Marina, DOST, UP partner to modernize maritime industry with data-driven systems

Marina, DOST, UP partner to modernize maritime industry with data-driven systems
Lorenz S. MarasiganJune 19, 2025 https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/06/19/marina-dost-up-partner-to-moder...

The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), and the University of the Philippines (UP) have formalized a technology transfer agreement to accelerate the country’s shift to sustainable and data-driven maritime operations.

The deal covers the turnover of two major systems developed under the government’s science and tech initiatives: the Maritime Energy Demand Information and Analysis Software (MEDIAnS) and the Maritime Route Rationalization Information System (MARRIS).

MEDIAnS is a homegrown software that allows authorities and operators to monitor energy use and greenhouse gas emissions across the maritime sector. It is envisioned to support the country’s compliance with international environmental standards while promoting efficient fuel use among domestic vessels.

MARRIS, on the other hand, uses the Navigational Traffic Information System (NAVIS) for domestic shipping route planning, real-time monitoring, and capacity analysis.

Marina Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan emphasized the need to “maximize the benefits of shipbuilding technology, maritime digitalization, and modern innovations such as STMTA to address the persistent challenges the industry faces.”

Malaluan was referring to Science and Technology for Maritime Transport Applications such as the MEDIAnS and MARRIS.

“Since 2017, our partnership with Marina under the STMTA projects has introduced innovations in alternative fuels, energy efficiency, and intelligent systems. MEDIANS is a prime example of how science can directly power sustainable solutions,” DOST-PCIEERD Executive Director Enrico Paringit said.