Working in co-operation with BWT supplier Optimarin and Saga Shipholding, Anglo-Eastern has built a facility for training crews in the wake of the ratification of the IMO's Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention.
The training centre, which officially opened this month, features a fully functional Optimarin Ballast System (OBS), with a special pump house, piping, plus practical and classroom-based learning environments. Saga, which has installed OBS systems throughout its fleet of 32 open-hatch bulk carriers, provided logistics support for the project.
"Now that the BWM convention has finally come into force, every applicable vessel in the world fleet requires a compliant BWT system," said Optimarin CEO Tore Andersen. "It's therefore vital that crews everywhere get the training they need to ensure carefree, simple and reliable operation.
"With this in mind, we think the move by Anglo-Eastern to create this dedicated facility, in one of the world's recognised centres for maritime talent, is exactly what shipowners and operators are crying out for.
The OBS is now established as the industry's preferred choice - with unbeatable compliance, including USCG approval, alongside simple installation and proven, environmentally friendly technology - so it made perfect sense utilising it as the platform for teaching these skills," he claimed.Anglo-Eastern's facility, located in Manila's Makati central business district, is available for use by all clients. Capt Pradeep Chawla, who as managing director group QHSE and training, heads up all training activities, said the combination of hands-on experience and technical learning sessions will provide real benefits for both students, and their employers:
"BWT is a relatively young sector and, although many companies and individuals understand its importance, they lack insight into the technology, maintenance and operational issues," Capt Chawla explained.
"This new centre fills that knowledge gap, giving seafarers the skills they need and owners and operators a strong foundation for compliant, problem free sailing.
"Anglo-Eastern is focused on providing the support services that the industry needs, and we're proud to be leading the market when it comes to the provision of this niche, yet critical, competency," he said.
The Manila facility becomes the second Anglo-Eastern Ship Management training academy to house an OBS, after a similar unit was installed, also in collaboration with Saga, in Mumbai during 2015.