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?
Meet Yong-Chin Er | Maritime Civil Engineer, Project Manager in Port & Harbours, Longitude Singapore
1. What does your day-to-day look like at ABL?
Currently, I dedicate the majority of my time to business development, where I am heavily involved in preparing bids and proposals. This role also requires me to actively engage with the local maritime industry and various stakeholders, both within Singapore and across the broader region. My efforts are aimed at fostering strong relationships and identifying opportunities for collaboration and growth.
In addition to my primary responsibilities, I also provide support to my colleagues at ABL, the energy and marine consultants with whom we share an office in Singapore. My role includes assisting the P&I claims team with fixed object damage (FOD) work, which involves investigating and assessing damages to stationary structures including ports and harbour infrastructure.
Additionally, I contribute as an expert witness in cases related to ports and harbour casualties within the region, leveraging my expertise to provide valuable insights and testimony. This multifaceted role allows me to collaborate closely with various teams, enhancing our collective capability to address complex challenges in the maritime and energy sectors.
2. What inspired you to join your industry?
My inspiration to join the marine and energy industry stemmed from a combination of personal interests and professional aspirations, both of which were significantly shaped while growing up in the island state of Singapore.
I was constantly reminded of Singapore’s strategic position as a global maritime and energy hub. The city-state’s robust infrastructure, advanced technological landscape, and proactive approach to innovation and sustainability in these sectors made it an attractive destination for professional growth and impactful work.
Witnessing firsthand how Singapore leverages its geographical advantage to drive economic growth and sustainability solidified my passion for contributing to these dynamic and essential industries.
3. Can you tell us about something exciting that you are working on right now?
For the past year I have been working on the development and expansion of Longitude’s civil marine and port engineering portfolio in the region. My personal remit is to see Longitude grow as the expert consultant of choice in engineering, design and analysis, to support ports and harbour development across Singapore and wider Asia Pacific.
Ports are critical maritime nodes in facilitating the global supply chain and driving the development of offshore energy infrastructure. As offshore wind development increases across many areas of the continent, already in demand ports, are now facing new and more pressure in terms of their availability and the suitability of their infrastructure to resource and support offshore wind projects at both construction and latter operations and maintenance phases.
Longitude’s experience includes maritime infrastructural development, covering ports and harbour development, conversion, jetty and quayside reinforcements and construction projects, as well as solutions to transition port powering to low-to-0 carbon energy sources.
We work with the wider ABL Group to support the integration of renewable energy solutions including solar PV, wind energy, battery energy storage systems (BESS), hydrogen and other energy storage solutions.
4. What does the future look like in energy and oceans?
The future of energy and oceans will be transformative, driven by technological advancements, sustainable practices, and international collaboration. Offshore wind farms and wave/tidal energy will grow significantly. Carbon sequestration will focus on protecting coastal ecosystems (blue carbon) and exploring ocean fertilization. Sustainable fisheries will benefit from enhanced monitoring, while innovations in aquaculture will reduce environmental impact. Marine conservation will expand protected areas and restore coral reefs. Climate change adaptation will address sea level rise and ocean acidification through reduced carbon emissions.
Pollution reduction will target plastic waste and improve oil spill response. Marine biotechnology will explore marine organisms for pharmaceuticals and biomaterials, supported by genetic research. International cooperation will foster marine conservation and sustainable resource management, balancing conservation with energy production and resource extraction for a healthy marine environment.
5. What do you most enjoy about working as part of the ABL Group team in Singapore?
Working as part of the ABL Group team in Singapore offers a truly rewarding experience due to several key factors. Firstly, the diverse and dynamic work environment stands out. The team is composed of professionals from various backgrounds, which fosters a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives. This diversity not only enhances creativity but also ensures a holistic approach to problem-solving.
Another significant aspect is the involvement in innovative projects. Being part of cutting-edge initiatives in the marine and energy sectors provides continuous learning and growth opportunities. This constant exposure to the latest advancements keeps the work exciting and intellectually stimulating.
The collaborative culture within ABL Group is also highly appreciated. The supportive and team-oriented environment encourages teamwork and mutual respect, which enhances productivity and job satisfaction. This culture of collaboration ensures that everyone feels valued and motivated.
Moreover, the work at ABL Group is impactful. Contributing to projects that aim to improve sustainability and efficiency in the marine and energy industries provides a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment. Knowing that the work has a positive impact on these critical sectors is incredibly rewarding.
Find out more about Longitude’s technical offering in maritime civil engineering, design and analysis for ports and harbours:
