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singaporenautilus a maritime andport authorityof singapore publication
02/2015 no.31
DownloaD the
interactive
magazine from
the app store
or google play
with the
Qr coDe above
powering ahead with real-time monitor the case for
innovative technology for safer passage sustainability reporting
singaporenautilus
APP STORE & GOOGLE PLAY
Singapore Nautilus is the quarterly corporate publication of
the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. The magazine is
now available for download on both the App Store and Google
Play! Simply search for “Singapore Nautilus” or scan the QR
code above. Download the app now!
02/2015 PAGE 1
PAGE PAGE PAGE
04
SHIP’S LOG
12
FEATURE
20
PERSONALITY
news and events the way towards greater
at MPA forward safety and security
PAGE PAGE PAGE PAGE
22 24 27 30
PERSONALITY MARITIME SERVICES COMPANY SPOTLIGHT COMMENTARY
seeing beyond empowering ahead of the curve the business of
the horizon minds sustainability
PAGE PAGE PAGE PAGE
32 34 38 40
TECHNOLOGY COMMUNIT Y TALK CAREERS THE BACK PAGE
safety in the hubs of the future a study in blue retracing
shallows history
publisher executive editor publishing agent
Au Kheng Sheng
advisory committee
Andrew Tan Caroline Ngui Dennis Pua publishing services
Tan Beng Tee GROUP EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MANAGING DIRECTOR Nurin Farah Adam
M Segar Abdullah COORDINATOR
Joanna Lee-Miller Christopher Chan
Khong Shen Ping GROUP EDITOR GENERAL MANAGER Singapore Nautilus is published quarterly
by SPH Magazines Pte Ltd (Registration
Toh Ah Cheong
Ong Seok Bin
editorial & creative sales & client No: 196900476M) for the Maritime
and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
MARITIME AND Dora Tay management Copyright of the materials contained in
Parry Oei SENIOR EDITOR Kaz Lim
this magazine belongs to MPA. Views
PORT AUTHORITY OF Tan Cheng Peng Lediati Tan ASSOCIATE ACCOUNT DIRECTOR
expressed may not necessarily be those
of MPA or SPH Magazines Pte Ltd. All
rights reserved. Enquiries should be
SINGAPORE Angela Png ASSOCIATE EDITOR Charmaine Soh directed to the Editor, Maritime and Port
Authority of Singapore, 460 Alexandra
Tan Suan Jow Annabelle Bok csoh@sph.com.sg Road, #19-00, PSA Building, Singapore
460 Alexandra Road 119963. Tel: +65 6375 1600, Fax: +65
#19-00 PSA Building Bernice Yeoh SUB-EDITOR GROUP ACCOUNT MANAGER 6275 9247, E-mail: SN_feedback@
Singapore 119963 Alan Lim Jayson Ong Christine Chionh mpa.gov.sg. All information is
correct at time of printing. Printed in
Tel: +65 6375 1600 ASSOCIATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR ASSISTANT MANAGER CLIENT Singapore by KHL Printing Co. Pte Ltd
Fax: +65 6275 9247 managing editor Stephanie Teo MANAGEMENT (Registration No: 197801823M). ISSN
2010-1120 For advertising enquiries,
www.mpa.gov.sg Kate Tan ART DIRECTOR please e-mail jrani@sph.com.sg
02/2015 PAGE 3
FOREWORD
forging
ahead The maritime
For Maritime Singapore, the
future is here and now. Despite
its humble beginning, Singapore
has been able to establish itself
as a global hub port and leading
providing real-time monitoring of
the vessels’ under keel clearance.
Find out more about this project in
the Technology section.
In this issue, we feature two
industry has prominent individuals from the
international maritime centre
undergone significant through a combination of factors, maritime industry in the Personality
transformation in recent from geographic position to strategic section. The first is Mr Andrew
years, bearing witness to vision. Key among these is its ability Winbow, Assistant Secretary-
the emergence of bigger, to respond quickly to emerging General of the International
smarter and greener global trends and successfully invest Maritime Organization, who talks
in these areas. With the shift in the about some of the pertinent issues
ships, the proliferation his organisation is working on.
economic and maritime centre of
of real-time response gravity to Asia, technology will be We also speak to Mr Tung Chee
systems, and the building important in keeping Singapore Chen, Chairman of Orient Overseas
of more efficient and ahead of the competition. (International) Limited, who shares
intelligent ports. In anticipation of future growth, his keen observations on some of
the Maritime and Port Authority of the future trends in the container
Singapore (MPA) has embarked on a shipping sector.
series of initiatives and programmes In the Community Talk section,
that bank on innovative application the heads of four regional port
of the latest technology to turn the authorities share their vision of a
Port of Singapore into a smarter, future-ready port.
safer and more productive port. Through this issue, we hope to
Read more about these efforts in this share with you some of the exciting
issue’s main feature. developments that are underway in
With safety a priority in the dynamic maritime industry.
Singapore’s port waters, MPA and
research and consulting group DHI
Water and Environment jointly
undertook a Real-Time Under
Keel Clearance project, which will
improve navigational safety for
vessels transiting the Singapore AU KHENG SHENG
Strait or navigating in our port by EXECUTIVE EDITOR
02/2015 PAGE 4
SHIP’S LOG NEWS
REAFFIRMING SINO-SINGAPORE SINGAPORE IS BEST SEAPORT IN ASIA
MARITIME TIES FOR 27TH TIME
An eight-member Singapore delegation, led by Mr
Andrew Tan, Chief Executive of the Maritime and
Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), attended the
ninth China-Singapore Senior Officials’ Committee
Meeting in Shanghai from April 7 to 10.
The annual meeting between MPA and the
People’s Republic of China’s Ministry of Transport
provides senior maritime officials from both
countries with an opportunity to exchange views
on maritime matters of common interest and to
further bilateral cooperation.
Topics discussed at the meeting included the
Co-operative Mechanism On Safety Of Navigation
And Environmental Protection In The Straits Of
Malacca and Singapore, ongoing International The Port of Singapore has international maritime centre.
