Philippines and Maersk to jointly upskill Filipino seafarers in methanol handling

ASIA PACIFIC: Philippines and Maersk to jointly upskill Filipino seafarers in methanol handling
Rhys Berry 26 March 2025 https://www.bunkerspot.com/asia/64709-asia-pacific-philippines-and-maers...

The Philippines’ Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and shipping giant Maersk will work together to increase Filipino seafarers’ knowledge and understanding of methanol as a marine fuel.

The initiative is part of a broader Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed yesterday (25 March) at the MARINA Central Office between the partners to advance sustainable practices, environmental stewardship and to accelerate the energy transition of the maritime sector in the Philippines.

Other areas of collaboration through the MoU include knowledge exchange through shipboard familiarisation programs of ships that are able to use lower greenhouse gas emission fuels, and research related to the use of alternative fuels such as methanol.

The partnership also includes ship visits and onboard familiarisation, knowledge-sharing activities, including technical workshops, information exchange, and expert consultations, along with efforts to enhance local regulatory frameworks that support the industry's energy transition.

As previously reported, Maersk is one of the more high-profile shipping companies to adopt methanol-fuelled tonnage. The company formally christened its Laura Maersk, the world’s first container vessel sailing on green methanol, in 2023. Last month, Maersk celebrated the name-giving of its latest dual-fuel methanol container vessel, Albert Maersk - its 11th in a series of 18 large dual-fuel methanol vessels scheduled for delivery in 2024 and 2025.

‘This partnership is a significant step for MARINA personnel to get the much-needed knowledge, deeper understanding and exposure to the use of alternative fuels from the global shipping leaders and first movers in the use of methanol as fuel. This initiative will boost MARINA’s capacity to develop regulatory framework and implement measures to support energy transition,’ said MARINA Administrator, Sonia B. Malaluan.

‘By working together, we are not only fostering innovation and capacity building but also ensuring that the Philippines remains a leader in the global push for sustainable and responsible shipping.’

Gungor Ates, Owners’ Representative to the Philippines for Maersk, added: ‘Close to 40% of Maersk’s seafarers are Filipinos and they will be increasingly working onboard ships that are capable of using alternative fuels. We are pleased to support MARINA in further understanding the use of alternative fuels like methanol, enhancing training standards and related policies. This also reaffirms our commitment to the importance of upskilling our crew and supporting the Philippines.’