For Andre Erasmus, commercial diving wasn’t always part of the plan – but the influence of friends in the industry encouraged him to take the plunge. What began as a hands-on career underwater evolved into something larger: a passion for mastering the complexities of marine civil construction. Over the years, Andre has progressed from diver to Project Manager, transforming firsthand experience into leadership and technical expertise.
Andre’s career spans the globe, taking him to some of the most challenging offshore environments. He has worked in locations ranging from the Red Sea to the Gulf of Mexico and from Angola to Nigeria, managing high-risk oil and gas projects, including pipeline installation, riser installation, and extensive salvage operations. His offshore expertise encompasses deepwater construction, maintenance, and emergency response – particularly evident in his pivotal role during the significant salvage operations post-Hurricane Katrina, where he played a crucial part in decommissioning and recovering damaged oil platforms. These experiences have bolstered his ability to tackle problems under pressure, navigate harsh marine conditions, and uphold safety in unpredictable situations.
No two days in marine construction are alike, and that’s precisely what he thrives on. Whether facing challenging underwater conditions like strong currents and zero visibility or overseeing substantial projects such as Centenary Bridge, Breakfast Creek Cross River Rail, and Wathagar Fish Screens, he ensures that every job is meticulously planned to avoid delays and achieve the best possible outcome. His extensive knowledge of underwater scopes makes him a vital asset to the team, bridging the gap between diving performance and high-level project planning.
One of his most rewarding projects? The Kingsford Smith Drive (KSD) upgrade, a significant infrastructure development that tested both engineering precision and underwater execution. Since joining Commercial Marine Group in 2016, Andre has been instrumental in remediating thousands of piles with systems such as Denso, UCC, PileJax, and PileMedic. He has acted as the lead supervisor on CMG’s UGL Pty Limited contract and has made significant contributions to various major CMG projects, which include:
- QAL Waste Line 4 Upgrade, South Trees Gladstone
- Port North Pipeline, Brisbane
- Kingsford Smith Drive Upgrade, Brisbane
- GPT Riverwalk Pile Remediation
- Hamilton Northshore
- Ampol Wharf Upgrade
Looking ahead, Andre is enthusiastic about the future of marine construction, particularly innovations in jack-up pile installations—a method that could boost efficiency and lessen reliance on traditional pile wrapping.
When he’s not managing marine projects, you’ll find him camping, golfing, or fishing – or perhaps enjoying a binge session of Yellowstone. Because whether on-site or off the grid, Andre understands the importance of a well-deserved break.