Kongsberg Maritime is establishing a new office in Manila, creating a stronger local platform for growth and reinforcing its long-term commitment to customers, partners and the wider maritime community in the Philippines. The office will officially open on 23 October.

Kongsberg Maritime supports the Philippine maritime sector with simulation, propulsion and manoeuvring solutions, spare parts for shipowners and cooperation with shipyards. The Manila office will provide a permanent base to coordinate these activities, strengthen customer support and pursue new opportunities.

The office builds on more than 30 years of collaboration between Kongsberg Maritime’s Maritime Simulation business and the Philippine maritime community. Nine employees are currently based in the country, with scope to expand local commercial, technical and customer support capabilities.

Kongsberg Maritime has relationships with approximately 100 customers in the Philippines across maritime education and training, commercial shipping, government and maritime administration. A permanent local presence will enable faster responses, closer collaboration on planning, upgrades, training and innovation, and more efficient project delivery.

The office will support more frequent workshops, user meetings and training programmes, strengthening knowledge transfer and insight into local needs. A local legal entity is also expected to simplify commercial operations, including the handling of applicable import and withholding taxes.

“As a pioneer and one of the world’s leading providers of maritime simulation solutions, we recognise the Philippines’ critical role in supplying highly skilled seafarers to the global maritime industry. Our enhanced presence in Manila reinforces our commitment to supporting maritime academies, training centres, shipping companies and government stakeholders with advanced simulation technology, local expertise and closer collaboration. We look forward to continuing our contribution to maritime education and training in the Philippines for many years to come,” said Are Føllesdal Tjønn, Senior Vice President, Maritime Simulation, Kongsberg Maritime.

“The Philippines has long been a strategic market for Kongsberg Maritime, both because of its importance to the global maritime industry and the exceptional talent found here. Establishing a permanent office in Manila demonstrates our confidence in the country and our commitment to supporting customers through local expertise, faster engagement and innovative solutions that contribute to safer, smarter and more sustainable maritime operations,” said Lisa Edvardsen Haugan, President, Kongsberg Maritime.