The Norwegian Training Center (NTC), represented by its Deputy Director Captain Knut Bentzrod and Client Relations Manager Jo-Ann Vidal, participated as key audience members at the Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) 2024. Held from April 16 to 18 and organized by the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), this year’s event theme, “Actions Meet Ambition,” perfectly aligns with NTC’s dedication to advancing maritime training and technology.

SMW 2024 served as a platform for global maritime leaders and industry enthusiasts to explore critical issues and the latest trends in the sector. It featured an array of dedicated conference tracks, panels, and discussions on decarbonization, digital innovation, and sustainable practices.

Highlights and Opportunities for NTC

As attendees, Captain Bentzrod and Ms. Vidal engaged in numerous sessions focused on cutting-edge developments, such as AI in maritime operations, low-carbon fuel options, and the integration of cybersecurity measures. These topics are particularly relevant to NTC’s mission of providing up-to-date training and enhancing industry standards through education and technology.

The event also featured the EXPO@SMW, a new trade exhibition showcasing state-of-the-art technologies and services vital for the industry’s transformation towards a net-zero future. The exhibition was organized into various thematic zones—Innovation, Decarbonization, Services, and Country zones—offering a comprehensive overview of exciting new developments in the industry. This was an excellent opportunity for NTC representatives to gain insights into the latest technological solutions and network with other professionals and experts in the field.

NTC’s Role in the Maritime Sector

By participating in SMW 2024, NTC reaffirmed its role in maritime training and underscored its commitment to fostering a dialogue on future challenges and opportunities within the maritime industry. The insights gained during the event will undoubtedly influence NTC’s future training programs and initiatives, aligning them with global trends and innovations.

In conclusion, the presence of the Norwegian Training Center at Singapore Maritime Week 2024 through its representatives, Captain Knut Bentzrod and Jo-Ann Vidal, highlights the center’s proactive approach to staying at the forefront of maritime education and training. Their participation ensures that NTC remains aligned with international standards and advancements, preparing its trainees for the evolving demands of the maritime industry.

In a landmark event showcasing the fusion of innovation and collaboration, the Norwegian Training Center (NTC) proudly revealed its pioneering Virtual Reality room today, marking a significant advancement in maritime training. The grand opening of the VR room saw the esteemed presence of Mr. Erik Gjerdene, Executive Director of the Norwegian Shipping Authority (NSA) and Chairman of NTC, who ceremoniously inaugurated the facility, symbolizing a new era in maritime education.

Mr. Erik Gjerdene, Executive Director of the Norwegian Shipping Authority (NSA) and Chairman of NTC Mr. Erik Gjerdene, Executive Director of the Norwegian Shipping Authority (NSA) and Chairman of NTC

Situated within the NTC Office, this Virtual Reality room stands as a testament to NTC’s commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technologies in training methodologies, a commitment echoed in the ongoing collaboration between Morild Interaktiv and NTC. This partnership, fundamental in elevating maritime training standards while maintaining cost efficiency, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of maritime education. Through initiatives like the Morild Ship & Bridge simulator system, NTC ensures that seafarers are thoroughly equipped with the essential skills and knowledge required to navigate the complexities of contemporary seafaring. Situated within the NTC Office, this Virtual Reality room stands as a testament to NTC’s commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technologies in training methodologies, a commitment echoed in the ongoing collaboration between Morild Interaktiv and NTC. This partnership, fundamental in elevating maritime training standards while maintaining cost efficiency, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of maritime education. Through initiatives like the Morild Ship & Bridge simulator system, NTC ensures that seafarers are thoroughly equipped with the essential skills and knowledge required to navigate the complexities of contemporary seafaring.

Captain Edgar Inocencio and Captain Edward Brioso Captain Edgar Inocencio and Captain Edward Brioso

The event witnessed the participation of key stakeholders and clients, including representatives from Klaveness and Grieg, who have been actively engaged in VR projects with NTC. Their presence underscores the significance of NTC’s initiatives in driving innovation and excellence within the maritime industry.

Mr. Gjerdene, in his address, emphasized the transformative potential of the VR room in preparing a new generation of seafarers who are well-trained and competent to meet the demands of a dynamic and evolving sector. He remarked, “This VR room exemplifies our dedication to pushing the boundaries of maritime education, ensuring that our seafarers are equipped with the necessary skills to navigate the challenges of modern maritime operations.”

As the curtains close on this momentous occasion, NTC looks forward to leveraging the immersive capabilities of its Virtual Reality room to redefine the landscape of maritime training. With its collaborative ethos and commitment to innovation, NTC is poised to continue leading the charge in shaping the future of maritime education, ultimately driving excellence and sustainability in the Philippine and Norwegian maritime industry and beyond.