Maritime Organization issues such as the Ballast beaten Hong Kong and “Singapore will also
Water Management Convention, piracy and Shanghai to be named the continue to plan and invest
armed robbery, as well as China’s initiative of the Best Seaport in Asia for the ahead; our commissioning of
21st Century Maritime Silk Road. 27th time, at the 2015 Asian Pasir Panjang Terminal Phases
As part of the visit, the MPA delegation also Freight, Logistics and Supply 3 and 4, for example, will
visited Yangshan Port and Yangshan Vessel Chain Awards. increase the overall capacity
Traffic Service Centre to learn about the Shanghai The award ceremony, held of Singapore’s port to 50
port’s operations. in Hong Kong on June 24, million TEUs (twenty-foot
honoured organisations for equivalent units) when they
demonstrating leadership as are fully operational.”
well as consistency in service Prime Minister Lee Hsien
IMPROVING MARITIME TRAINING quality, innovation, customer Loong officially opened the
relationship management and terminals on June 23. They
To enhance realism and boost the quality and reliability. It was organised will be fully operational by
efficiency of maritime training in Singapore, the by freight and logistics the end of 2017.
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) publication Asia Cargo News, Last year, the Port of
has set up a Vessel Traffic Service Simulator at with the winners determined Singapore continued to
the Port Operations Control Centre Vista. It was by votes from its readers. achieve good growth. Annual
unveiled at a commissioning ceremony on March The Port of Singapore vessel arrival tonnage
27 by MPA Chief Executive Mr Andrew Tan. stood out for its leading reached 2.37 billion gross
Comprising five consoles, the simulator performance on a range tonnes (GT), container
provides the full functionality of a Vessel Traffic of criteria, including cost throughput hit 33.9 million
System operator workplace while allowing competitiveness, timely and TEUs, and total cargo tonnage
Vessel Traffic Management Officers to be trained adequate investment in new handled reached 580.8
in varied and realistic scenarios in a risk-free infrastructure to meet future million tonnes.
environment. It achieves this by using the latest demand, and the facilitation The total volume of
Vessel Traffic Information System, equipped with of ancillary services. bunkers sold in the Port of
simulated configurations from other monitoring Mr Andrew Tan, Chief Singapore remained the
systems. The system can also closely imitate real- Executive of the Maritime and highest in the world, at 42.4
life ship movements and environmental conditions Port Authority of Singapore million tonnes. And the total
in a simulated waterway. said: “We will continue to tonnage of ships under the
These functions allow instructors to create work closely with all our Singapore Registry of Ships
areas with different navigational situations, stakeholders to strengthen was 82.2 million GT, putting
control target ships, and generate various training our competitiveness as a Singapore among the top 10
scenarios and tasks. premier global hub port and ship registries in the world.
02/2015 PAGE 5
SHIP’S LOG NEWS
LAUNCH OF SMART PORT INITIATIVES 30 AWARDED THE MPA GLOBAL
INTERNSHIP AWARD
At the Building A Smarter Port Of Singapore
launch event on March 23, the Maritime and
Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) announced
new initiatives that harness the use of mobile
technology and wireless connectivity to enhance
communications, productivity and crew welfare in
the Port of Singapore.
These include collaborating with local telco M1
to improve broadband coverage in Singapore’s
port waters by providing high-speed wireless 4G
broadband access up to 15km from the coast,
extending free Wi-Fi services to the public at
MPA-managed terminals such as at Changi Point
Ferry Terminal from July 1, and launching a new
mobile app, myMaritime@SG, for the maritime The Maritime and Port and Singapore Management
community and the public to access maritime Authority of Singapore University to gain a deeper
information and services on their mobile phones. (MPA) has awarded 30 appreciation of the global
MPA and the Singapore Shipping Association undergraduates from varying nature of the maritime
have also issued a joint call for proposals to invite fields (Maritime Studies, industry through a 10-week
the maritime community and solution providers to Business Management, internship programme. GIA
develop apps for the industry. Economics, Accountancy recipients will experience
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Law) with the MPA hands-on learning in both
was also signed between MPA and M1 with the Global Internship Award the local and overseas offices
aim of leveraging mobile technology to enhance (GIA). This year, 21 maritime of participating maritime
productivity and crew welfare. They will also work companies from different companies as the programme
together on research and projects to test-bed new sectors including shipping, includes overseas stints of up
technologies to benefit the maritime industry. shipbroking, ship finance, to four weeks in Australasia,
marine insurance, and the Middle East, South Africa,
offshore and maritime law Europe and the United States.
are participating in the MPA Chief Executive
programme. This is the largest Mr Andrew Tan said: “We
number of award recipients are heartened by the
and participating companies encouraging response
since the GIA programme to the MPA GIA 2015, as
started in 2013. the increased number of
The GIA award allows applications, recipients and
high-achieving local participating companies
undergraduates from indicate the value of the
the National University programme and commitment
of Singapore, Nanyang in developing manpower for
Technological University Maritime Singapore.”
TOP Some of the GIA recipients with Mr Andrew Tan, MPA’s Chief Executive,
and representatives of participating maritime companies.
LEFT, TOP Mr Andrew Tan (left), and Mrs Josephine Teo, Senior Minister of
State for Finance and Transport, launching the myMaritime@SG mobile app.
BOTTOM Ms Karen Kooi (extreme left), M1’s Chief Executive Officer, with Mrs
Teo and Mr Tan at the signing of the MOU.
OPPOSITE MPA’s Director of Port Policy, Mr Tan Cheng Peng (left), received
the award on behalf of the Port of Singapore.
02/2015 PAGE 6
SHIP’S LOG HAPPENINGS
MAERSK PROJECT SUPPORTED UNDER GREEN TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMME
Maersk received a S$2 million grant from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s (MPA’s) Green Technology Programme to retrofit four vessels.
LAUNCH OF MARITIME YOUTH CLUB AND SINGAPORE MARITIME TRAIL 2 TAP FOR
video
The Maritime Youth Club, an outreach initiative by MPA to raise awareness of Maritime Singapore among youth, was launched at the former Tanjong Pagar
Railway Station on May 19. At the same event, MPA also launched Singapore Maritime Trail 2, which maps the development of Maritime Singapore.
INTERNATIONAL BOWLING TOURNAMENT FOR SEAFARERS 2015
To encourage
The Maritime andseafarers to engageof
Port Authority inSingapore
healthy recreational activities,
(MPA) hosted a LunarMPA
Neworganised
Year lunchthe
at inaugural International
Customs House Bowling
on Feb 25 for its Tournament
friends in thefor Seafarers on March 13.
media
to express its appreciation for their strong support over the years. Mr Lucien Wong, MPA Chairman, outlined key highlights for MPA this year
during his welcome remarks.
