SINGAPORE-based NYK Shipmanagement Pte Ltd has opened an office in Manila in preparation for an increase in ship management services in the coming years to be delivered by Filipino seafarers who already provide much NYK shipboard manpower.

"The establishment of the Manila office enables a full range of activities to be conducted within the Philippines, ranging from the education, training, and provision of seafarers through to ship management services," said an NYK statement.

"By being involved in onshore operations for ship management at the office, Filipino seafarers can build comprehensive careers as maritime technologists within the NYK Group," the statement said.

In its medium-term management plan, "More Than Shipping 2013", NYK announced a strategy last year to foster superior seafarers, who can act as a core for a safe ship operation system and to differentiate NYK services from others through professional competence, said the company statement.

Established in October 2001 as a wholly owned subsidiary, NYK Shipmanagement Pte Ltd provides ship management and crew manning services for NYK vessels. The head office is located in Singapore, with branches and local offices in Tokyo, London, Split (Croatia), Constanta (Romania), Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and New Delhi as well as Bangladesh and Manila.