Odfjell SE Chairman Laurence Odfjell led the inauguration of the new Odfjell in the Philippines office in Manila on Wednesday, February 20th. In his inspirational message during the Awarding Ceremony for loyal Odfjell Seafarers, the Chairman maintained that the new office reconfirms Odfjell’s decision to hire Filipino seafarers many years ago.
Chief of Staff Øistein Jensen, Global Head of Ship Management Geirmund Drivenes and Global Head of Tanker Trading Bjørn Hammer, along with shore personnel from Odfjell's offices worldwide, Odfjell seafarers, suppliers and partners attended the event.
Philippines Norway Business Council (PNBC) Board Members, Norwegian Training Center Director Erlend Grimstad and Deputy Director Captain Jo Even Tomren from Thome Ship Management Pte Ltd, ROHQ Managing Director Captain Ivar Thomasli, and Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Bjørn Jahnsen also graced the afternoon.
In his opening remarks, Jensen talked about how OiP contributes to Odfjell's global operations. He also shared how the new setup of the office contributes to the organization's culture of collaboration.
The office space was blessed by a Catholic priest in the morning, as customary in the Philippines.
From occupying eight floors in its former dwelling in Atlantis Beacon Tower, OiP is now housed in one floor, with common areas dividing the two companies: Odfjell Philippines, Inc., responsible for core crewing operations; and Odfjell Ship Management (Phils.), Inc., the support arm comprised of the Odfjell Shared Service Center, and the Finance and Human Resources departments.
The new office boasts a modern and open office space that will foster more collaboration among OiP's diverse units.
It is also equipped with more sophisticated facilities that will provide seafarers and guests alike a better experience when visiting the office.
While Odfjell has been recruiting Filipino seafarers since the 1980s, it was only in 2007 when Odfjell started to establish its own identity in the country. Odfjell Philippines, Inc. and Odfjell Ship Management (Phils.) Inc. were registered with the Philippines' Securities and Exchange Commission.
The following year, it was issued a temporary one-year permit to operate as a manning agency, necessitating Odfjell’s gradual move from Magsaysay Maritime Corporation and eventual cooperation with a local partner to build its own office, the Atlantis Beacon Tower, which was formally inaugurated on September 8th, 2008.
OiP has grown to 75 employees as it transferred to a new location this year. As it grew, the Manila office developed its organization and refined its processes to better service Odfjell's vessels and offices worldwide.
The office is headed by Manager Overseas Office and VP Maritime Personnel, Torger Trige and the following department heads:
Captain Remigio Zamora, General Manager and Odfjell Philippines, Inc. President
Agnes Enesio, VP - Head of Crewing
Ma. Vanessa Medina, Head of Odfjell Shared Service Center
Julie Ann Ignacio, Manager Human Resources/Support
Jonalyn Luma-ang, Manager Finance and Accounting
