The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and French Embassy in the Philippines discussed possible areas of collaboration in the maritime industry particularly shipbuilding and ship repair, ship registry, maritime safety and marine environment protection.

MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan talked to French Ambassador H.E. Marie Fontanel during their meeting at the MARINA Central Office, Port Area, Manila on 23 January 2024 regarding the importance of the passage of a legislation which aims to improve the Philippine shipbuilding and ship repair and ship registry.

The group also discussed the benefits of the digitalization project of MARINA which will streamline the processing of frontline services. Malaluan also emphasized that digitalization will contribute in enforcing safety rules and regulations in relation to enhancing maritime safety in the Philippines.

The MARINA also requested for the possible extension on deployment of the French Maritime Expert (FME) who has been providing technical assistance to the Agency since November 2022. One of the projects between MARINA and FME is the Concentrated Campaign on the Enhancement of ROPAX Fleet Safety Level.

MARINA and French Embassy also tackled the possible Peer Review of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in the Philippine SBSR sector and the conduct of “2nd PH-French Maritime Technical Cooperation Day” during the 9th PHILMARINE on 19-21 June 2024.

A draft Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) will be communicated by MARINA for review and further discussion with the French Ambassador and officials.

View photos here.