Anglo-Eastern, Optimarin and Saga join forces for ground-breaking Manila-based BWT training facility
Global ship management services provider Anglo-Eastern Ship Management has created a unique ballast water treatment (BWT) training facility at its Manila base in the Philippines. Working in conjunction with BWT specialist Optimarin - a leader in system technology, supply and global compliance - and Saga Shipholding, a respected open hatch shipowner, Anglo-Eastern has built an essential resource for training crews in the wake of the ratification of the IMO’s Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention.
The facility, which officially opened this month, features a fully functional Optimarin Ballast System (OBS) at its heart, with a special pump house, piping, and practical and classroom-based learning environments. Saga, which has installed OBS systems throughout its entire fleet of 32 advanced vessels, provided logistics support for the project.
Anglo-Eastern’s facility, conveniently located in the Makati central business district of Manila, is available for use by all global clients. Capt. Pradeep Chawla, who as Managing Director Group QHSE and Training heads up all training activities for the leader in specialist maritime training and ship management, says the combination of hands-on experience and technical learning sessions will provide real benefits for both students, and their employers:
The Manila facility becomes the second Anglo-Eastern Ship Management school to house an OBS, after a sister unit was installed, also in collaboration with Saga, in the firm’s Mumbai centre in 2015.
Optimarin has been exclusively focused on developing BWT technology since its formation in 1994. Renowned as the company to install the first ever commercial system – on the Princess Regal in 2000 – it also became the first supplier to receive full USCG approval in December 2016.
The Norwegian-headquartered company has received orders for around 500 OBS systems, with more than 300 installed worldwide. Over 100 of these have been retrofits, delivered in conjunction with Global Engineering partners Goltens and Zeppelin Power Systems.