Kongsberg Serves Mexican Offshore Industry
Kongsberg Maritime Mexico S.A. DE C.V. became fully operational out of its new facility in Veracruz this summer. As an extension to Kongsberg’s worldwide service network, the new service hub will offer expanded support for DP vessels and international merchant vessels with Kongsberg Maritime navigation, automation and control systems on board. The operation in Mexico currently has five employees, including three field engineers who will work closely with the team in New Orleans.
Kongsberg Maritime Mexico was formally established in January 2011. Kongsberg Maritime New Orleans supported the planning and setup for its operational start this summer.
Mexican Offshore Industry
“The strategic decision to open a wholly owned Mexican subsidiary was taken based on the service requirements of our customers operating in the region”, says Lars Kristian Moen, EPV Global Customer Support. “In addition to supporting the Mexican offshore industry, there are a large number of merchant vessels sailing through the region with Kongsberg Maritime systems on board. By establishing a Mexican service facility with a full stock of spares, we are better positioned to serve all of these vessels with fast acting, high quality service from a local hub.”
Diverse Customers
Kongsberg Maritime already supports several state-of-the-art semi-submersibles with ‘Full Picture’ Integrated Automation Systems in the region, including Groupo R’s new semi-submersible Centenario built at Jurong Shipyard and Seadrill’s West Pegasus, commissioned at the same yard. The PEMEX owned Chemul accommodation unit also operates in Mexico with Kongsberg Maritime systems on board. This is in addition to a large number of OSV and AHTS vessels with Kongsberg Maritime Dynamic Positioning systems that can now be supported from Veracruz.
Deep Water
“The Mexican authorities seem to be ready to invest and open up for foreign oil companies to take part, especially in the deep water offshore exploration so having a service centre in this region will be a key differentiator for Kongsberg Maritime and a huge benefit to our customers in Mexico”, adds Victor Proy, general manager, Kongsberg Maritime Mexico.