ABS inks offshore training MOU with Korean shipbuilders

APRIL 3, 2014 — Classification society ABS recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Korea Offshore & Shipbuilding Association (KOSHIPA) to develop and deliver a curriculum of offshore training courses.

“The framework of the MOU is to establish classroom training and coaching sessions for technical and management-level members within KOSHIPA on offshore engineering concepts and principles applicable to the maritime, oil and gas industries,” says Mark A. McGrath, ABS Chief Learning Officer.

KOSHIPA Executive Vice President Dr. Young-Ju Suh says, “This MOU with ABS will strengthen learning for Korea’s premier shipbuilding companies through structured on-the-job training and coaching to promote individual competencies in offshore.”

As one of the leading shipbuilding nations, South Korea is home to some of the most prominent and productive shipyards in the world, including KOSHIPA members Dae Sun Shipbuilding & Engineering, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction, Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries, Samsung Heavy Industries, ShinaSB Yard Co. Ltd., STX Offshore & Shipbuilding, and Sungdong Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering.

The range of technical courses, covering drilling and production as well as offshore engineering concepts, will focus on transferring useful practical skills. Employing a hands-on approach to training will give participants the opportunity to “learn by doing” to promote the safe and controlled application of new skills in the workplace.

“For more than 50 years, ABS has been committed to working alongside the builders in Korea to promote mutually beneficial services to foster knowledge transfer and safe operations,” says ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki. “This MOU is a sign of our continuing commitment to work with all stakeholders in this consortium to provide practical training solutions to meet today’s most pressing challenges.”