KOMtech: Keppel Debuts New Tech Center

Keppel Offshore & Marine Limited (Keppel O&M) celebrated its fifth year with a strong net orderbook of over $8.9b, including above $4.8b of new contracts secured year-to-date. The company was established in 2002 following the restructuring and integration of the offshore and marine businesses of Keppel Corporation. Focused on technology innovation to provide viable and cost effective solutions for its customers, Keppel O&M’s proprietary technologies have generated contracts worth some $10.3b over the years, including current projects under construction. The Company has officially launched Keppel Offshore & Marine Technology Centre (KOMtech) to boost its R&D edge and position itself for long term growth. Keppel O&M will inject seed money of $103.5 million to fuel the Center’s activities over a five-year period with additional support from the Economic Development Board. “KOMtech is an extension and strengthening of current R&D initiatives undertaken by our technology units - Offshore Technology Development, Deepwater Technology Group and Marine Technology Group respectively. It will also work closely with our industry partners to conceive effective solutions for the market,” said Mr Choo Chiau Beng, Chairman & CEO of Keppel O&M. “In the long run, KOMtech’s deliverables will sustain our market leadership, and provide the quantum leap in technology and returns for the Company.” KOMtech’s scope will include managing, stimulating and carry outing R&D, product development, technology foresight, shipyard process improvement and knowledge building activities within the Keppel O&M Group. Headed by industry veteran, Mr Charles Foo, Keppel O&M’s Managing Director (Special Projects), KOMtech is staffed by a talent pool of 30 highly competent professionals. The Centre is expected to increase headcount to about 100 in the near future. Prominent researchers and leading industry specialists will also be engaged as Fellows to provide in-depth knowledge in specific fields.