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The Norwegian Training Center is dedicated to enhancing seafarers’ competence and providing training responsive to industry needs, according to NTC CEO Jo Even Tomren
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As part of its recent 35th anniversary celebration, NTC organized a one-day conference dedicated to exploring the future trajectory of the maritime industry and addressing the challenges ahead
The Norwegian Training Center (NTC) is dedicated to enhancing seafarers’ competence and providing training responsive to industry needs, said chief executive officer Jo Even Tomren.
At the sidelines of the maritime and offshore training center’s 35th anniversary celebration on April 24, Tomren told PortCalls NTC’s focus will not only be “just looking into what’s required by the STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) and… the law, but also what (seafarers) need to build more competence to… face all these challenges.”
He added, “One of our jobs here at Norwegian Training Center is to be in the forefront of what the industry needs. So the regulations are often coming very late, so we need to understand what our members and clients need of training. For instance, eight years ago, we started with the decarbonization run on LNG here in the Philippines, and it’s only just now that the others are following, so we are always in front of that.”
In the next few years, Tomren said one of their focal points will be on “digital bridge building” given the technological advancements and digital tools coming in the maritime industry.
“We are always offering what the industry is needing. So, if there’s a sudden need for maybe a type of digital gap bridge, we will find a way to do that,” he noted.
As part of its anniversary celebration, NTC organized a one-day conference dedicated to exploring the future trajectory of the maritime industry and addressing the challenges ahead.
One of these challenges is climate change, with the International Maritime Organization actively spearheading efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping. Such initiatives have spawned technological advancements for green solutions and increased digitalization on ships, creating new demand for maritime expertise in the future, Tomren said.
READ: IMO approves net-zero rules for shipping
Other challenges include geopolitical tensions and disruptions due to the trade war, although Tomren said he does not see this resulting in training cuts as goods still need to be transported.
A subsidiary of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association (NSA), NTC is a pioneer in providing simulator and specialized courses to the maritime industry.
Filipino seafarers currently make up nearly 65% of the crew in the Norwegian international fleet.
NTC, which recently launched its renovated and upgraded maritime training office in Pasay City, administers two flagship cadet programs: the NSA Philippines cadet program and electro technical officers cadet program. – Roumina Pablo
