Our people are our greatest asset
Norship’s workforce combines skill, experience, and dedication to deliver reliable outcomes across Defence, commercial, and marine sectors.
Trusted Maritime Solutions
Delivering the full spectrum of maritime solutions across Australasia and the Pacific.
Norship is proud to have one of the largest maritime workforces in Northern Australia, with a reputation built on skill, reliability, and experience. As the largest employer for ship repair and maintenance inFar North Queensland, we operate one of only three major shipyards within the Cairns Marine Precinct.Our strength also extends beyond Cairns. With a dedicated team based in Darwin and projects delivered across the Pacific and Australasia, we provide comprehensive maritime services wherever they are needed.
This breadth of capability reflects our deep heritage in maritime heavy industry. Over decades, Norship has evolved into a trusted partner inasset sustainment, engineering, and vessel construction—supporting commercial operators, defence clients, and regional communitie sacross the region.
Our People at the Centre
A Skilled and Diverse Team
At the heart of Norship is our people. Our diverse team of highly skilled employees and qualified tradespeople spans every area of the maritime industry, including:
- Certified machinists, fitters & turners, shipwrights, coating specialists, electronics and electrical technicians, fabricators, and boilermakers
- Dock masters and an experienced shipyard docking team
- Engineers, naval architects and technical writers (RINA, EA and RPEQ, RCM, DCACAS, FRACAS, RCA, configuration management)
- Quality assurance, customer service and corporate services specialists (QA, GRC, HSES, HR, BD, and chartered accountants)
- Logistics, procurement, and warehouse management professionals.
This combination of trades, technical expertise, and support services ensures Norship delivers excellence across every project, while also offering diverse and rewarding career pathways for our workforce.
Guided by experience, driven by purpose
Norship’s leadership team brings together deep industry knowledge and strategic vision to steer the company forward, ensuring excellence across every level of operation.
Olav Groot
CEO, Norship
Olav Groot (MSc, TFIEAust, RPEQ, CENG, GAICD) has a passion for maritime and advanced manufacturing industries. Olav is the Chief Executive Officer for Norship, overseeing the provision of all aspects of ‘In Service Support’ and ‘Through Life Asset Management Services’ in the Australasian / Asia Pacific region in the maritime domain for the Varley Group.
Jeff Phillips
Managing Director, Varley Group
Jeff Phillips has transformed a smaller family engineering business into an extremely successful, reputable and diverse company with over 1,000 employees at multiple sites Australia-wide.
Skilled hands, shared purpose
Norship’s workforce reflects a culture of respect, equality, and teamwork. We value diverse backgrounds and shared commitment, creating a safe and inclusive environment where talent thrives.
