Manila to host global maritime expo

Manila to host global maritime expo
September 21, 2022 https://mb.com.ph/2022/09/21/manila-to-host-global-maritime-expo/

The world’s leading ship registries will gather in the Philippines next year to participate in the first-ever Flag State & Shipbuilders Convention and Expo: Maritime Philippines 2023, which is expected the shipping and maritime potentials of the country.

Organizer Rachelle Lopez of WMOC Group of Companies said the event slated on Feb. 16-17 next year in Manila will be an opportunity for the country to ventilate critical maritime issues to gather traction for the new government under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to respond and push for the country’s maritime development.

For many years now, Lopez said, Manila has been a favorite venue for many international conferences, most notably in the shipping and transportation sector. Some of the biggest conferences in the world have made Manila a regular venue and have successfully created an awareness of the issues that these conferences have put in focus.

She noted that Marcos during during his presidential campaign had expressed favorably to develop the Philippines as a major shipping hub.

The event can serve as a reminder to the President of the country’s vast maritime potential as an engine of economic development.

The two-day event is expected to gather notable speakers from some of the biggest Flag States like Panama, Liberia, Marshall Islands, Hongkong, and Singapore will be sharing their experiences and success stories that helped propel their countries’ reputations among shipowners and ship managers around the globe.

Participants will be given the rare opportunity to learn and understand the requirements to have a vessel registered in a flag state, and how to comply with all maritime rules and stipulations by the Flag State following the international maritime rules.

Lopez said, “Our participants will have an understanding of how a country to be a flag state has to have the necessary maritime infrastructure and most importantly, adhere to all the norms and regulations established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

It will also be a rare opportunity for all participants to have a first-hand look at what these flag states can offer especially with the heightened focus of the European Maritime Safety Agency ( EMSA) on all seafarers onboard European -owned ships.

“We are happy to announce that Manila, the vibrant and modern capital city of the Philippines, is hosting a very timely and important conference and exhibition focusing on Flag State, Ship Registry, and the promising future of shipbuilding in the Philippines,” said Lopez

Lopez also informed that the conference will also be holding a simultaneous exhibition and forum that will also present the Ship Building and Ship Repair (SBSR) industry of the Philippines.

The event will also present the current situation and the future of Shipbuilding and Ship repair in the country with both private stakeholders and investors and representatives from the government presenting their agenda and plans for a robust SBSR industry that will fuel the country’s dream to be a global shipping and logistics hub.

Lopez hopes that the 2-day event can position the country’s manpower, facilities, and policies to support a robust international maritime and waterfront industry.

“The Philippines is truly a land of great opportunity. We believe, therefore, that it is time for all the players and stakeholders to meet with investors, policymakers, and international developers to share insights and ideas as well as exchange information on matters and issues of mutual interest,” she concluded.