We are proud to announce that NTC's very own Client Relations Lead of the Sales and Marketing Department, Kahreen Angela Agad, recently represented the Norwegian Training Center as a distinguished speaker at the Maritime Future Leaders' Symposium. The event took place at the AMOSUP Convention Hall in Intramuros, Manila, on September 28, 2024, and brought together aspiring maritime professionals from various institutions.We are proud to announce that NTC's very own Client Relations Lead of the Sales and Marketing Department, Kahreen Angela Agad, recently represented the Norwegian Training Center as a distinguished speaker at the Maritime Future Leaders' Symposium. The event took place at the AMOSUP Convention Hall in Intramuros, Manila, on September 28, 2024, and brought together aspiring maritime professionals from various institutions.

During her insightful presentation, Kahreen addressed key topics that resonate deeply with today's maritime cadets, including the challenges of seafaring careers, recruitment hurdles, and the impact of family dynamics on seafarers. Her engaging session provided a platform for open discussion, encouraging cadets to voice their questions and concerns about navigating a successful career in the maritime industry.During her insightful presentation, Kahreen addressed key topics that resonate deeply with today's maritime cadets, including the challenges of seafaring careers, recruitment hurdles, and the impact of family dynamics on seafarers. Her engaging session provided a platform for open discussion, encouraging cadets to voice their questions and concerns about navigating a successful career in the maritime industry.

Kahreen’s participation at this event highlights NTC’s commitment to shaping the future of maritime leaders by sharing knowledge and experiences that guide cadets toward making informed career choices. Her presence at the symposium not only reinforced NTC's role as a leader in maritime training but also strengthened our connection with the next generation of seafarers.The Maritime Future Leaders' Symposium proved to be an excellent opportunity for NTC to engage with cadets, showcase our industry insights, and collaborate with other maritime professionals committed to the development of future maritime leaders.Check out the highlights from the event below!Kahreen’s participation at this event highlights NTC’s commitment to shaping the future of maritime leaders by sharing knowledge and experiences that guide cadets toward making informed career choices. Her presence at the symposium not only reinforced NTC's role as a leader in maritime training but also strengthened our connection with the next generation of seafarers.

The Maritime Future Leaders' Symposium proved to be an excellent opportunity for NTC to engage with cadets, showcase our industry insights, and collaborate with other maritime professionals committed to the development of future maritime leaders.

In a resounding celebration of strength, courage, and progress, the Norwegian Training Center (NTC) marked International Women’s Day with an event that was as meaningful as it was inspirational. Held under the esteemed presence of His Excellency, Christian Halaas Lyster, Norway’s Ambassador to the Philippines, the event brought together influential voices from the maritime industry to highlight the vital role of women in leadership and the ongoing efforts to foster inclusivity, diversity, and gender equality in maritime. In a resounding celebration of strength, courage, and progress, the Norwegian Training Center (NTC) marked International Women’s Day with an event that was as meaningful as it was inspirational. Held under the esteemed presence of His Excellency, Christian Halaas Lyster, Norway’s Ambassador to the Philippines, the event brought together influential voices from the maritime industry to highlight the vital role of women in leadership and the ongoing efforts to foster inclusivity, diversity, and gender equality in maritime.

Speakers such as Ms. Mailyn Borillo, President and Managing Director of OSM, Ms. Myreen Visperas, POCR Operator from Columbia Ship Management, and Ms. Rheea Hermoso-Prudente, Life Coach to women seafarers, shared their personal journeys within the maritime sector. Their narratives not only showcased their achievements and challenges but also served as a beacon for the importance of breaking down stereotypes and barriers that women face in traditionally male-dominated industries. Speakers such as Ms. Mailyn Borillo, President and Managing Director of OSM, Ms. Myreen Visperas, POCR Operator from Columbia Ship Management, and Ms. Rheea Hermoso-Prudente, Life Coach to women seafarers, shared their personal journeys within the maritime sector. Their narratives not only showcased their achievements and challenges but also served as a beacon for the importance of breaking down stereotypes and barriers that women face in traditionally male-dominated industries.

The discussions delved deep into the significance of creating a supportive environment for the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in maritime. By sharing insights on overcoming industry stereotypes and highlighting collective efforts, the event underscored the undeniable impact of unity and commitment to empowering women. The discussions delved deep into the significance of creating a supportive environment for the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in maritime. By sharing insights on overcoming industry stereotypes and highlighting collective efforts, the event underscored the undeniable impact of unity and commitment to empowering women.

However, the NTC’s celebration of International Women’s Day extended beyond discussions and inspirational talks. In a meaningful gesture of solidarity and social responsibility, the NTC also used the event as an opportunity to support the Let’s Save the Brain Foundation. This notable non-stock, non-profit organization is dedicated to providing excellent medical care for indigent neurological patients at the Department of Neurosciences, University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH). Through this initiative, the NTC not only emphasized its commitment to gender equality but also its dedication to broader societal contributions. However, the NTC’s celebration of International Women’s Day extended beyond discussions and inspirational talks. In a meaningful gesture of solidarity and social responsibility, the NTC also used the event as an opportunity to support the Let’s Save the Brain Foundation. This notable non-stock, non-profit organization is dedicated to providing excellent medical care for indigent neurological patients at the Department of Neurosciences, University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH). Through this initiative, the NTC not only emphasized its commitment to gender equality but also its dedication to broader societal contributions.

