- The Maritime Industry Authority and Danish shipping and logistics company Maersk have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate with the aim of advancing the Philippines’ adoption of sustainable practices in the maritime industry
- The MOU signed on March 25 will allow MARINA personnel, through the help of Maersk, to understand the handling and operation of vessels using alternative fuels so they can come up with a training program
- MARINA administrator Sonia Malaluan said the partnership will help ensure that the maritime authority develops and strengthens its capacity to deal with greenhouse gas emission reduction measures
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and Danish shipping and logistics company Maersk have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate with the aim of advancing the Philippines’ adoption of sustainable practices in the maritime industry.
The MOU signed on March 25 will allow MARINA personnel, through the help of Maersk, to understand the handling and operation of vessels using alternative fuels so they can come up with a training program and prepare Filipino seafarers when they work on such ships.
The MOU also “marks the beginning of a partnership that will pave the way for collaboration and innovation in maritime decarbonization, reinforcing the Philippines’ role as a key player in a global effort toward more energy-efficient shipping practices and a more resilient maritime future,” MARINA said in a statement.
MARINA administrator Sonia Malaluan said the partnership will help ensure that the maritime authority develops and strengthens its capacity to deal with greenhouse gas emission (GHG) reduction measures, in compliance with International Maritime Organization conventions to which the country is a party to.
“This partnership is a significant step for MARINA personnel to get the much-needed knowledge, deeper understanding and exposure to the use of alternative fuels from the global shipping leaders and first movers in the use of methanol as fuel. This initiative will boost MARINA’s capacity to develop regulatory framework and implement measures to support energy transition. By working together, we are not only fostering innovation and capacity building but also ensuring that the Philippines remains a leader in the global push for sustainable and responsible shipping,” Malaluan said.
She noted they had partnered with Maersk as MARINA technical personnel will benefit from the shipping operator’s experience, operations, and research and development initiatives.
MARINA said Maersk, which plays a crucial role in international trade by operating one of the world’s largest fleets, has “been at the forefront of advancing alternative dual fuel vessels and energy-efficient technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
Maersk currently has 12 dual-fuel methanol ships in its fleet.
READ: Maersk signs green methanol deal, largest of its kind for shipping
Aligned with industry targets, Maersk’s decarbonisation goal is achieving net-zero GHG emissions by 2040.
Gungor Ates, owners’ representative to the Philippines for Maersk, noted that close to 40% of Maersk’s seafarers are Filipinos and “they will be increasingly working onboard ships that are capable of using alternative fuels.”
“We are pleased to support MARINA in further understanding the use of alternative fuels like methanol, enhancing training standards and related policies. This also reaffirms our commitment to the importance of upskilling our crew and supporting the Philippines,” Ates said.
Under the MOU, MARINA and Maersk will collaborate on various areas, including knowledge exchange by facilitating visits and onboard familiarization programs on Maersk ships utilizing methanol, as well as other zero or near-zero GHG emission fuels that Maersk ships may adopt in the future, with the aim to enhance MARINA personnel’s understanding of alternative fuel technologies, vessel operations, and environmental compliance requirements.
They will also collaborate on developing training courses/programs for Filipino seafarers and capacity-building initiatives for MARINA personnel, which will focus on safe operation and handling of methanol-fueled vessels; compliance with environmental and safety regulations; and, adoption of sustainable maritime practices and green technologies.
They will also collaborate on the conduct of research initiatives to determine the skills required for seafarers to safely operate ships powered by methanol and other alternative fuels, as well as explore the technological, operational, and regulatory aspects of fuel transition in the shipping industry.
Both parties will engage in knowledge-sharing activities, which may include technical workshops, information exchange, and expert consultations, to promote best practices in the adoption of alternative fuels, energy-efficient vessel design, and environmental stewardship.
Both parties may cooperate on other initiatives that align with the objectives of the MOU and contribute to the advancement of maritime sustainability, safety, seafarers’ competitiveness, and other areas that may be mutually beneficial to the parties.
Malaluan said they have not yet set timelines and further details on the partnership but will continue to communicate.
