Marina partners with DOST-PCIEERD in transport innovation

Marina partners with DOST-PCIEERD in transport innovation
Genivi Verdejo September 8, 2021 https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/09/08/business/maritime/marina-partners...

The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) and the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) have collaborated to boost the country's maritime transport industry through science and technology (S&T).

Marina Administrator Vice Admiral Robert A. Empedrad said, "The PCIEERD-MARINA partnership will not only strengthen the framework for our cooperation but will also be an excellent platform to exchange ideas, possible prospects, and major issues that the industry is currently facing".

Marina and DOST-PCIEERD signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) that puts forward the Science and Technology for Maritime Transport Applications (STMTA). The STMTA will ensure that the country's maritime transport industry will flourish through S&T activities. It will also push innovations on alternative fuels and energy-efficient water, transportation technologies, renewable energy, modernization of merchant fleets, and intelligent transport systems (ITS). A modernized maritime R&D center will also be in the works that will serve as the pillar of support for the local maritime tourism, fishing industry, logistics, and shipping industry.

DOST-PCIEERD will invest P975 million for the maritime industry to meet the global standards.

It will source funds to implement projects, provide monitoring, management support, and direction. Marina will also provide additional funds to facilitate the adoption of technologies, sustainability of operation, and formulate policies and guidelines to ensure the accomplishment of the cooperation's goals.

Empedrad said they will plan for the seamless adoption and deployment of available maritime innovations and will be seeking more ways to generate funds to support more projects.

DOST-PCIEERD executive director Dr. Enrico Pairingit said, "We will promote inter-modality by enhancing the inland and intercoastal waterways through the Internet of Vehicles (IoVs) and inter-agency collaborations. We envision the Philippines having alternative sea-worthy 'green' vessels and components and IMO-compliant sea crafts".