Training allows people to trust that they can handle life’s challenges. The GE’s Energy Management Services business reminds that people don’t have to face them alone.

This is why GE’s Energy Management Services business is extending the scope of its marine services training centers at key locations around the world. The training centers provide operator and maintenance training to GE customers and its own field service engineers for its Dynamic Positioning (DP) products, vessel automation systems, MV7000 and MV3000 variable frequency drives and other innovative offerings.

Marine is an increasingly important market for GE’s Energy Management Services business. This year alone, the company unveiled four highly innovative product packages aimed specifically at the sector: the Visor supervisory system; VF-AFE Variable Frequency Active Front-End power and propulsion system; a new “mariner-friendly” DP system; and the Inovelis podded thruster. All are designed to increase efficiency, reliability and sustainability across a range of operations.

To support these and other products for the marine industry, GE is upgrading existing marine services training centers and establishing new ones at strategic locations close to important users around the world. It is currently close to completing a major upgrade at its training facility in Busan, South Korea, a short drive from some of the world’s largest shipyards in Ulsan and Geoje. This provides operation and maintenance training to ship operators and GE field service engineers.

GE also is investing and enhancing in the training centers in Houston, Texas, and in Rugby, United Kingdom. In Houston, GE provides training for its drives, DP and automation systems, where it has large customer bases in Oil & Gas and port centers. Training for DP and automation also is provided out of Rugby, England, a major business center for the company and a manufacturing plant site. The facilities will ensure that GE customers are well trained so that the equipment will be operated at the highest efficiency and maintained in the best possible condition.

“Modernizing and expanding our training capability for marine applications is key to increasing customer satisfaction as well as to improving our own opportunities in this important industry. Everybody wins,” says SB Ahn, growth and offshore & marine growth leader, Korea. “GE is beginning its global upgrade in South Korea because we have for many years understood its major importance for our marine business. GE already has very close relationships with well-known Korean shipbuilders, and together we have delivered numerous vessels with improved energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact.”

“Now, with the new marine service training centers, GE is reinforcing its commitment to contributing to future generations of ocean-going and offshore vessels. This global project expands on our current capability to drive customer loyalty and provide not only the best products available, but also the skills and tools to maintain them, wherever they are around the world,” adds Mike Archibald, Energy Management Services business leader.

“Training will help maximize efficiency for customers and minimize the chance of mistakes that can negatively affect operations,” Archibald added. “With a variety of top-of-the-line training solutions and experienced instructors, the company can customize a learning solution that works for each individual customer.”

Press Release, October 24, 2013