Norwegian plans on establishing an Ulstein Academy in Subic in the future

as the Norwegian shipbuilder sets up Manila office ...

Norwegian shipbuilder Ulstein Group (UG) will soon be inaugurating its Manila Office, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

The DFA website (www.dfa.gov.ph) said Philippine Ambassador to Norway Elizabeth Buensuceso received the information from Jens Lassen, managing director of UMS.

Lassen called on Buensuceso at the chancery last March 4, the DFA said.

"Mr. Lassen disclosed that the UMS office in Manila will be performing back office functions such as in accounting, purchasing, risk management and human resources. In time, he said the office will be expanded to include training and crewing of ships other than ship and shipyard design," the DFA said.

It added the company is also looking at establishing an Ulstein Academy in Subic in the future.

Also, Lassen said rebuilding decommissioned ships will be good business for the Philippines.

"The new company will be providing much-needed jobs to Filipinos in these difficult times of global economic crisis. Despite the crisis, Mr. Lassen is upbeat about the prospects of this industry and has high praises for the Philippines and its people," the DFA said.

The ambassador met with the founders of the newly formed company AC Offshore Solutions (ACOS) when they called on her last March 3.

Filipino engineers Arnold Apolinario, Warren Tolentino and Ricardo Roquel informed Ambassador Buensuceso that together with some Norwegian partners, they have established ACOS to address the needs of the Norwegian offshore platform industry.

ACOS is a joint Norwegian-Filipino venture based in Strand, in western Norway.

It is composed of three companies specializing in project management, engineering design and recruitment.

"The Embassy has noted a growing number of Filipino engineers arriving in Norway especially in the oil and gas sectors. Civil, structural and mechanical engineers and architects have become in demand and employers have reported a high rate of satisfaction with the competence, effectiveness and work ethic of Filipino engineers," the DFA said. - GMANews.TV