Kongsberg Maritime Plants Flag in Manila with New Office
Kongsberg Maritime technology firm, a global leader in maritime simulation and propulsion systems, will use the new base to serve approximately 100 local customers, including maritime academies, shipping companies and government agencies.
Kongsberg Maritime has been active in the country for over 30 years, primarily through its Maritime Simulation business. The new office in Manila will serve as a permanent hub to coordinate these long-standing relationships, offering faster response times and closer collaboration on training, upgrades and innovation.
“As a pioneer and one of the world’s leading providers of maritime simulation solutions, we recognise the Philippines’ critical role in supplying highly skilled seafarers to the global maritime industry,” said Are Føllesdal Tjønn, Senior Vice President, Maritime Simulation of Maritime Simulation at Kongsberg Maritime. “Our enhanced presence in Manila reinforces our commitment to supporting maritime academies, training centres, shipping companies and government stakeholders with advanced simulation technology, local expertise and closer collaboration.”
The office will also streamline commercial operations, including the handling of import duties and withholding taxes, through the establishment of a local legal entity.
What the new office means for Philippine maritime operations: Kongsberg Maritime
Kongsberg Maritime’s decision to establish a permanent presence in Manila reflects its confidence in the Philippines as a key market. The office will employ nine staff initially, with plans to expand local capabilities in commercial, technical and customer support. This expansion will enable more frequent workshops, user meetings and training programmes, fostering knowledge transfer and a deeper understanding of local needs.
“The Philippines has long been a strategic market for Kongsberg Maritime, both because of its importance to the global maritime industry and the exceptional talent found here,” said Lisa Edvardsen Haugan, President of Kongsberg Maritime. “Establishing a permanent office in Manila demonstrates our confidence in the country and our commitment to supporting customers through local expertise, faster engagement and innovative solutions that contribute to safer, smarter and more sustainable maritime operations.”
The new office will also enhance Kongsberg’s ability to support the Philippine government’s maritime administration, which oversees the country’s vast fleet and training standards. With a local team on the ground, Kongsberg can provide more efficient technical support, ensuring that maritime academies and training centres have access to the latest simulation technology for seafarer education.
For shipowners and operators in the Philippines, the office will mean quicker access to Kongsberg’s portfolio of solutions, including propulsion systems, dynamic positioning and automation technologies.
This is expected to benefit shipyards in the Philippines, which often require rapid access to spare parts and technical support for vessel maintenance and upgrades.
Looking ahead, Kongsberg Maritime plans to use the Manila office as a platform for further growth in the region. The company has not disclosed specific expansion targets, but the move signals a long-term commitment to the Philippines, where it sees opportunities in both commercial shipping and maritime education.
«As a pioneer and one of the world’s leading providers of maritime simulation solutions, we recognise the Philippines’ critical role in supplying highly skilled seafarers to the global maritime industry. Our enhanced presence in Manila reinforces our commitment to supporting maritime academies, training centres, shipping companies and government stakeholders with advanced simulation technology, local expertise and closer collaboration. We look forward to continuing our contribution to maritime education and training in the Philippines for many years to come.»
Are Føllesdal Tjønn·Senior Vice President, Maritime Simulation, Maritime Simulation, Kongsberg Maritime
«The Philippines has long been a strategic market for Kongsberg Maritime, both because of its importance to the global maritime industry and the exceptional talent found here. Establishing a permanent office in Manila demonstrates our confidence in the country and our commitment to supporting customers through local expertise, faster engagement and innovative solutions that contribute to safer, smarter and more sustainable maritime operations.»
Lisa Edvardsen Haugan·President, Kongsberg Maritime
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