Smarter software solutions for the marine insurance industry

For 30 years, Instech has been at the forefront of marine insurance technology development.

From our offices in Bergen, Norway, Instech’s mission is to improve the working lives of marine insurance professionals around the world. Our sustainable technology, designed to evolve, brings people together.

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Instech’s innovative solutions are specifically designed to meet the challenges of the marine, offshore energy and offshore renewables insurance markets - our focus is exclusively on these segments. To develop them, we challenge convention while also understanding that it is vital to listen to people’s needs. By doing so, Instech delivers digital tools that substantially improve the working lives of marine insurance professionals.

Instech’s INS+ package – a comprehensive marine insurance solution – has been used by insurance companies and brokers globally since its launch in 2000. More than two decades later, it remains the leading all-in-one marine-insurance solutions package on the market.

We are also developing Etuity - a cloud based, sustainable platform that aims to simplify the marine insurance process. Etuity will provide greater ease of use, transparency, collaboration and communication in one infinitely expandable future-proof toolbox. With the ability to evolve in order to meet the challenges of an ever-changing industry, it will be possible to add specific Etuity solutions to the platform depending on a client’s needs.

Our niche solutions are rooted in the unique insight we have gained by concentrating solely on marine insurance. Instech also leverages on the accumulated knowledge and experience of its parent company Norwegian Hull Club - one of the world’s leading marine and energy insurers. We also involve external surveyors, clients and brokers right from the start of our projects to help us continuously improve our solutions.

Instech’s vision is one of an enhanced global marine and energy insurance community, integrated through sustainable technological solutions that enable a seamless flow of communication and data sharing. Our core values will enable us to get there:

• Integrity • Sharing • Agile • Curious

Instech – dare to challenge, prepare to innovate.

 

How great relationships give us and our
customers the edge

As an employer, we know that achieving a great work/life balance is hugely appreciated by our team. This positivity ultimately finds its way to our customers in the form of bold solutions born of loyalty, insight and unhampered creativity.

 
 

Life at Instech

An environment where everybody can thrive is what we aim to deliver: a workplace where the differences between us are our greatest strength. This is how game-changing ideas are born. We’re a pretty diverse bunch at Instech today, with an international roster of talent on the team – that means a lot of different perspectives but a lot of opportunities too.

When people are encouraged to be themselves and know that they are being listened to, that’s when the magic happens. That’s when diverse thinking combines and inspiration strikes.

 

Our values

  • Integrity

    We believe in doing ‘the right thing’ - in holding ourselves to the highest ethical, professional and sustainability standards. This belief is the foundation of everything we do: integrity forms the bedrock of our business and our long-term, valued relationships. It is a matter of trust.

  • Sharing

    We believe in the power of sharing, particularly when it comes to knowledge, information and data. ‘Sharing’ is key to how we work and, through the use of technology, we want to increase its value to the marine insurance industry.

  • Agile

    This is how we approach working and it's reflected in our solutions and services: future-proof architecture, capable of adapting to the challenges of today and tomorrow. It's how we stay relevant in an ever-changing market.

  • Curious

    Our team members are not afraid to challenge convention; to ask, “Is there a better way?” for our clients and the industry we serve. We encourage such passionate curiosity - it has helped us become innovators in our field, setting new standards in solutions and services.

Contact us

mail@instech.no
(+47) 55 55 04 80
ITS Support Portal

Visiting address
Solheimsgaten 5, 4th floor
5058 Bergen
Norway

Postal address
P.O. Box 2404
NO-5824 Bergen
Norway

 

Sustainability Report 2025


About us

Instech Solutions AS develops software solutions for the marine and energy offshore insurance market. The business is built on specialist knowledge, digital development and close collaboration with users and partners.

As a technology company, Instech Solutions creates value primarily through people, competence and digital infrastructure. Its sustainability work must therefore be understood in that context: not through large industrial impacts, but through responsible operations, trusted systems, sound governance, protecting customer data, ensuring compliant operations and the thoughtful use of energy, equipment and external expertise.

Letter from the CEO

At Instech, sustainability may not be the first concept people associate with a software company. Yet it is highly relevant to how we work. For us, sustainability is not a separate initiative, but part of the way we think, build and improve every day.

As a technology company serving the marine and energy insurance industry, we have a responsibility to develop solutions that help our customers work more efficiently, use data more effectively and reduce unnecessary complexity, while maintaining the high standards of security, transparency and compliance the industry requires. In a global maritime sector, insurance and reliable data are essential enablers of trade.

Our ambition is to provide a shared foundation that enables marine insurance professionals to collaborate, streamline processes and make safe use of modern technology, including artificial intelligence. We believe AI can create significant value through better insight, automation and decision support, but only when applied responsibly, transparently and within a robust governance framework. Protecting customer data is fundamental to everything we do, and achieving ISO 27001 certification, audited by DNV, marks an important milestone in our continued commitment to information security and trust.

