Technical inspections without the hassle: Control Union handles it

Safety is a top priority for many AYOP members. This is also the case for one of our newest members: Control Union. Bram Takes (Operations Manager) and Koen Backer van Ommeren (Director of Business Development & Innovation) tell us about the importance of inspections, innovations, new methods, and their AYOP membership.

Technical inspections for the offshore industry

Control Union conducts technical inspections for the offshore industry. “Basically, we inspect work equipment, meaning anything used in heavy duty environments to move goods, loads, and personnel,” says Koen Backer van Ommeren. “Think of hoisting and lifting equipment on board ships and platforms, or used to move loads between ship and quay. We also assess the safety of structures and the quality of welds, and inspect Personal Fall Protection Equipment (PFPE). All inspections we conduct contribute to a safe working environment for our clients and their employees and prevent operational problems.”

Control Union conducts inspections for the oil and gas industry, offshore wind, and maritime service providers. Operations manager Bram Takes tells more about their clients: “We have a large number of Dutch offshore operators as clients and I’m very proud of that. We’ve been working with most of them for 15 to over 20 years. These long-standing relationships speak volumes about the trust our clients place in us. Because we operate globally, we can provide excellent service to our clients. Wherever their vessels are sailing, we can always assist them.” Koen adds: “For one of our largest clients, we conduct many inspections on vessels installing wind farms. These vessels travel all over the world, so sometimes we perform inspections in the Netherlands and sometimes while underway during a project. For such a client, we can clearly demonstrate our capabilities. Large vessels carry a lot of equipment that must be safe and certified. This also allows us to continuously expand our services.”

Independent and efficient

What sets Control Union apart from other inspection companies, according to Bram, is their mentality: “We simply take care of it. We work with experienced permanent employees instead of freelancers. With our in-house expertise, we can completely unburden our clients. The work simply has to be done right, without any hassle.” Koen: “We’ve been doing this for almost 30 years and have built up a wealth of knowledge. We don’t just look at approvals or rejections, but we can also advise on correct use, maintenance, and whether there are options that might be more suitable for their applications. Because we’re not a manufacturer, we’re completely independent. We can facilitate or organize purchasing on request, but we act as an intermediary and put the client’s needs first.”

Digitalization and innovation

Digitalization plays a major role in Control Union’s work. Koen, Director of Business Development & Innovation, explains: “We use digital software for inspections. During the inspection, we work with a tablet, which allows us to report efficiently and quickly. We deliver 1,500 to 2,000 inspection reports per project. By working digitally, we reduce the risk of errors. Customers have direct access to the reports via an online portal. This portal is tailored to customer needs and also offers the option of uploading their own documents and certificates. This allows us to collaborate effectively.”

Control Union is also continuously innovating in the field of inspection methods. “We are expanding our services with methods such as advanced non-destructive testing and ultrasonic inspections. The latter isn’t a new technology in itself, but for us, it’s a new service we can offer, arising from customer needs. We are also working with a partner to monitor the status of welded joints in an innovative way. We will share more about this at the Offshore Energy trade fair.”

Collaborating within a strong network

During the Offshore Energy Exhibition & Conference 2025 at the RAI, Control Union will be present at the AYOP Pavilion. Bram: “AYOP organizes excellent events, has a strong membership base, and offers a great way to present the company at trade fairs like Offshore Energy. We already collaborate with many members: at the meeting at WIND in September, I met a lot of familiar faces.” Koen adds: “In a rapidly changing world, collaboration is crucial. You see that Western Europe, and especially the Netherlands, plays a major role in the development of offshore energy. Whether it’s wind farms in the US, Taiwan, or Japan: the companies installing them are almost all Dutch or Western European. The subcontractors involved are as well. To tackle these kinds of challenges together, a strong network is essential.”