02/2015 PAGE 7
SHIP’S LOG HAPPENINGS
VISIT BY SEYCHELLES MINISTER
Mr Jean-Paul Adam, the Seychellois Minister for Finance, Trade and the Blue Economy, visited MPA on March 13.
VISIT BY PANAMA MINISTER
MPA hosted Mr Jorge Barakat Pitty, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Administrator of the Panama Maritime Authority, under its Distinguished Visitors Programme
from April 19 to 24. During his visit, he also called on Mr Lui Tuck Yew, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Defence.
VISIT BY IMO ASSISTANT SECRETARY-GENERAL
Mr Andrew Winbow, Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Maritime Safety Division at the International Maritime Organization, visited MPA on April 24.
FOR EXTRA CONTENT, DOWNLOAD THE SINGAPORE NAUTILUS APP FROM THE APP STORE OR GOOGLE PLAY.
02/2015 PAGE 8
SHIP’S LOG HAPPENINGS
SMW 2015
The 10th edition of Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) saw over 50,000 public participants and members of
the international maritime community gathering here for 30 diverse and exciting events organised around the
theme of People, Ideas And Opportunities. Singapore Nautilus takes a look at some of the highlights of the annual
flagship event driven by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
PEOPLE
LAUNCH OF SMW 2015 AND MARITIME HERITAGE EXHIBITION
Mr Lui Tuck Yew, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Defence, officiated at the launch of SMW 2015, as well as the opening of the first ever Maritime
Heritage Exhibition at the Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza on April 19. The public exhibition tells the story of how the past and present are shaping the future of
Maritime Singapore through artefacts, interactive presentations and multimedia displays.
MARITIME LEARNING JOURNEYS
More than 1,100 participants participated in this year’s Maritime Learning Journeys, which brought them on trips out to sea as well as visits to Raffles Lighthouse
and the Singapore Maritime Gallery.02/2015 PAGE 9
SHIP’S LOG HAPPENINGS
2ND CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY (COC) (SPECIAL LIMITS) GRADUATION CEREMONY
Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Transport, presented insignias to cadets from the second batch of
graduates of the CoC (Special Limits) training programmes for Deck Officers and Marine Engineers. To date, more than 250 Singaporeans have enrolled in these
two programmes.
IDEAS
9TH SINGAPORE MARITIME LECTURE (SML)
About 400 high-level delegates and decision-makers in the maritime industry attended this year’s SML, which was delivered by Mr Tung Chee Chen, Chairman of
Orient Overseas (International) Limited. He also engaged the audience in a dialogue chaired by BW Group’s Chairman, Mr Andreas Sohmen-Pao.
SEA ASIA 2015
A record 16,185 participants from 85 different countries took part in the fifth edition of Sea Asia 2015. Mr Lui Tuck Yew, Minister for Transport and Second Minister
for Defence, officiated at the opening of the conference.
FOR EXTRA CONTENT, DOWNLOAD THE SINGAPORE NAUTILUS APP FROM THE APP STORE OR GOOGLE PLAY.02/2015 PAGE 10
SHIP’S LOG HAPPENINGS
PORT AUTHORITIES ROUNDTABLE
This closed-door roundtable event brought 10 port authorities from major ports around the world together to network, share insights on pertinent issues and best
practices, and explore areas of collaboration. During the event, the Ports of Singapore and Rotterdam also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to exchange
information on marine services and jointly collaborate on research and development in the areas of service efficiency and optimisation, and new developments in
the maritime and port sectors.
SINGAPORE MARITIME TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL CHEMICAL AND OIL POLLUTION
CONFERENCE (SMTC) CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION 2015
The inaugural SMTC saw more than 60 eminent experts from around the Around 300 international maritime experts and participants from major oil
world gathering to speak on a wide range of topics, from e-navigation to the and chemical companies, emergency response companies, shipowners and
use of automated and autonomous technologies, to about 300 participants operators, as well as port authorities, attended this year’s event. A chemical
from more than 10 countries. spill exercise, organised by the MPA, was also conducted during the event.02/2015 PAGE 11
SHIP’S LOG HAPPENINGS
ADVANCED MARITIME LEADERS PROGRAMME (AMLP)
The inaugural AMLP saw 13 senior maritime officials from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East and Oceania engaging in sharing sessions, panel
discussions, case studies and crisis communication exercises over a five-day period.
14TH MPA BUNKER FORUM
The forum gathered bunker suppliers, craft operators, testing laboratories, surveyors and shipping companies and engaged and updated them on actions taken to
improve bunkering services in the Port of Singapore.
OPPORTUNITIES
SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME AWARDS 2015
This year’s awards ceremony honoured 11 industry partners for their outstanding contributions towards the growth of Maritime Singapore. Mr Lui Tuck Yew,
Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Defence, also presented 38 maritime companies with the Maritime Sector Incentive Awards, which aim to facilitate
the growth and expansion of shipowners and operators and maritime service providers locally.
FOR EXTRA CONTENT, DOWNLOAD THE SINGAPORE NAUTILUS APP FROM THE APP STORE OR GOOGLE PLAY.02/2015 PAGE 12
FEATURE
Rahita Elias looks at how Maritime Singapore is harnessing the potential of
The past several years have been a challenging
period for the global maritime industry, but there
is quiet confidence in its long-term prospects.
In its latest The World In 2050
report, professional services firm
PricewaterhouseCoopers projected that the world
economy would double in size by 2037 and almost
triple by 2050. It also predicted a shift in global
economic power away from advanced economies
the way
in North America and Western Europe, towards
Asia and faster-growing emerging economies over
the next 35 years. Against this backdrop, shipping
remains the primary and most efficient mode of
transport for goods across countries.
Evolving trends have seen the centre of
maritime activities shifting towards Asia in recent
years. Regional port authorities have responded
to this by building new ports and expanding or
upgrading existing ones.
With limited land and manpower, Singapore
cannot compete on scale alone. For Maritime
Singapore to be well positioned to capture the
upcoming growth and new opportunities,
it has to find ways to do things
more efficiently, cleverly or
differently to stay
ILLUSTRATION: KUANTH02/2015 PAGE 13
FEATURE
ahead
of the
competition.
With the launch of
the S$3.5 billion expansion of
Pasir Panjang Terminal Phases 3 and
4, and the construction of the mega port
at Tuas underway, the Port of Singapore has
also embarked on a plan to build a smarter, more
efficient and safer port. Recently, it introduced
a slew of initiatives and programmes that will
leverage the latest technological advancements to
benefit all users.
