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MOL Magsaysay Maritime Academy Inc.’s third batch of cadets officially graduated on February 3
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They will be deployed as officers and engineers in vessels operated by Mistui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. and Magsaysay Maritime Corp.
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The 84 Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation and 100 Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering cadets will serve as Third Officers and Third Engineers onboard MOL’s “blue ships” and MMC-operated “green ships”
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MMMA said the new graduates enter the fleet as the next generation of sustainable seafarers who are ready to operate advanced ships
MOL Magsaysay Maritime Academy Inc.’s (MMMA) third batch of cadets officially graduated on February 3 and are ready to be deployed in vessels operated by Mistui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and Magsaysay Maritime Corp. (MMC).
The graduating batch consists of 84 Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation and 100 Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering cadets.
They will serve as Third Officers and Third Engineers onboard MOL’s “blue ships” (vessels focused on advanced ocean technology and safety) and MMC-operated “green ships” (vessels using eco-friendly and cleaner technology for sustainability), MMMA said in a statement.
Of the total graduates, 100 will work onboard MOL Group-operated vessels while 84 will be deployed to MMC-operated ships after obtaining their maritime licenses.
MMMA is a merchant marine academy operated jointly by MOL and MMC in the Philippines.
MMMA noted that the maritime industry is no longer just about moving goods and supporting trade, “it is moving toward sustainability.”
“MMMA remains at the forefront in preparing its cadets for the evolving demands of global shipping,” it said, adding that the new graduates enter the fleet as the next generation of sustainable seafarers —ready to operate advanced ships and contribute to a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable maritime industry.
MMMA president Michael Morales, in a press briefing after the ceremony, said while they implement a government-prescribed curriculum, the academy also provides institutional courses that introduce students on, among others, new ship technologies and alternative fuels. He noted though that they are also revising the academy’s curriculum to take into consideration changes in legislation, especially with efforts to decarbonize the maritime industry.
MOL chairman Junichiro Ikeda, in a speech during the ceremony, said: “Your graduation carries special significance as MOL moves toward a future where growth is measured not by scale alone, but by quality, resilience, and sustainability. This reflects our determination to build a stronger, more enduring organization that creates lasting value through people. As graduates of the MOL Magsaysay Maritime Academy, you become part of this commitment because you embody the same principles that guide our company: discipline, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to safety and excellence.”
MOL senior managing executive officer Mitsuhisa Tanimoto said about 60% of MOL’s fleet are manned by Filipino seafarers.
Relatedly, MOL plans to relocate and rebuild its seafarer training facility, MOL Training Center (Phils.) Inc., within the MMMA campus by April 2027. This relocation will give MMMA students easier access to state-of-the-art training equipment. Furthermore, increased interaction with active seafarers will enhance student engagement and deepen their understanding of seafaring careers.
READ: Seafarers Happiness Index improves slightly to 7.26 in Q4 2025
Since 2018, MMMA has welcomed 1,985 cadets.— Roumina Pablo
