The business of building ships has largely been tumultuous since the economic collapse of 2008 and lingering global malaise. When the talk turns to shipbuilding of late, the topic is more than likely cancelled orders, employee cutbacks or outright closure … unless:
- Your shipyard is in Brazil
- Your shipyard (OSX) has a global behemoth (EBX) as an investor
- Your shipyard taps the minds and talent of one of the world’s preeminent shipbuilders (Hyundai)
- Your shipyard has a $4.8B orderbook and plans for its first delivery (an FPSO) in 3Q2011 … BEFORE the shipyard is complete.
Meet OSX Brasil S.A., an EBX Group company, designed to supply the industry's demand for integrated service solutions to the Oil & Gas market, which is rapidly expanding in Brazil. In January of this year Maritime Reporter presented a one-on-one with Roberto Monteiro, CFO of OSX Shipbuilding, Chartering and Offshore Services, in the wake of OSX Brasil S.A raising $1.4B in its IPO. This month, Maritime Reporter checks in with Mr. Monteiro to discover details on the yard’s journey to built its own Naval Technology Institute to feed demand for new recruits and staff for its rapidly growing operation.
Why, exactly, is OSX planning to open its own Naval Technology Institute?
Monteiro Aiming to educate and to train manpower dedicated to its Shipbuilding Unit, OSX, an EBX Group Company is detailing the concept of the Naval Technology Institute (ITN). OSX shipyard will create approximately 10,000 direct jobs during its operational phase, so this staff will be professionally trained by the Naval Technology Institute.
When will the institute open for business?
Monteiro OSX expects to train, until the end of 2013, a total of 7,800 technical specialists in production, inspection and supervision. In the beginning of July 2011, OSX signed the first partnership in Rio de Janeiro to structure the first technical courses to be offered. In the first phase 3,100 workers will be trained in more than 20 different courses provided by OSX. The classes is about to begin by October 2011.
How much was invested in this project?
Monteiro We are investing $8.3m on this first phase.
On a yearly basis, how many students is the institute designed to accommodate?
Monteiro OSX expects to train, untill the end of 2013, a total of 7,800 technical specialists.
Can you give real examples of the classes or curriculm?
Monteiro We will have 185 classes that will be divided into 23 professional activities, including welders, structure assemblers, pipe fitters, mechanics, electricians and instrumentalists.
What are the major challenges of opening this type of institute in Brazil at this time?
Monteiro We expect to train this large amount of technical specialists and we know it´s a challenge. But, ITN will act in partnership with educational institutions recognized inside and outside Brazil, aiming to become a reference for the shipbuilding industry in Brazil. In addition to generating qualified manpower for the sector, ITN also aims to promote research and projects focused on improving and automating operational processes of the area. We will also count on an important partnership with Hyundai Heavy Industries to develop this project.
(As published in the August 2011 edition of Maritime Reporter & Engineering News - www.marinelink.com)