At the same time, sustainability for Instech is ultimately about people. Our employees and consultants are the driving force behind our products, our innovation and the service we provide to customers every day. Their expertise, dedication and willingness to share knowledge enable us to adapt in a rapidly changing technological landscape. Building a culture of learning, collaboration and professional development is therefore not only important for our business — it is essential to our long-term sustainability.

We also recognise that digital solutions have an environmental footprint. Energy consumption, efficient use of cloud resources and the responsible use of AI are becoming increasingly important considerations for technology companies. By continuously improving the way we design, develop and operate our solutions, we aim to use resources responsibly while delivering lasting value to our customers.

Beyond our own business, we are committed to supporting initiatives that promote science and technology among young people and help build future competence in our industry and society.

Sustainability matters to us, and we will continue to set goals, learn and improve. I would also like to thank all our employees, consultants, customers and partners for the trust, expertise and collaboration that make this journey possible.

Company information

  • Legal form: Limited Liability Company

  • Registered address: Solheimsgaten 5, 5058 Bergen

  • Country of primary operations: Norway

  • 👥 Number of employees: 41

  • 💰 Balance sheet total: 81 MNOK

Our sustainability priorities

Instech Solutions’ sustainability approach is centered around four priorities.

The first is responsible technology. As a software business, the company aims to develop and deliver solutions that are efficient, reliable and useful for customers, while also being mindful of the resources required to operate and improve digital systems.

The second is people and competence. The company depends on skilled employees, strong collaboration and continuous learning. A healthy working environment, professional development and access to the right expertise are therefore essential to long-term value creation.

The third is responsible use of external expertise. Instech Solutions engages consultants both in Norway and internationally. These contributors form part of the company’s wider operating model and should be addressed in a structured and responsible way.

The fourth is sound governance and business conduct. Trust, professionalism and good judgement are fundamental both to software development and to long-term relationships with customers and partners.

Environment and digital resource use

Instech Solutions has a relatively limited direct environmental footprint compared with more asset-intensive businesses. At the same time, the company recognises that digital operations also consume resources. For a software company, environmental relevance is closely linked to electricity use, hardware, travel and the increasing use of compute-intensive tools.

Electricity and energy use

Electricity consumption is a relevant indicator for Instech Solutions and an important starting point for understanding the environmental footprint of its operations.

Equipment and general resource use

Resource use is also linked to laptops, screens, servers and other technical equipment. Instech Solutions seeks to manage these resources responsibly, with attention to procurement, useful life, maintenance and disposal.

AI and compute-intensive tools

The company recognises that the use of AI tools and other compute-intensive technologies may influence electricity demand and digital resource use. As AI becomes more integrated into day-to-day work and product development, Instech Solutions monitors use closely, including by regulating the number of tokens that can be used. Instech aims to build a better understanding of AI’s operational value as well as its resource implications.

Our office

The building is classified as BREEAM-NOR Excellent. BREEAM is a comprehensive certification scheme for new buildings, documenting differences in environmental and health impacts and making it easier to make informed choices. “Excellent” is the second-highest certification level. Achieving this level requires very stringent sustainability measures relating to the building’s environmental impact, both during construction and in use.

2025 data

  • ⚡ Total electricity offices consumption: Electricity 32 531 KWh (1546 KWh solar), 14 769 KWh District heating, 8983 KWh Cooling (from the ocean)

  • ⚡ Total electricity IT services consumption: 489 KWh + 1,320 KWh

  • ☁ Scope 2 emissions: 369 kg. (electricity)+ 38 kg (District heating) + 0 kg (Cooling)

  • ☁ Scope 3 emissions: 9.78 t CO2 (Intility E platform) + 4.4 t CO2 (Azure) + 8.5 t CO2 (Travel)

Instech follows a strict procurement principle and standardises equipment. Employees have a work PC/laptop and a mobile phone, choosing from four standard laptop models and two types of mobile phone. All purchases are made through third-party vendors. Old equipment is recycled through the purchasing vendor, with an end-user certificate. Instech tracks the lifetime CO2 emissions for all equipment, and electronic waste is handled in accordance with local regulations.

The company has begun integrating AI tools into its software development processes, employing them in all stages from design through testing. Prototyping of AI tools in products is closely monitored to ensure that costs remain under control. The team also closely monitors the resource use of AI services—which have seen costs rise dramatically—to ensure sustainable usage. Instech will continue developing business cases for new AI models and maintain strict data governance whenever data is used in AI systems.

Concrete actions

  • Move Azure use to Sweden to reduce CO2 emissions by end of 2027.

  • As Instech onboards customers to the Etuity platform from 2027 to 2029, work to minimize any CO2 impact through best-practice use of cloud services and efficient coding.

