WSS Starts Asia Expansion with Thailand Opening
Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS) says it is expanding its network of supply points across Asia as it responds to an increasing level of offshore oil and gas exploration and production.
The first new WSS supply point, at Songkhla, southern Thailand opened in January 2014 and other locations have been identified to enable WSS to work closer to areas of emerging demand. New supply sites are under consideration in Kemaman, Malaysia, Balikpapan, Indonesia and in Myanmar.
Countries including Malaysia, Indonesia and Myanmar present strong regional growth potential, with marginal and deepwater fields continuing to drive the investment in upstream assets. Malaysia and Indonesia have already put in place policies to attract additional investment in oil and gas production and Myanmar is due to announce the winning bidders for its deepwater blocks in the first quarter of 2014.
Joe Peng, Offshore Account Manager Asia-Pacific, WSS, says the company’s focus on safety and its strong network are natural advantages in a region where the offshore sector is still growing. “This is a complex market with a diverse customer base, ranging from oilfield operators, drilling contractors, production operators to offshore support companies. Close engagement over the past 12 months enables us to understand their challenges of operating in such a diverse and often remote geographical location. Their top three concerns are safety, logistics issues and reliability, subjects where WSS can bring value and vast knowledge.”
About the company
Wilhelmsen Ships Service is part of Wilhelmsen Maritime Services, a Wilh. Wilhelmsen group company. It claims to be the world’s largest maritime services network, with 4,500 marine professionals servicing 2,200 ports in 125 countries. Wilhelmsen Ships Service supplies safety products and services, Unitor products, Unitor and Nalfleet marine chemicals, maritime logistics and ships agency to the maritime industry.
www.wilhelmsen.com/shipsservice