Critical: Closing Up, Moving Out
According to the World Health Organization, 4.2 million people die annually due to outdoor air pollution exposure. The air quality index (AQI) offers a convenient way to gauge air quality and smog levels at a glance, with a score of 0 being perfectly clear, 101 to 150 affecting sensitive groups, and 151 or more being unhealthy for everyone. Nearly one-quarter of Thailand’s days last year were at least “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” with smog-laden centers like Bangkok faring much worse.
The impact of pollution on Thailand is mounting. Bangkok has endured hundreds of school closures as air turned toxic. The government flew transport planes to promote cloud seeding and ground spraying (to settle dust). Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha recently noted that the country might follow the thinking of Indonesia and other countries by moving the capitol out of Bangkok to help relieve congestion and pollution. As awareness of Thailand’s environmental conditions spread, the impact on tourism could be severe, with a report by Kasikorn Research indicating a potential loss of 1% to 2% of foreign tourists per month, with a lost opportunity cost of up to US$109m.
With demand and general need rapidly rising in Thailand, S&SE has moved to open its first regional presence in Bangkok. S&SE is a worldwide manufacturer and supplier specializing in regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTOs) and air pollution abatement systems. RTOs are particularly effective in combating volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, which are one of smog’s most toxic components.
With the opening of its Thailand presence, S&SE received a significant order almost immediately for its first project within the country: a 3-Bed RTO to be installed at a large chemical plant, complete with custom engineering for an end-to-end air pollution control system. According to S&SE, this project is the first of many queued for the Thailand area.
“S&SE’s goal is to be the sole supplier of all pollution control equipment in Thailand and nearby regions,” said Anoosheh Oskouian, Ship & Shore Environmental’s CEO. “We have aggressive and ambitious goals for the industry and this new market. S&SE has the unique ability to look at and process extremely challenging pollution problems, especially from the chemical and petrochemical sectors that are prevalent in Thailand, and offer innovative systems that will reduce their emissions while promoting safe operations.”
S&SE intends for Ship & Shore Thailand endeavors to become a leading resource for Thailand’s pollution abatement efforts as well as for similar efforts in surrounding countries. Multinational companies with branches in Thailand are encouraged to query Ship & Shore Thailand for their pollution abatement needs. Ship & Shore Thailand will be staffed by local sales and project management teams, with abatement solutions manufactured within Thailand.
S&SE specializes in Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) abatement technologies. The company’s proprietary systems help remove these volatile chemicals, which combine to form atmospheric ozone (smog) and include industrial chemicals, alcohol, solvents, and petroleum products, such as gasoline. S&SE’s VOC abatement technologies help solve one of the world’s most fundamental ecological issues by helping clean the air that people breathe. S&SE’s joint engineering center offers technologies and equipment to capture and control air pollution from a variety of manufacturing.
About Ship & Shore Environmental, Inc.
Ship & Shore Environmental, Inc. is a Long Beach, California-based, woman owned, certified business specializing in air pollution capture and control systems for industrial applications. Ship & Shore helps major manufacturers meet Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) abatement challenges by providing customized, energy efficient air pollution abatement systems for various industries, resulting in improved operational efficiency and tailored “green” solutions. Since 2000, Ship & Shore has been prepared to handle and advise on the full spectrum of environmental needs with its complete array of engineering and manufacturing capabilities and global offices around the U.S., Canada, Europe, Middle East, and China. The Ship & Shore Technical Engineering Team has custom designed tailored solutions for clients throughout the world. For more information, visit www.shipandshore.com.
