ZF strengthen its regional competency Centre to streamline its Marine services across APAC

* ZF operates a regional competency centre to streamline its Marine services across the APAC region from one central location.

* Its mission is to raise the competency level of the team in Singapore to lead the entire region in terms of technical capabilities, enabling ZF to provide a one-stop solution to its customers for marine propulsion.

The Regional Marine Hub in Singapore at ZF Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. is recognized as the Centre of Competency for the APAC region, in addition to supporting customers and marine activities in the region offering full propulsion systems and solutions.

Known as the Centre of Competency (CoC), the aim is to create competencies centrally to serve and support all ZF offices in the region. In addition to supporting ZF’s many locations, especially in the smaller countries, which serve both new sales and aftermarket marine customers, the CoC endeavors to bring added value to the customers.

The CoC was developed by consciously bringing together a team with a high level of domain knowledge and experience in related fields, to be able to support marine customers with more and more complex and value-added services.

Some of the initiatives include full propulsion packages like shafting and FPP packages, hybrid propulsion packages, consultancy for customers for potential future project concepts, etc., in addition to supporting the ZF Marine locations in the region.

As a result, the CoC further bolsters ZF’s global service, already known for its prompt, professional and efficient service standards, and dedication to customer needs.

Building an End-to-End Knowledge Base
“Our locations can bank on us for support in delivering complex projects,” explains Thiru Moorthy, Head of CoC Singapore and Global Business Manager, Marine, ZF Aftermarket. “The Centre of Competency not only has technical expertise and competencies but also has the resources for project management and is able to execute complex projects. We are, therefore, able to add further value to our external stakeholder by offering full end-to-end solutions rather than just being a component supplier.”

In essence, the CoC levels up the standard of service across the region so that customers receive consistently excellent service no matter the location.

Collaborating to Provide Further Value
The CoC’s role is not solely limited to leading and giving technical expertise and knowledge to satellite locations. It’s also able to enhance its value proposition by forging strong industry partnerships. For example, the CoC introduced the first ever hybrid propulsion package in 2020 that any location globally could put together.

Four Taiwanese vessels were commissioned with this hybrid propulsion package in this pilot project. ZF is now looking to expand its range of packages to service the broader marine market.

A Work in Progress
The CoC will continue to look for ways to support ZF’s Marine business in APAC through end-to-end knowledge training and development as well as through strategic partnerships. In addition to leading the CoC in Singapore, Thiru Moorthy will support the new CoC being set up in Europe following a similar model as the CoC Singapore.

Apart from the CoC initiative, ZF will present its first hybrid-capable down angle transmission, ZF 5200 A PTI transmissions, CeTrax e-motor with power take-in at the Asia Pacific Maritime at Booth E-M02, at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore from 16 to 18 March 2022. Powerful and flexible, the transmission is suitable for many different applications, thanks to a wide transmission-ratio range.

Also at the stand will be a hybrid propulsion control system simulator, that uses proven and standard building blocks like the very popular ZF premium Clear Command control processor and the newest 4000 series control head, that is able to mimic all the modes of operation of a typical hybrid propulsion system. This enables the visitors to experience the actual operation of the vessel.

This article was originally published on Marine & Industrial Report newspaper Vol 44  No.2  Issue last April 30, 2022.