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IMP Shipyard & Port Services, the Philippine Association of Coastal and Inland Water Ferries, and Norway’s ZEM AS agreed to jointly develop a prototype electric/hybrid propulsion ferry
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Under the agreement, PACIWFI will lead government coordination, IMP Shipyard will design and construct the vessel, and ZEM will supply and install the electric propulsion system
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IMP said they are aiming to build two prototypes, one for a small ferry and another for a bigger hybrid one
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Construction is eyed to start next year
IMP Shipyard & Port Services, Inc., the Philippine Association of Coastal and Inland Water Ferries, Inc. (PACIWFI), and Norway’s ZEM AS (Zero Emission Maritime Solutions) agreed to jointly develop a prototype electric/hybrid propulsion ferry (e-ferry).
The project is designed to improve maritime mobility, enable blue economy growth, and enhance climate-resilient transport systems in coastal communities.
Under the memorandum of understanding signed November 4 on the sidelines of the Norway-Philippines Electric Ferries Conference 2025, PACIWFI will lead coordination with government agencies and local governments to ensure regulatory alignment and integration of the prototype vessel into transport modernization plans, IMP Shipyard will design and construct the vessel, while ZEM will supply and install the electric propulsion system.
The project also advances the Integrated Modernization Program for the Coastal and Inland Water Transport System under the Maritime Industry Authority’s (MARINA) Maritime Industry Development Plan 2028 and supports the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 and Sustainable Development Goals 9, 13, and 14.
Moreover, IMP president and chief executive officer Gaudencio Morales said the project is in line with the country’s commitment with the International Maritime Organization’s Conventions to promote an environmentally sustainable maritime industry, particularly on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
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In an interview with media on the sidelines of the conference, Morales said they are aiming to build two prototypes, one for a small ferry and another for a bigger hybrid one.
They are eyeing to start construction by next year.
“This collaboration is a major step in transforming our coastal transport ecosystem into a safe, modern, and climate-resilient system,” PACIWFI executive director Juan Miguel Gonzales said.
For his part, ZEM chief executive officer Jonathan Sørbye said, “ZEM is committed to introducing clean propulsion systems to Philippine waters and proving that sustainability and efficiency can go hand in hand.”
MARINA administrator Sonia Malaluan emphasized, “We recognize the initiative of PACIWFI, IMP Shipyard, and ZEM AS in leading the way toward clean and modern maritime transport. Partnerships like this bring us closer to a greener and more resilient future for the Philippine maritime industry.”
