Marina sets sight on smart, green future in maritime

Marina sets sight on smart, green future in maritime
Carmela I. Huelar December 24, 2025 https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/12/24/business/maritime/marina-sets-sig...

THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) is set to revolutionize the Philippine maritime sector through ambitious green shipping initiatives and digital transformation, Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan said recently in a year-end media meeting.

“We are very vulnerable to the negative effects of climate change,” said Malaluan, emphasizing the country’s commitment to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2050 Net Zero emissions strategy. “We have to explore what we need, because we know the challenges of modernization.”

The agency is undertaking multiple comprehensive studies, including e-ferry projects and inter-island ferry assessments, to develop a robust action plan for reducing maritime carbon emissions.

She highlighted that these efforts are not just about international compliance, but about creating sustainable local maritime practices.

In a significant technological leap, Marina is collaborating with the International Chamber of Shipping and Lloyd’s Register to develop a groundbreaking mobile application for seafarers. “This will be a mobile app that will be used by seafarers to interface with maritime documentation, medical training, and evidence — creating a seamless, paperless system,” Malaluan explained.

The digital platform, expected to be fully operational by 2027, aims to streamline maritime documentation and enhance global maritime communication security. “Any one document that will be lost or missing will cause problems,” Malaluan noted, underscoring the project’s meticulous approach to digital infrastructure.

Passenger rights are also receiving heightened attention. The agency is strengthening regulations around service provider responsibilities during travel disruptions. “We are ensuring that shipping companies inform passengers ahead of time about schedule changes,” Samuel Batalla, another Marina official, stated.

These initiatives reflect the Philippines’ evolving maritime strategy: embracing technological innovation, prioritizing environmental sustainability, and enhancing operational efficiency in the maritime sector.

The maritime industry and environmental advocates are closely watching these developments, seeing them as a potential model for sustainable maritime practices in developing nations.