The team at ABL Group shares the passion, vision and values for working in energy and the world’s oceans, de-risking and driving the energy transition. We are driven by the idea that the best work is born from professionalism, diligence… and fun. You know ABL Group, but do you know our team?
Kliff Sebalda | Lead Design Engineer & Structural Engineer, Longitude Philippines
What does your day-to-day look like at Longitude? 
The day-to-day at Longitude in Cebu is busy, yet very cheerful! It is great to work with a team of like-minded colleagues, who possess positive outlooks on life.
We have a team of 9 in the Philippines working primarily to support Longitude’s work in offshore mobilisation engineering and decommissioning projects. Our team supports Longitude projects all over the world – not only in Singapore and the rest of Asia-Pacific, but also our UK and US projects.
We provide drawings for FPSO, FSO, MOPU and rig conversions, as well as life extension of assets. Lately we also work more and more in adopting new technologies for renewable energy projects, working on designs for wind turbine generator (WTG) jackets and foundations.
What inspired you to join your industry?
I started my career in ship design. With the Philippines, being an archipelago surrounded by bodies of water, I felt the need to explore the infinite possibilities of elevating our economy by making full use of the rich and diverse marine resources our country naturally has. My goal is to be a part of building up our national position as a leader in the global marine industry. This ambiti0n led me to join a shipbuilding firm in Cebu, specializing in bulk carrier ships.
Following this, actively seeking out new opportunities and horizons for professional development, I moved to Longitude’s team in Cebu. Working here for 14 years has made me realise that working with such a growing team of professionals, not only in Longitude, but as part of the wider consultancy ABL Group – is a major step to contributing to the enrichment of Philippines’ marine industry.
Each day is challenging, but exciting at the same time, because I get the chance to learn new things – from basic to complex concepts.
Can you tell us about something exciting you are working on right now?
With the surge in demand for renewable energy and sustainable development, it has become increasingly critical for the marine industry to keep up with technological advancements in the energy sector.
In renewables, we work on WTG jacket designs and semi-sub floater designs. We also support the design for floating solar PV projects including the general layout, storage and assembly, floating anchoring and moorings.
I am excited to see how we, as a team and as a company, will continue to develop our capabilities to provide increasingly innovative services that help transform the energy sector into a more sustainable industry.
What does the future look like in energy and oceans in your region?
The Philippines has lots of natural potential, namely because it is geographically surrounded by water. There’s a lot of opportunities that we can look forward to in the future should the infrastructure to support such growth be established. However, this is something we’re positive our teams, and the wider ABL Group, can assist with.
What do you most enjoy about working as part of the ABL Group team?
As Longitude is the engineering, design and analysis branch of the global consultancy ABL Group, I enjoy working with the ABL Group team in Singapore as well as our own Longitude team in Cebu, Philippines. My colleagues are very supportive and consummate professionals, from whom you can learn a lot. The company’s culture is centred on team work and collaboration, which allows everyone to learn from each other, thereby making it possible for everyone to grow together.
