, the operations introduced challenges that do not tend to appear in shallower water. Witnessing how these issues were managed and mitigated has broadened my understanding of offshore operations and contributed significantly to my own professional development.
Lastly, what do you enjoy most about working at Global Maritime?
There’s a fantastic group of people within Global Maritime who all help contribute to a collaborative and supportive environment. Colleagues actively want to see one another grow, offering help, guidance, and knowledge whenever needed. There is a strong emphasis on continuous development, with access to valuable training programs and career experiences. In addition, Global Maritime provides opportunities such as offshore work experience, conferences (both attending and presenting), field trips, and industry events, each providing invaluable exposure that has broadened my skillset, built my confidence, and supported my long-term professional growth.
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