Hansen started his career in the West Indies as one of the soldiers brought by Jørgen Thormøhlen on the latter's lesseeship in 1690.
He was promoted to ensign in 1692 by Governor Frans de la Vigne.
Upon John Lorentz' death on 19 February 1702, the planters named Hansen as governor, whereas the colony officials decided upon Joachim von Holten.
However, the Danish West India Company sided with Hansen, and he was installed in office.
His legacy according to Dansk Biografisk Lexikon is the institution of the island councils.