MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Aiming to gather key stakeholders, experts, and leaders in the maritime industry to address critical issues and discuss strategies for ensuring a safer and more resilient maritime transport system, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) hosted the Maritime Safety Summit 2023 at the Century Park Hotel, Manila on 15 November 2023.
This year’s summit, themed “Ligtas na Paglalayag at Malinis na Karagatan Para sa Bagong Pilipinas”, targeted to enhance maritime safety, security, and protection of marine environment, fostering collaboration between the government and the private sector, with a shared commitment in reducing maritime accidents and promoting a sustainable shipping industry.
Through his message, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed his unwavering support for the maritime industry, emphasizing the need for a steadfast commitment to promoting a clean and green domestic shipping industry. He highlighted the crucial role of the maritime sector in the country’s development and urged stakeholders to prioritize safety and environmental sustainability.
“I hope that the partnerships formed here will strengthen our maritime capabilities, enhance regulatory frameworks, and cultivate a culture of safety and environmental stewardship within your sector,” President Marcos highlighted.
For his part, MARINA Administrator Atty. Hernani N. Fabia reiterated the summit’s goal of opening opportunities for collaboration between the government and the private sector. He emphasized the importance of reducing maritime accidents and underlined the need for joint efforts to achieve this goal.
MARINA Deputy Administrator for Operations Engr. Nannette Villamor Dinopol presented the highlights of the resolutions from the pre-summit meetings in Cebu, Batangas and Zamboanga, emphasizing the steadfast commitment in establishing minimum standards for ship construction, equipment, and operations to ensure compatibility with safety measures, in upholding the seaworthiness of Philippine-flagged vessels and in facilitating secure transportation of passengers and cargo within and beyond Philippine territory, as well as to coordinate and collaborate effectively to work towards achieving maritime safety objectives.
French Maritime Expert (FME) Mr. Emeric Faure also presented the current status of the Concentrated Campaign on the Enhancement of the Safety Level of the Philippine ROPAX Fleet. This project between MARINA and FME highlights the advancements that contribute to a higher safety level.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), and MARINA officials shared their commitment to the summit’s objectives.
Conversely, several maritime industry stakeholders including Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SONAME) Chairperson Engr. Sammuel Lim, Philippine Interisland Shipping Association (PISA) and Philippine Liner Shipping Association (PLSA) President Mr. Mark Parco, Shipyard Association of the Philippines (ShAP) Chairperson Mr. Meneleo Carlos III, Philippine Petroleum Sea Transport Association (PHILPESTA) President Mr. Abel Cagara, Chairperson and President of the Marine and Technical Superintendent Association of the Philippines, Inc. (MTSAP) and one of the Board of Directors of the Ship Managers Association of the Philippines (SMAP) Engr. Rey Eustaquio expressed their full support for the government’s efforts in promoting maritime safety and security in the country.
A Manifesto, signed by leaders in the maritime industry, outlined key areas of focus, including enhancing navigational safety, modernizing maritime infrastructure, promoting the welfare and training of maritime professionals, ensuring good governance, and strengthening support mechanisms.
Guest of Honor Undersecretary for Maritime Hon. Elmer Francisco U. Sarmiento reiterated the core elements of the agreement, emphasizing the safety of ships, prevention of marine pollution, effective implementation of safety management systems (SMS), modern and well-maintained maritime infrastructure, and a well-trained and qualified maritime workforce.
The Summit was also attended by Energy Undersecretary Mr. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, Assistant Secretary for Maritime Atty. Julius Yano who formally introduced the Guest of Honor, PCG Maritime Safety Services Commander Vice Admiral Joseph Coyme, and Philippine Merchant Marine Academy Superintendent Commodore Joel Abutal.
The Maritime Safety Summit 2023 concluded with a sense of optimism, with stakeholders committed to working collaboratively to achieve a safer and more sustainable maritime industry for the country.