MARINA steers PH maritime industry toward a greener future with decarbonization symposium

MARINA steers PH maritime industry toward a greener future with decarbonization symposium
March 21, 2025 SMNI news https://smninewschannel.com/marina-steers-ph-maritime-industry-toward-a-...

WITH the global maritime sector setting its sights on sustainability, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), through its STCW Office and in partnership with Green Marine Group, hosted a symposium on decarbonization with the theme “Charting the Course: Empowering Seafarers for a Decarbonized Shipping Future.”

Held on 19-20 March 2025 in Pasay City, the symposium aims to equip seafarers and maritime stakeholders with the knowledge and skills necessary for the industry’s transition to greener shipping.

Industry leaders, policymakers, and experts gathered to discuss strategies, share best practices, and strengthen collaboration toward a sustainable maritime sector.

STCW Office Executive Director Samuel L. Batalla welcomed participants and resource speakers, emphasizing the collective responsibility in shaping a sustainable future for the maritime industry.

MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan underscored the Philippines’ critical role in global shipping, describing Filipino seafarers as the backbone of the industry.

“This means that any industry-wide transformation must prioritize our seafarers, ensuring they are fully equipped with competencies necessary to thrive in a green and decarbonized shipping future. This is why MARINA is taking proactive actions, approach in aligning our policies, training programs, and industry partnerships with the green transition,” she noted.

Notable speakers from various nations presented discussions on Navigating Policies for Shipping Decarbonization: Strategies and Challenges, Green Technologies & Sustainable Shipping, The Critical Role of Seafarers for Green Transition, Ensuring Safety of Life in Navigating Green Future, and Alternative Fuels for Maritime Decarbonization.

The symposium highlighted the importance of international collaboration in driving sustainable solutions and ensuring that the maritime workforce is prepared for the industry’s transition to cleaner shipping.

In addition to these topics, there were also speakers from Green Marine Group who led discussions on Marine Fuel Technologies such as LNG, Methanol Ethanol, Ammonia, Hydrogen, Biofuels, and Other Fuels.

The symposium reinforced the commitment of MARINA and its partners to drive the maritime industry’s shift toward environmental sustainability, ensuring that Filipino seafarers remain at the forefront of the global transition to greener shipping.

This activity is also one of the initiatives of the Administration in the eventual formulation of the required skills of seafarers in anticipation to the emerging technology towards maritime decarbonization.