In a momentous collaboration that underscores MARINA’s dedication to advancing maritime research and development, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has entered into a collaborative research agreement with the University of Cebu – Maritime Education and Training Center (UC-METC) on 27 January 2024. The agreement, signed at UC-METC’s Maritime Campus, marks a significant milestone in fostering strategic alliances for the growth of the Philippine maritime industry.

The partnership aims to propel critical research initiatives aimed at characterizing and classifying seawater typologies across key Philippine regions. The collaborative program will conduct biophysical surveys and oceanographic sampling in Batanes, Samar, Palawan, Iloilo, Romblon, Cebu, Surigao, and Zamboanga del Norte.

MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan conveyed her gratitude to Atty. Augusto W. Go, the President of the University of Cebu (UC), and the dedicated individuals steering the said initiative. In a short message, she stressed appreciation for UC’s unwavering commitment to delivering comprehensive maritime training and education to aspiring professionals, coupled with consistent efforts in advancing maritime technology through ongoing research and design endeavors.

She also emphasized the agency’s hopes for the resulting manual, encompassing the coding of diverse seawater typologies in the Philippines, hull geometry for typology classifications, and suggested hull forms applicable nationwide. The MARINA Administrator envisioned the manual, with its design process and testing procedures, will address deficiencies in hull geography, contributing significantly to the reduction, if not the avoidance, of maritime accidents and incidents in the future.

The collaborative research agreement signifies MARINA’s proactive approach to leveraging expertise from educational institutions and key stakeholders.

View photos here.