At the Building A Smarter Port Of Singapore
event on March 23, Senior Minister of State
for Finance and Transport Josephine Teo said
that the Republic is adopting a multi-pronged
forward
approach in its endeavour to realise a Smarter
Port of Singapore. This involves improving mobile
and wireless connectivity in our port waters and
facilitating the development and test-bedding of
smart technologies locally. Data analytics will be
used to strengthen enforcement, and a next-
generation Vessel Traffic Management System
innovation and technology to build a smarter port for the future02/2015 PAGE 14 FEATURE
02/2015 PAGE 15
FEATURE
will be developed
to include capabilities
such as early detection of
congestion hotspots. The port
community will ride on these initiatives
to build new port applications.
At the event, Maritime and Port Authority
of Singapore (MPA) Chief Executive Andrew
Tan highlighted the importance of a smart port
for Singapore. He said: “We envision a more
interconnected port with high-speed Internet
access, wider use of data analytics, and innovative
mobile solutions to enhance our port’s overall
competitiveness. This will benefit all users of the
Port of Singapore.”
ENHANCING REALISM
A new Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Simulator
has been commissioned at the Port Operations
Control Centre Vista to enhance the quality and
effectiveness of the training of Singapore’s Vessel
Traffic Management Officers.
Providing varied and realistic scenarios to
train these officers in a risk-free environment,
the simulator has the full functionality of a Vessel
Traffic System operator workplace. It uses the
latest Vessel Traffic Information System and
closely imitates real ship movements and actual
environmental conditions in a waterway. This
allows instructors to create areas with different
navigational situations, control target ships, and
generate various training scenarios and tasks.
EXTENDING WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY
As part of the smart port strategy, MPA is
harnessing mobile technology and wireless
connectivity to enhance communications,
productivity and crew welfare in the port through
various collaborations with M1.
MPA and M1 have joined forces to address
the current limitations of high-speed broadband
coverage in Singapore’s port waters. The maritime
community now has access to a high-bandwidth,
low-cost, secure and wireless 4G broadband
network up to 15km from Singapore’s coastline.
To this end, MPA and M1 have inked a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
to promote the adoption of 4G
broadband coverage for
vessels operating within
Singapore’s port
waters. They02/2015 PAGE 16
FEATURE
The
current
emphasis on
mobility means that
mobile apps are a potential
game changer for the port
community. For instance, work patterns
could become more mobile and flexible as
more transactions and services are performed
through mobile devices.
To grow this potential, MPA and the Singapore
Shipping Association have jointly invited
companies to submit proposals to develop
innovative business-to-business mobile apps
that will offer value-added services in areas such
as maritime logistics operations, ship-to-shore
will also work communications, and remote shore monitoring
together on of marine operations. For this, MPA has set aside
research and projects S$2 million from its Maritime Innovation and
to test-bed new technologies Technology (MINT) Fund to co-fund projects
that enhance the network approved under this initiative.
coverage in our port waters.
This will open up new possibilities in the FOSTERING PARTNERSHIPS
way port users use and access information. For During this year’s Singapore Maritime Week,
instance, regardless of where a port user is, he will maritime technology took centre stage at the
be able to access near real-time information, make inaugural Singapore Maritime Technology
decisions, and even place an order for services and Conference (SMTC). Local and overseas
monitor the status of their delivery anytime and maritime companies, organisations,
nearly anywhere. The rich information gathered institutes of higher learning,
by service providers can also be further analysed research institutes and
to optimise operations and services in the future. international
Access to the Internet can also help attract and partners
retain talent in the maritime industry; the welfare
of crews on visiting ships and harbour craft would
be enhanced by the availability of ready, low-cost
broadband services that make it easier for them to
keep in touch with their loved ones.
Additionally, the Wireless@SG programme has
been extended to Marina South Pier, Changi Point
Ferry Terminal, and West Coast Pier. Members of
the public now enjoy access to free basic Wi-Fi at
these terminals.
MPA has also launched a free mobile app,
myMaritime@SG. With this app, the first of its
kind in the region, port users can obtain the latest
information (e.g. ship arrivals and departures,
and tidal data) with which to plan their
shipping routes and carry out
transactions, while the public
can provide real-time
feedback to MPA.02/2015 PAGE 17
FEATURE
congregated
at the
conference in April.
Senior Minister of State
Josephine Teo, who officiated
at the opening of the conference,
announced that MPA is launching a series of
call-for-proposals to cover new areas of potential
research and test-bedding of technology solutions
under its MINT Fund. It is also extending the Green
Technology Programme by another five years until
2021 and committing another S$25 million to the
programme, bringing the total funding to S$50
million. To encourage companies to adopt green
technologies that are developed or test-bedded
locally, MPA is increasing the co-funding level for
such projects from 50 per cent to 70 per cent,
capped at S$2 million per project.
download
During the conference, MPA also signed app
MOUs with two research agencies to ensure that
Singapore stays ahead of maritime technology
development. The first was with the Agency for
Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) to
collaborate on research and development (R&D) in
maritime technology. Some areas of R&D covered
under the MOU include next-generation maritime
communications technology, robotic capability
for the marine industry, as well as the application
of modelling and simulation to bolster the
competitive edge of Maritime Singapore. At the
signing, Dr Raj Thampuran, Managing Director of
A*STAR, said: “This MOU...serves as a framework to
bring our partnership to a new level by delivering
even more ideas and innovative technologies to
the Maritime and Offshore industry.”
The other MOU, with the Research Council of
Norway, renewed the two organisations’ bilateral
agreement on maritime education, training
and R&D for another three years till
2018. The current MOU framework
has been expanded to
include collaboration in
the first international
joint call-for-
proposals in
maritime02/2015 PAGE 18
FEATURE
research, where S$6 million will
be channelled into technological
development in navigational safety,
ship operations and safety, ship-port
operations, green shipping and maritime arctic
research. This will help promote maritime research
collaboration and knowledge exchange between
Singapore and Norway through joint R&D projects
among their research institutions.
Arvid Hallen, Director-General of the Research
Council of Norway, said: “Both Singapore and
Norway put great emphasis on improving the EXPLORATION AND
environmental footprint of shipping, and when DEVELOPMENT
scientists from two of the world’s leading maritime
nations work together, the results will be of major
significance for both parties as well as for the
environment.”
