The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST PCIEERD) hosted the Maritime Science and Technology Forum 2024 at the Midas Hotel, Pasay City on 29 February 2024.
With the theme “Responsive Research and Development on Emerging Maritime Technologies,” the forum showcased the outputs of research and development projects undertaken by various research institutes and academe through the Science and Technology for Maritime Transport Application (STMTA). Before the forum proper, different government officials and maritime stakeholders gathered for the SESSY E-Boat Demonstration at Manila Yacht Club, which is one of the remarkable accomplishments of the STMTA.
The highlight of the forum was the renewal of cooperation through the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) which was signed by PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico Paringit and MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan. A pre-resolution was also signed by the participants to formalize their commitment in participating to research and development initiatives that would create a culture of safer people, cleaner environment and energy-efficient ships in the domestic shipping sector.
During the said event, PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico Paringit provided a brief discussion on Maritime Transport Science and Technology Roadmap, as well as the STMTA accomplishments and projects from 2017 to 2023.
MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan said that emerging technology will continue to play a major role for the maritime sector to pursue its path towards safer, more sustainable and resilient future. Malaluan added that they will come up with a research and development agenda that is in line with the effective implementation of the Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP) 2028. She also highlights the importance of the Maritime Science and Technology Pre-Resolution, particularly in ensuring the commitment of both government and private sector towards a more progressive Philippine maritime industry during the era of ‘Bagong Pilipinas.’
Furthermore, MARINA Chief of Staff and Shipyards Regulation Service Director II Engr. Ramon Hernandez presented the MIDP 2028 programs, and has identified its science and technologies and research and development agenda per program of the said plan.
For the industry outlook report, Marine and Technical Superintendent Association of the Philippines (MTSAP) Chairperson of the Board / President Engr. Rey Eustaquio presented about modernized shipping and decarbonization; Shipyards Association of the Philippines (ShAP) Chairperson Mr. Meneleo Carlos III discussed shipbuilding and ship recycling; while MARINA Management Information Systems Service Director II Dr. Joseph Victor Generato and Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corporation (APFC) Chairperson Ms. Mary Ann Pastrana tackled maritime digitalization and maritime safety respectively.
View photos here