MARINA records 8% rise in ships operating locally in first half

• The Maritime Industry Authority reported an 8% increase in the number of operating ships in the domestic trade in the first half of the year

• For the first half of 2025, there were 363 new accreditations for domestic shipping operators and 16 new accreditations for maritime enterprises

• Ship registration also saw healthy growth, with 2,811 Certificates of Ownership and 2,888 Certificates of Philippine Registry/Recreational Boat Certificates issued during the period

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) reported an 8% increase in the number of operating ships in the domestic trade in the first half of the year, with the addition of new shipping and maritime enterprises.

For the first half of 2025, there were 363 new accreditations for domestic shipping operators and 16 new accreditations for maritime enterprises, MARINA reported during its recent mid-year performance assessment and planning conference.

Ship registration also saw healthy growth, with 2,811 Certificates of Ownership and 2,888 Certificates of Philippine Registry/Recreational Boat Certificates issued during the period.

MARINA said it successfully acted upon 97% of applications received within standard processing times, showcasing improved efficiency in its operations. Client satisfaction with frontline services remained high, with 187,908 clients (97%) rating services as satisfactory or better.

Moreover, MARINA said it maintained a 100% resolution rate for complaints coursed through the 8888 Citizens’ Complaint Center, achieving an 87.8% compliance rate. All complaints received via the Presidential Action Center were also successfully resolved.

Also in the first half, MARINA said a total of 10,309 seafarers were certified as meeting international standards, representing a 17% increase from the previous year. The issuance of Seafarer’s Record Books saw a 20% increase, and Certificates of Marine Profession surged by 31%.

On promoting strict adherence to safety regulations and commitment to maritime safety during the peak sea travel season last April, MARINA’s Intensive Compliance Monitoring program covered 112 vessels, resulting in the suspension of safety certificates of 10 ships due to deficiencies.

Furthermore, out of 56 planned gender and development activities, 41% have already been completed and 23% are in progress. Other initiatives included the promotion of women in maritime during Seafarers’ Day, the celebration of the International Day for Women in Maritime, participation in Women’s Month, and the conduct of “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos” and Modified Basic Safety Training with gender sensitivity components.

MARINA said it also continued to forge vital alliances, including a renewed memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development for research and technology projects, and ongoing collaborations with international bodies such as the International Chamber of Shipping, International Transport Workers’ Federation, and shipping giant Maersk, among others — focusing on system interface, seafarers’ well-being, and decarbonization.

For the rest of the year, MARINA has set its strategic deliverables aimed to further elevate the maritime industry and reinforce the agency’s commitment to sustained growth and development.

MARINA said key initiatives are underway to strengthen the regulatory framework. These include the assessment of the grant of pioneer status under Executive Order (EO) 909; the development of a policy on mandatory online ticketing systems to improve passenger convenience and transparency; and the revision of administrative fines and penalties to ensure more effective enforcement.

Critical legislative efforts involve pushing for the Philippine Ship Registry Bill and the Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Development Bill as priority bills in the 20th Congress, aiming to modernize and expand the national fleet and shipbuilding capabilities.

MARINA also continues to leverage technology for improved services and operations. The initial implementation of a cloud-based Information Systems Recovery Plan will enhance data security and business continuity. The agency also aims for ISO 9001:2015 certification to ensure quality management systems.

On capacity-building, MARINA said it will focus on developing structured capacity-building programs for its personnel in various areas of maritime administration, including specialized training courses for surveillance, accreditation, and monitoring personnel — ensuring a competent and effective regulatory body.

Continuing its commitment to environmental stewardship, MARINA will proceed with the pilot testing of its Maritime Energy Demand Information and Analysis Software application system by volunteer shipping companies. This tool, set for eventual roll-out by 2026, will gather data on fuel consumption of domestic ships and determine greenhouse gas emissions — essential for the formulation of regulatory policies and institutional interventions.

Other strategic plans for the year include an MOA with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for the certification and training of shipyard workers to uplift skills in the shipbuilding and ship repair sector. MARINA will also assess existing policies on life-saving appliances to ensure updated safety standards. It will also work on the streamlining of processes for wooden-hulled recreational boats to promote safe and regulated recreational maritime activities.

The agency will also revise the Passenger Service Rating System to enhance the passenger experience.

READ: MARINA reinstates insurance requirement to cover liabilities from maritime accidents