Ballast water treatment (BWT) system specialist OceanSaver has taken the strategic decision to establish a base in the world’s number one shipbuilding centre, South Korea.
The Norwegian company has expanded rapidly since opening its doors in Drammen, near Oslo, in 2003, forging a strong reputation for its reliable, robust and technically advanced systems in the dynamic BWT market. Asia has recently emerged as a key growth driver for the company, with the team opening its first office on the continent in Shanghai, China, in 2011. OceanSaver is currently making preparations to open its South Korean office in Busan, on 1 January 2013. The operation will be led by General Manager Hyunsoo Jeon, with Sales Executive Jae Wook Bae taking charge of the local sales division.
South Korea, which last year accounted for over 37% of all shipping newbuilds, is the latest target market for the ambitious business – for obvious reasons, explains Houtan Houshangi, CEO of OceanSaver: “It makes perfect business sense for us to move into the world’s number one shipbuilding destination,” he says. “Our new, dedicated office in Busan will allow us to provide local clients with what we believe is an unparalleled level of support within the sector – giving them technical expertise, project support, sales and commissioning support, and comprehensive OceanSaver product service right on their doorsteps.”
He continues, “Of the 54 system installation contracts the company has received, 20 have come out of South Korean shipyards. We already have a good understanding of the market there, and a specialised local office will enable us to get even closer to clients – giving them exactly what they want and providing us with another growth platform for the business.”
“We need the right people, with the right skillsets and experience, to take full advantage of the opportunities in the industry in the coming years,” he adds, noting that (according to research from Goltens Green Technology) only around 5% of the current BWT-applicable world fleet has ordered systems.
“The BWT market is ‘hot’,” Houshangi declares. “Furthermore, it is evolving all the time and we believe a direct and local presence in South Korea will put ourselves into a great position to stay at the head of the curve and meet the pressing needs of those in the shipping industry that must comply with IMO and USCG mandates.”