SPOTLIGHT ON TECHNOLOGY
The opening session of the conference saw
International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Assistant Secretary-General Andrew Winbow
speaking on e-navigation and the IMO’s priorities PRODUCTION
in the field of maritime safety. He pointed out that
in using e-navigation tools to support navigators,
the important thing is not the mere presence of
more data, but the delivery of timely, relevant and
accurate data. He also drew attention to human
limitations as a critical factor that impacts the
effective use of e-navigation systems.
Another speaker at the SMTC was Oh Bee
Lock, Chief Operating Officer of PSA Singapore
Terminals, who talked about the importance of
deploying smart technologies in ports. He said TRANSPORT
that the Tuas port will be equipped with smart
technologies, such as automated handling
systems, while staying committed to
environmental sustainability.
He also touched on
the potential of
man-machine
LIQUEFACTION02/2015 PAGE 19
FEATURE
SINGAPORE LNG TERMINAL
collaboration,
out-of-the-box
process integration, and
collaborative port community
systems as some of the things that
could be leveraged to achieve greater
efficiency in ports.
On the issue of improving sustainability,
liquefied natural gas (LNG) was a hot topic at the
SMTC. Julien Boulland, Senior Naval Architect
at Bureau Veritas’ South Asia Offshore Centre,
highlighted the growing use of LNG as ship fuel – it
is already in use in Europe and the US. He pointed
out that Europe and North America have already
LNG IMPORTER instituted Emission Control Areas (ECAs), and
other parts of the world are likely to follow suit. An
increase in ECAs will further drive the shift to LNG,
which is considered the cleaner fuel option with a
good safety record.
These and other speakers at the
conference provided many ideas
on how technology can help
Maritime Singapore to
build a smarter port
for the future.02/2015 PAGE 20
PERSONALITY
CAN YOU SHARE ON
THE MAIN FOCUS
OF YOUR KEYNOTE
SPEECH FOR THE
RECAAP CONFERENCE?
The ReCAAP
Information Sharing
Centre (ReCAAP ISC)
was set up as a centre
for reporting and
sharing information
on piracy and armed
robbery at sea. It has
been very effective
and its membership
has increased.
Information is
powerful these days
and the sharing of
information has done
a lot to help combat
piracy. There is now
a relatively new issue
faced by small tankers
– generally 1,000 DWT
towards
to 2,000 DWT tankers
– of hijackings for the
theft of their cargo
and bunker fuel. It is
greater safety
focused on South-east
Asia at the moment,
but similar incidents
have occurred in West
and security
Africa. There has been
some indication that
some of these may be
“inside jobs”.
If that is the Andrew Winbow, Assistant Secretary-General of the
case, effective
International Maritime Organization (IMO), speaks to AJ Leow
response measures
leveraging ReCAAP on the work of the IMO and his seafaring experience
ISC’s membership
resources and utilising
its cooperative Andrew Winbow, Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the
arrangements can be Maritime Safety Division at the International Maritime Organization
put in place to inform, (IMO), was a regular visitor to Singapore in the 1970s when he worked
educate and advise for multinational oil and gas company Shell on board an 18,000
shipping companies deadweight tonnage (DWT) tanker that also made frequent calls
on how to tackle this at ports in Hong Kong and Vietnam. He was back in Singapore for
and future problems. Singapore Maritime Week 2015, where he delivered two keynote
The recent success addresses, one at the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating
of the Malaysian Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) conference,
Maritime Enforcement and the other at the Singapore Maritime Technology Conference.
PHOTOGRAPHY: JAPSER YU02/2015 PAGE 21
PERSONALITY
Agency in arresting some countries are slowed the whole
pirates that hijacked reluctant to accept evacuation process. “INFORMATION IS POWERFUL
a Malaysian coastal
tanker is welcome,
migrants for a number
of both practical and
The case is currently
being investigated and THESE DAYS AND THE SHARING
and more successes of
this type would be a
political reasons.
This gets the IMO
may result in the IMO
having to look into
OF INFORMATION HAS DONE A
very positive message
to the industry and a
involved in discussions
with United Nations
improving firefighting
and life-saving
LOT TO HELP COMBAT PIRACY.”
ANDREW WINBOW, IMO’S ASSISTANT SECRETARY-GENERAL
deterrent to pirates. agencies dealing with measures for such
refugees, human rights vessels.
WHAT ARE THE MOST and human trafficking
PERTINENT ISSUES to address this. From YOUNG PEOPLE Investigation. Maybe
FACING THE IMO NOW? the IMO’s perspective, TODAY SEEM LESS we should have
At the moment, it is it is not a matter of DRAWN TO SEAFARING something like that for
migrants in European dealing with ships in CAREERS THAN IN the industry.
waters. Distress distress anymore – the THE PAST. HOW CAN
situations at sea issue becomes more ONE PERSUADE THEM HOW WILL THE IMO
are covered under wide-ranging. OTHERWISE? SAFEGUARD EARTH’S
the International During last year’s Share with them the LAST PRISTINE
Convention for the Ebola outbreak, some perspective that the FRONTIERS FROM ECO-
Safety of Life at countries took drastic only way to really see TOURISM AND DEEP-
Sea (SOLAS) and actions with ships the world is to join a SEA EXPLORATION?
the International that sailed to Africa, merchant ship. We recently adopted
Convention on and even ships that The trouble with the IMO Polar Code,
Maritime Search and had not visited any the shipping industry which states that if
Rescue, both of which Ebola-stricken country. is that it’s almost you enter the polar
require shipmasters As the incubation invisible. Unlike in regions, you should
to rescue other ships period for Ebola is Singapore, in most do so with a bit more
in distress. Of course, 21 days, ships were parts of the world care because of the
this requirement is quarantined for three ports are far away extreme weather;
also a well-enshrined weeks at sea. This from where people the facts are that
tradition that dates affected trade as well live. In London, ships search and rescue
back to the early days as seafarers leaving used to go past Tower facilities are virtually
of sailing. or joining ships, so Bridge, and during non-existent there,
About 40,000 of the IMO had to come World War II, ships that it is a pristine
the 200,000 people up with guidelines to were a lifeline. environment, and that
rescued in the manage the situation. There have been navigators who can
Mediterranean last More recently, a many campaigns navigate through ice
year were rescued by fire broke out on the in the UK, such as are needed. These are
merchant ships. That car deck of a roll-on/ stickers on bananas practically additional
in itself is a problem roll-off Italian-flagged asking questions like, requirements – a
because ships these ferry off Greece. The “Where do they come prescriptive bolt-on to
days normally have fire spread quickly from?” It raises some existing requirements
crews of about 20 and there was a lot of awareness but that under SOLAS and
people. Rescuing smoke, which made soon dissipates. I read MARPOL (International
people at sea is evacuation difficult (an article) about the Convention for
difficult, and space and as it hampered the most sought-after the Prevention of
resources like water, use of life-saving degree courses. It says Pollution from Ships)
food and medical equipment. Many that there has been conventions. Having
facilities are limited. of the passengers an increase in interest said that, in the last
This leads to the had to be airlifted, in psychology due summer season, only
next problem – where some one at a time, to TV programmes a handful of ships took TAP FOR
MORE
to take them – because by helicopter, which like CSI: Crime Scene the polar routes.