As the maritime industry continues to navigate towards a brighter future, the NTC’s International Women’s Day celebration serves as a reminder of the power of inclusivity, diversity, and gender equality. The event’s successful fusion of empowerment, leadership, and philanthropy exemplifies the maritime sector’s potential to drive positive change, not just within its own realm but also in the wider community. As the maritime industry continues to navigate towards a brighter future, the NTC’s International Women’s Day celebration serves as a reminder of the power of inclusivity, diversity, and gender equality. The event’s successful fusion of empowerment, leadership, and philanthropy exemplifies the maritime sector’s potential to drive positive change, not just within its own realm but also in the wider community.

To the employees of the NTC and the maritime community at large, the event was a significant milestone in the journey toward a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable industry. The Norwegian Training Center’s commitment to these values, coupled with its support for charitable causes, reinforces the notion that progress in the maritime sector is intrinsically linked to the empowerment of women and the upliftment of underserved communities. To the employees of the NTC and the maritime community at large, the event was a significant milestone in the journey toward a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable industry. The Norwegian Training Center’s commitment to these values, coupled with its support for charitable causes, reinforces the notion that progress in the maritime sector is intrinsically linked to the empowerment of women and the upliftment of underserved communities.

As we look back on this celebration, it’s clear that the NTC’s efforts to champion women in maritime and support philanthropic causes are not just commendable but essential steps toward fostering a more just and equitable world. As we look back on this celebration, it’s clear that the NTC’s efforts to champion women in maritime and support philanthropic causes are not just commendable but essential steps toward fostering a more just and equitable world.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Manila for inviting the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to celebrate the Constitution Day of Norway on May 16, 2024. It was an honor to partake once again in this significant occasion, which commemorates Norway’s rich history and democratic values. This event serves as a testament to the enduring friendship between our two nations, and we look forward to further strengthening these bonds.

Norway’s Constitution Day, also known as National Day, is a celebration of the world’s second oldest written, living constitution. This day holds great significance as it reflects Norway’s commitment to democracy and rule of law.

During his speech, Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Christian Halaas Lyster, highlighted the importance of international law and praised the excellent relations between the Philippines and Norway. His words underscored the shared values and mutual respect that underpin our diplomatic ties.

We also extend our appreciation to the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs, particularly to Jesus Domingo, for sharing a toast in celebration of Norway’s National Day. Moments like these exemplify the camaraderie and goodwill that define our bilateral relationship.

As we reflect on this memorable event, we are reminded of the deep connections and shared aspirations between the Philippines and Norway. Here’s to many more years of friendship and collaboration. As we reflect on this memorable event, we are reminded of the deep connections and shared aspirations between the Philippines and Norway. Here’s to many more years of friendship and collaboration.

We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of the newly refurbished FRAMO laboratory at the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies (AIMS). This milestone was achieved through the incredible support of our partners. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was graced by His Excellency Ambassador Christian Halaas Lyster, along with OdFjell Vice President Svend Foyn-Bruun, and AIMS representative Dr. Lamberto Mindanao. We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of the newly refurbished FRAMO laboratory at the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies (AIMS). This milestone was achieved through the incredible support of our partners. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was graced by His Excellency Ambassador Christian Halaas Lyster, along with OdFjell Vice President Svend Foyn-Bruun, and AIMS representative Dr. Lamberto Mindanao.

Key contributors to this achievement were Odfjell, AIMS partners led by Dr. Lamberto Mindanao and Ms. Joy Garner, and the diligent NTC team led by Chief Engineer Jose Fugoso and Engineer Charlene Briones. The inspiration from Odfjell and everyone’s collective effort has set a new standard in maritime training facilities.

This state-of-the-art facility is equipped with top-notch tools designed to enhance the training of seafarers, particularly those from chemical and product tanker companies. It promises significant advancements for the maritime industry, including job creation and economic development, serving as a catalyst for growth and prosperity within the community. This initiative exemplifies the power of collaboration and a shared commitment to empowering individuals and fostering community development.

We are immensely proud to be part of this groundbreaking initiative and eagerly anticipate the positive changes it will bring. Congratulations to everyone involved in making this vision a reality. Here’s to new beginnings and continued innovation! We are immensely proud to be part of this groundbreaking initiative and eagerly anticipate the positive changes it will bring. Congratulations to everyone involved in making this vision a reality. Here’s to new beginnings and continued innovation!