Film. NDT tough interview with Harald
April 22, 2025 | David Campos
For many, Iceland's rugged landscapes are a postcard-perfect destination. But for professionals like Harald, they are a daily workplace, complete with icy winds, snowstorms, and midnight calls. With 20 years of experience under his belt, Harald embodies resilience, determination, and deep technical expertise that keep Iceland’s critical infrastructure running smoothly.
As we drive through the mountains, the wind howls outside, and the road ahead is flanked by snow-covered peaks.
NDT in Iceland isn’t for the faint of heart. But for those who brave the elements, it’s a job that truly matters.
Haraldur J. Baldursson, founder of HB Technology services
Where are we headed?
"We're driving from Kjalarnes toward Reykjavík, up the hills to Hellisheiði on Route 1, between Hveragerði and Reykjavík, home to ON Power’s large geothermal plant."
A Career Forged in Ice and Steel
How long have you been working in NDT?
This year marks 20 years since I started in 2004. I initially worked in the cooling and freezing industry, big power freezing plants around Iceland. But I wanted to try something new, so I started working with a guy doing ultrasonic thickness measurements on fishing vessels.
Soon after, a large company in Iceland approached me for specific types of inspections. To qualify, I needed a Level 2 ultrasonic testing certification. I took my courses with Force Technology in Denmark, first Level 1, then Level 2 a few months later in 2005. That certification allowed me to conduct weld inspections for Iceland Drilling, a company I've been working with since 2006. For almost 18 years, I’ve been performing casing and welding inspections for them.
The Path to Entrepreneurship.
What was your background before entering NDT?
I studied marine engineering in Iceland and earned a mechanical license. I also attended marine engineering school and completed a workshop degree. Later, I went to Denmark for a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at Maskinmester Skolen. Before that, I had to complete preparatory courses in mathematics and physics.
"NDT in Iceland isn’t for the faint of heart. But for those who brave the elements, it’s a job that truly matters."
Haraldur J. Baldursson, founder of HB Technology services
When did you start your own company?
I started my own company in 2004 or 2005 because I was working independently and needed a legal entity for billing and operations.”
Did you start with UT, or when did you transition to X-ray work?
“I started with UT. Back then, a state-owned technical institution in Iceland handled X-ray work, similar to Denmark’s technical institute. But it shut down around 2006–2007. By 2010, only one other company in Iceland was doing X-ray work, and demand exceeded their capacity. I saw an opportunity and pursued X-ray certification. I went to Aberdeen in 2011 and earned my PCM certification for X-ray. Since then, only two companies in Iceland have been able to conduct proper X-ray inspections.”
Challenges of working in Iceland’s extreme conditions
Is there a lot of X-ray work available in Iceland?
“We’re busy enough! The market is small, but we have significant projects. Most cities and towns in Iceland rely on geothermal heating, with hot water pumped through insulated pipes. These pipelines require periodic inspections, with a certain percentage of welds tested depending on factors like size, pressure, or importance.”
What is the toughest part of your job?
Working outside, especially in the mountains. We also have a 24/7, 365-days contract with some companies, so holidays like Christmas can be interrupted by urgent projects. X-ray work is challenging because it isolates the area, no one can be nearby. Tonight, for example, we’ll start X-ray work at 5 PM and continue until midnight. It can be tough.”
How does Iceland’s weather affect your work? Is there a temperature limit?
The main concern isn’t us, it’s the equipment. Extreme cold or wet conditions can damage the tools, which are expensive and not easy to replace. Cooling fans might freeze up or malfunction, so we avoid working in weather that could harm our equipment.”
As we pull up to ON, the landscape around us is a stark reminder of the resilience required in this line of work. Snowstorms, midnight shifts, and freezing temperatures are all part of the job. Yet, for Harald and his team, ensuring the safety and reliability of Iceland’s infrastructure is more than a career - it’s a commitment.
NDT in Iceland isn’t for the faint of heart. But for those who brave the elements, it’s a job that truly matters.
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