FOR EXTRA CONTENT, DOWNLOAD THE SINGAPORE NAUTILUS APP FROM THE APP STORE OR GOOGLE PLAY.02/2015 PAGE 22
PERSONALITY
seeing everything came to
a halt. The market
became very volatile,
demand growth. But
that is really talking
about 50 per cent of
HOW ELSE CAN
CARRIERS MANAGE
COSTS FOR GREATER
beyond the
with more downs our business – the EFFICIENCY AND
than ups. demand side. We also BETTER RESULTS?
On average, growth have to look at the Big ships give you a
was zero to 2 per cent supply side. more efficient cost
horizon
for a couple of years, structure on the sea
gradually stabilising SO WHAT HAS BEEN side. However, there
to what it is today. HAPPENING ON THE are a lot of shore side
Our estimate is about SUPPLY SIDE OF THE operations that you
Orient Overseas (International) Limited 5 per cent growth EQUATION, AND WHAT also need to manage.
during this period. IS LIKELY TO HAPPEN In fact, shore side
Chairman Tung Chee Chen gives Rahita It has stabilised but IN THE FUTURE? expenditure is a fair
Elias his take on how the container is substantially less Throughout the years bit higher than sea
shipping industry has fared so far and robust compared to of growth, most of side, so you will really
what lies ahead for the sector the pre-crisis years. the companies had need to consider that
been planning ahead when managing your
Tung Chee Chen, Chairman of Hong Kong- WHAT ARE THE of their capacity business so that you
based shipping group Orient Overseas FUNDAMENTAL needs and expecting can create operating
(International) Limited (OOIL) – the parent FACTORS THAT HAVE this to continue. margins.
company of Orient Overseas Container BEEN DRIVING THE Companies tend to
Line – was in Singapore in April to deliver CONTAINER SHIPPING order ships ahead of WHAT IS OOIL DOING
the Singapore Maritime Lecture during INDUSTRY? HOW WILL time and much more TO MANAGE ITS
Singapore Maritime Week 2015, where THEY AFFECT THE aggressively because BUSINESS EFFICIENTLY
he gave unique insights on The Changing INDUSTRY? they are optimistic. AND CREATE
Dynamics Of The Container Shipping In recent years, the When the financial OPERATING MARGINS?
Industry. He tells Singapore Nautilus what correlation between crisis came, businesses Apart from working
he thinks will be the major forces shaping trade and GDP growth came to a halt even as with alliances to
the industry in the coming years. has dropped. Prior to these mega container capture cost synergies
2000, the multiple ships continued to be by pooling our ships,
was about 2.6 times. delivered. we are continuously
HOW HAS THE This reduced to 2.4 The deployment building our operating
CONTAINER SHIPPING times in the boom of these big ships system to manage
INDUSTRY FARED OVER years. Today, it is about allows companies to our business better.
THE PAST FEW YEARS? 1.3 times. reduce their unit costs The system allows
For the longest This means that either on their own us almost real-time
time, the container global growth is less or by working closer information.
shipping industry has dependent on trade, together through We hope to move
had healthy growth which is bad for our alliances. Those who to a stage where we
averaging 8 per cent industry. The question did not order the mega can anticipate cost
to 8.5 per cent a year. is whether we are ships found it very changes and manage
China’s accession seeing a structural difficult to compete. our business better.
to the World Trade change: are consumers So, many have ordered Because business
Organization in 2001 spending less because or are contemplating dynamics are changing
and the growth in of a change in their ordering similar-sized all the time, knowing
outsourcing later behaviour or their ships without actually our cost structure is
pushed growth rates psychology? We really seeing a recovery important. It’s a live
to rise to about 10 don’t know. on the horizon. This system so changes
per cent to 11 per If we look at the means that the already can be reflected
cent annually. corporate results, we excess capacity will be immediately, allowing
With the global are still lacking very extended over a longer us to price our
financial crisis in 2008, much in consumer period of time. products better.02/2015 PAGE 23
PERSONALITY
“APART FROM WORKING
WITH ALLIANCES TO
CAPTURE COST SYNERGIES
BY POOLING OUR SHIPS,
WE ARE CONTINUOUSLY
BUILDING OUR OPERATING
SYSTEM TO MANAGE OUR
BUSINESS BETTER. THE
SYSTEM ALLOWS US ALMOST
REAL-TIME INFORMATION.
WE HOPE TO MOVE TO
A STAGE WHERE WE
CAN ANTICIPATE COST
CHANGES AND MANAGE
OUR BUSINESS BETTER.”
TUNG CHEE CHEN, CHAIRMAN OF ORIENT OVERSEAS
(INTERNATIONAL) LIMITED
ILLUSTRATION: SZEMIN THAM02/2015 PAGE 24
MARITIME SERVICES
As one of the world’s
most reputable
classification societies,
and having helped
improve numerous
aspects of the shipping
empowering minds
Alywin Chew finds out how the DNV GL Maritime Academy is
ecosystem, it was no responding to the needs of the maritime community
surprise when DNV
GL founded a training
arm, the DNV GL “There has been attend the courses
Maritime Academy, to good year-on- in Singapore are
share its expertise in year growth for all sponsored by their
enhancing the global the courses. For companies. Most
maritime industry. example, 75 courses of the lessons are
Centred on the were conducted in conducted in hotel
core themes of Singapore in 2012. conference rooms
Developing People, This increased to that can cater to large
Operating Ships 81 in 2013 and groups; some are held
and Building Ships, subsequently 107 in on the academy’s
training courses at 2014. Our certificates premises, and others
the DNV GL Maritime are internationally are conducted in the
Academy have been recognised and we offices of clients. Last
well received since it have trainees coming year, 1,078 people
opened its doors in in from all over the attended courses with
Singapore in 2009. world,” says Janette the academy.
