BATANGAS CITY – The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) conducts an institutional support mechanism workshop to promote the modernization of the domestic shipping industry, specifically the replacement of wooden-hulled ships with technologically-improved hull materials, as envisioned in the 10-year maritime industry development plan (MIDP) on 01-02 August 2019.

At the two-day event, the MARINA updates stakeholders on the policies concerning the phasing-out of wooden-hulled ships and the acquisition of authority to operate, including reduced processes and procedures. The results of the feasibility study conducted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on technologically-improved hull materials for domestic ships are also presented.

Meanwhile, participating boat builders are given opportunities to present their respective water taxi and water bus designs, passenger ferry fast craft design and construction, as well as their packages for the replacement of wooden-hulled ships with technologically-improved hull materials.

The use of abaca fiber for the construction of modernized boats is also discussed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to stakeholders.

Moreover, the MARINA, together with its partner agencies including the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), Office of Transport Cooperatives (OTC), and the Board of Investments (BOI), tackles the financing packages that the stakeholders may avail of for their boat replacements, the establishment of shipping operators and boat builders cooperative, and the available modernization incentives for said stakeholders.

After series of discussion, government agencies, private partners, and stakeholders may also do individual consultations to address specific concerns and challenges relating to the replacement of wooden-hulled ships with technologically-advanced hull materials for the modernization of the domestic shipping industry.

At the last day of the event, the participants will undergo a technical visit and immersion by travelling from Batangas to Puerto Galera via water taxi.

The MARINA continues to conduct awareness raising campaigns as one of the lines of effort under the maritime safety plan of the MARINA and as part of the modernization of the domestic shipping industry. It is done to encourage stakeholders to partner with the efforts of the government for the safe operations of all seagoing ships in the Philippines.