  • Map the company’s main AI use cases and define a proportionate approach to monitoring AI-related resource use by end of 2027.

People, workplace and competence

People are central to Instech Solutions’ long-term success. The company depends on skilled employees, strong collaboration and the ability to adapt in a fast-changing technological environment.

Instech Solutions aims to provide a working environment that supports accountability, inclusion, professional growth and well-being. As reporting matures, the company intends to strengthen its use of workforce data and present a clearer picture of the topics most relevant to a knowledge-based business.

To achieve its ambition of being an attractive employer and delivering excellent service, Instech is committed to building a diverse team with a range of approaches and insights into software development and customer service. The company recognises that different perspectives and skills foster innovation and drive success. In the past year, employees ranged in age from 25 to 65 and represented 🌍 7 different nationalities. Although there has been progress in improving gender balance, closing the gender gap remains a focus.

2025 workforce data

  • 👥 Total headcount: 41

  • Gender distribution: ♀ 22% / ♂ 78%

  • 🔄 Employee turnover: 3%

  • 🤒 Sickness absence: 2%

Competence development activity: Competence development is important at Instech. Learning Fridays are held regularly. Tailored training based on the tasks to be performed—such as security, compliance, confidentiality, customer service and technology—is delivered using both internal and external resources.

Concrete actions

  • Maintain low employee turnover and sickness absence.

  • Continue regular “Learning Friday” training sessions and ensure that all employees contribute to knowledge sharing.

  • Provide dedicated management-level training to ensure managers are well equipped to lead their teams professionally.

Consultants and external workforce

In addition to its own employees, Instech Solutions relies on consultants and external experts both in Norway and abroad. These contributors are an important part of the company’s delivery model and competence base.

The company recognises that the responsible use of consultants involves more than contractual efficiency. It also requires continuity, competence, clear expectations, appropriate follow-up and an awareness of working conditions and governance across locations and arrangements.

2025 external workforce overview

  • 🤝 Number of consultants engaged: 31

  • 🌍 4 main countries or regions: Norway, Ukraine, Poland, North Macedonia’

Main areas of work: Software development and Quality Assurance

Relevant contractual and governance principles: All consultants are hired through consultancy firms (no direct freelancers), helping ensure full compliance with local regulations. Instech maintains close dialogue and conducts regular reviews with each consulting partner. Consultants are treated as part of the team and receive the same level of training as employees.

Business conduct and governance

Instech Solutions is committed to conducting its business with integrity, professionalism and sound judgement. Trust is essential in software development, in customer dialogue and in the handling of systems, processes and information.

The company’s sustainability work therefore includes a governance dimension, covering responsible conduct, internal controls and clear expectations for employees and external contributors alike.

2025 governance information

Group-level policies and governance: Several policies ensure sound governance and compliance. As a subsidiary of Norwegian Hull Club, Instech follows group policies for HR, salary, safety, security and the Code of Conduct, all tailored to Instech’s operations and approved by Instech’s Board of Directors. Instech also participates in three group-level forums (Risk, Compliance and Accounting) to align with group governance standards.

For Instech, it is essential to keep customer information confidential and ensure it is not shared outside the company. Therefore, physical office access is controlled, and the company’s information security practices are certified to the ISO 27001 standard (certification obtained on 8 June 2026).

Instech has a whistleblowing channel in place that is easily accessible to employees. The company also uses a low-threshold system (Winningtemp) for anonymous feedback from employees to management, supporting team retrospectives, continuous improvement and employee well-being.

Corporate social responsibility

Instech is involved in three organisations that work to inspire young people to pursue science and technology, contributing both financially and through active participation.

Hubbel– A Bergen-based volunteer organisation that promotes coding and software development (front-end, back-end, design, security). Instech’s sponsorship aims to inspire those curious about coding and encourage experienced developers to share knowledge and stay engaged.

Barnevakten– An independent non-profit foundation that provides facts and advice about children’s and young people’s safe use of digital media.

LAMIS(Norwegian Association for Mathematics in Schools) – An interest organisation for educators from kindergarten to university levels. Instech sponsors the local Bergen chapter, which organises a summer camp for primary school children. The goal is for all children and young people to experience mathematics as exciting, useful and important.

Looking ahead

This report is a credible and manageable starting point for Instech Solutions’ sustainability reporting. The ambition is to build up the reporting gradually, in a way that is useful, proportionate and clearly connected to the realities of a modern software business.

In the next phase, the company will focus on improving the quality of underlying data, strengthening the reporting of consultant-related information, and developing a clearer understanding of electricity use, digital resource consumption and the sustainability relevance of AI and other compute-intensive technologies as customers join the Etuity platform.

Over time, Instech Solutions aims to develop a reporting approach that is both more mature and more precise, while remaining practical and relevant to the company’s actual operations.