Overall, the academy Seetoh, Manager, DNV
now operates in over GL Maritime Academy, GROWING FOOTPRINT
100 countries and has South East Asia & One of the main
19 academy managers Pacific. reasons for the
in 17 key locations About 85 per cent academy’s success can
worldwide. of the trainees who be attributed to the02/2015 PAGE 25
MARITIME SERVICES
strategic partnerships understanding what
that it has forged with types of courses offer
both local and foreign the most value to the
maritime agencies. local clientele.
In February She foresees that
this year, the courses such as those
academy signed related to the use of
a Memorandum gas as ship fuel will
of Understanding experience greater
with Singapore local demand in the
Polytechnic’s near future because
Singapore Maritime of the Maritime and
Academy. Apart Port Authority of
from facilitating an Singapore’s (MPA)
exchange of lecturers push towards using
and trainers between liquefied natural gas
the two institutes, as marine fuel. On the
this partnership also global stage, where
opened new doors energy efficiency is
for joint research and reaching paramount
development projects, importance, two-day
and practical training courses such as Energy
opportunities for Efficient Operation Of
students at DNV GL. Ships – Masterclass
Part of Seetoh’s are expected to enjoy
job at the academy good reception.
involves working on The Singapore arm
business development of the academy also
plans with the boasts an impressive
academy’s team roster of highly
in Hamburg, and qualified trainers
GRAPHIC: 123RF02/2015 PAGE 26
MARITIME SERVICES
offers a course called Maritime Academy courses that are
Media Handling for Singapore offers currently unavailable
Shipping Companies short courses whose in their educational
that is only available materials are available portfolio. To meet this
in Singapore. It was via USB drive, making increasing demand
developed locally by them ideal for people for customised
modifying existing like ship captains and learning content,
global course materials engineers who are academy managers
to ensure relevancy to often away at sea. To tap the organisation’s
domestic regulations receive a certificate of extensive global
and the needs of completion for such network, boasting
clients here. courses, participants more than 300 trainers
On current need to pass a test from all sectors of the
maritime education accessible via the industry, to source
trends, Seetoh sees USB device, save the for training materials
CENTRED ON THE CORE an increasing number results, and have the and the ideal subject-
of clients seeking academy verify said matter experts.
THEMES OF DEVELOPING interactive and results. Another challenge
skills-specific courses In this digital is getting companies
PEOPLE, OPERATING SHIPS AND that align with the age, the academy is to sign up. Many
BUILDING SHIPS...THE ACADEMY International Maritime
Organization’s
also exploring the
feasibility of paperless
companies are hesitant
to invest in training
NOW OPERATES IN OVER requirements as
well as classification
learning, such as
having participants use
due to the current
economic climate. The
100 COUNTRIES AND HAS 19 requirements.
She adds: “More
tablets to access USB
devices containing
academy tackles this
by working closely
ACADEMY MANAGERS IN 17 KEY and more people course materials. The with MPA to secure
these days are looking academy in Manila subsidies. For example,
LOCATIONS WORLDWIDE. at interactive learning is the first to have companies that send
sessions facilitated done so, and the their employees to
from all walks of life. by trainers who get pilot programme has attend courses under
Aside from its full- discussions going received favourable the Maritime Cluster
time lecturers, the among the trainees. reviews so far. Fund-Manpower
academy has external Trainers are starting Seetoh says that Development training
trainers such as former to minimise the use of the adoption of such grant receive co-
navy commanders, PowerPoint slides and environmentally funding of 70 per cent
Master Mariners, instead use questions friendly training for three years.
maritime journalists, to foster interaction methods boosts Other initiatives
and leaders of top among course efficiency and reduces such as the Singapore
shipping firms coming attendees. Getting waste as trainers Government’s
in to offer invaluable people to share their can now make last Productivity and
real-world insights real life experiences minute edits to course Innovation Credit
that complement the makes for a more materials without scheme, which offers
syllabus. effective learning having to reprint financial incentives
Seetoh and her environment.” dozens of pages. – tax deductions or
team are also quick to cash payouts – to
react to client needs by GOING DIGITAL MEETING CHALLENGES companies that invest
providing customised There are also clients A constant challenge in six qualifying
courses – an option who require non- for Seetoh and the activities including
that is proving to be interactive courses 18 other academy staff training, means
highly popular with that can be done managers around the that financial outlays
local businesses. For remotely. To meet world is responding on such investments
example, the academy this demand, DNV GL to requests for can be greatly offset.02/2015 PAGE 27
COMPANY SPOTLIGHT
Since Singapore’s foray into rig building in the late KEEPING PACE WITH TECHNOLOGY
1960s, the country has maintained its competitive One of the ways in which it advances its
edge through continuing investment in technology technological capacity is through its R&D and
and research and development (R&D) to come up technology arm Keppel Offshore & Marine
with innovative solutions for the industry. Technology Centre (KOMtech).
Thus, it is by no accident that Singapore is Set up in 2007, KOMtech supplements the work
today the top player in the global marine and of Keppel O&M and helps it access new markets
offshore engineering industry, and is home to and opportunities. KOMtech’s key focus lies in
some of the world’s largest offshore rig builders, conducting R&D for solutions and products that
including rig and shipbuilding company Keppel are commercially viable and responsive to the
Offshore & Marine (Keppel O&M). needs of the industry.
Keppel O&M is a market leader in the design, It does so by keeping up to speed with
construction and repair of offshore rigs, as well as technological developments, conceptualising
the repair and conversion of ships and specialised next-generation solutions, and conducting R&D
shipbuilding. It builds on its strong technological to create prototypes before handing over the
and engineering capabilities, honed through the designs to the business units of Keppel O&M for
years, to give it the versatility to respond promptly commercialisation.
to rapidly changing market needs. KOMtech comprises two key arms: Deep
i n e Te chnology Centre engages in research
e & Mar and
hor
cu
Offs
e r
el
h v
p
Kep
t e
ow
fo
h
out
in ds
nf
Ga develo
d
a pmen
t to s
n
dri
eek
Au
inn
ova
tiv
e
a
so
lut
ahe
ion
s fo
r oil
and
gas e
xplorat
ion02/2015 PAGE 28
COMPANY SPOTLIGHT
PREVIOUS PAGE The Water Technology and Shallow Water Technology, addressing technological changes in drilling
KFELS N Class jack-up headed by Mr Aziz Amirali Merchant, Executive equipment and processes,” he explains.
rig is designed for one
of the world’s harshest Director (Deep Water Technology), and Dr Foo
environments. Kok Seng, Executive Director (Shallow Water NEW FRONTIERS
Technology). KOMtech is also planning ahead in anticipation of
BELOW Mr Merchant (left)
receiving the Outstanding The Deep Water Technology unit looks into mid- to long-term trends, including moving into
Maritime R&D and areas such as deepwater and ultra-deepwater deeper waters and harsher environments, such as
Technology Award on drillships, ultra-harsh environment drilling semi- the Arctic region, in the search for oil and gas as
behalf of KOMtech from
Minister for Transport submersibles, as well as innovative ship designs more shallow water fields mature, says Dr Foo.
and Second Minister for and shipyard technology to improve processes Aside from keeping an eye on trends and
Defence Lui Tuck Yew at and productivity. The Shallow Water Technology technological advancement, KOMtech has
the Singapore International
Maritime Awards in April department is involved in areas such as arctic stepped up R&D efforts over the years by
this year. jack-up design, offshore wind solutions, liquefied engaging oil companies and drilling operators so
natural gas applications, and environmental and as to understand industry needs and develop E&P
OPPOSITE The innovative
and cost-effective KFELS B drilling solutions. solutions for the Arctic region. This will ensure
Class jack-up rig is known Despite concerns over the falling price of oil that it is prepared for a future when arctic drilling
as the reliable workhorse of and expected lower capital expenditures for oil becomes a reality.
the industry.
and gas exploration and production (E&P) projects Says Dr Foo: “For instance, we have
this year, KOMtech remains committed to R&D to implemented more automation and increased
maintain its technological lead. the number of safety features on our rigs. We
“In difficult times such as this, it is all the more recognise the trend of E&P moving into harsher,
important that investments continue to be made deeper and colder environments, and our research
in R&D so that more robust and cost-effective oil efforts are invested accordingly in the design and
production solutions can be developed for the oil construction of more complex and robust rigs.”
and gas industry,” Mr Merchant says. Apart from new solutions responsive to this
“Whether in shallow water or deepwater, trend, the centre has also enhanced its existing
it is important to ensure the safe, reliable jack-up designs to increase their efficiency and
and efficient implementation of offshore capabilities. For instance, the KFELS N Class rig
E&P activities. In this declining oil price is designed for harsh weather conditions, and
environment, it is also important for the meets the exacting requirements for operation
industry to seek solutions that are also in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea, one of
cost-effective.” the world’s harshest operating environments for
offshore E&P.
CUSTOMISING SOLUTIONS Aside from this, the KFELS Super B Class
The centre’s R&D team constantly was conceived to facilitate drilling works at
innovates and develops new rig designs that deeper depths and at higher temperatures and
are responsive to the needs of its customers. pressures, while the KFELS Super A Class jack-up
For instance, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in is designed to operate in harsh and cold climate
the Gulf of Mexico in 2010 significantly sharpened environments, such as the British, Danish and
the industry’s focus on newer drilling units with Dutch sectors of the North Sea.
superior technical and safety capabilities. Proprietary designs such as these have helped
Responding to customers’ enquiries for Keppel O&M retain its premier spot as a leading
newbuild rigs equipped with new safety designer and builder of jack-up rigs. Earlier this
technology, Dr Foo says that all of Keppel’s rig year, it reached a milestone by delivering its 100th
designs now provide maximum operational jack-up rig, the PV Drilling VI – a KFELS B Class
duration and drilling efficiency while incorporating jack-up rig – to PetroVietnam Drilling & Well
a high level of safety and updated environmental Services Corporation.
features. The designs also ensure optimum
working conditions for crew to operate efficiently. OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
“With our proprietary rig designs, which can To continue making breakthroughs in its R&D
be customised, we have been able to offer drilling efforts, KOMtech has forged industry partnerships
contractors the flexibility to incorporate unique and tie-ups with both local and international
features to reduce environmental impact, while institutions such as the National University of02/2015 PAGE 29
COMPANY SPOTLIGHT
C H NOLO GICAL AND ENGINEERIN
NG T E G CAP
STRO ABIL
ITIES
SO N ITS TILIT Y T O R E S P O N D P R O M P T LY …T O
I L D V E R S A TO R A G IVE
BU T HE PIDL IT
M
L O& YC
HA
P E N
K EP
GIN
GM
ARK
ET N
Singapore (NUS) and the American
EEDS
Bureau of Shipping (ABS). For instance,
it collaborated with ABS on a joint
development project using specialised
.
and fast-growing application tools to
further improve a drillship’s design in
order to achieve higher fuel efficiency and
operation over longer periods.
Further afield, KOMtech, NUS and FloaTEC,
a joint venture company between engineering
and construction company McDermott and
Keppel FELS (the rig design and building arm of
Keppel O&M), have also signed a Memorandum development and completion operations. When
of Understanding to form a consortium completed, it is expected to be a state-of-the-art
named fKN that will meet the challenges of drillship that meets the industry’s requirements of
deepwater developments in Brazil. It will explore high functionality, safety and cost effectiveness.
collaborations with Brazilian universities, research KOMtech has also come up with innovative
institutions, and offshore and marine industry deepwater rig designs such as the KFELS 5000HE,
partners to develop new technology and training a semi-submersible with features that enable
opportunities. it to operate to a depth of 457m in the harsh
As E&P activities move into deeper waters, environment of the British sector of the North Sea.
such projects typically face technical and financial Despite tough times in recent months for
challenges. This makes it crucial for operators the marine and offshore industry, Mr Merchant
to effectively control drilling costs and minimise believes that its long-term fundamentals remain
downtime, while ensuring that their operations sound as developing countries will need more
remain safe in harsh environments. “These issues energy as they grow and develop their industries,
get increasingly significant for operators and and the low oil prices today are not sustainable
contractors as E&P moves into ever deeper water,” in the long run. He says: “As over 50 per cent of
Mr Merchant says. jack-ups and semis are 25 years and older, the rig
To overcome such challenges, KOMtech is replacement cycle will eventually resume as oil
working on a range of solutions from drilling in companies will have to invest in replenishing their
deep water to the maintenance of production reserves at some point.”
units. The CAN DO drillship currently under Moving forward, Mr Merchant adds that
construction is one such example. In close KOMtech will continue to work with its customers
consultation with customers, major oil companies to develop high-specification rigs and offshore
and vendors, it was developed as a differentiated solutions that are more productive and cost-
drillship, able to undertake exploration, effective, and have better safety features.You can also read
