MANILA, Philippines – The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and Maersk signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance sustainable practices, environmental stewardship and to accelerate the energy transition of the maritime sector in the Philippines.
Under the MOU signed on 25 March 2025 at the MARINA Central Office, MARINA and Maersk will collaborate on a number of areas. These include knowledge exchange through shipboard familiarization programs of ships that are able to use lower greenhouse gas emission fuels, skills development and training for Filipino seafarers in the handling of methanol, and research related to the use of alternative fuels such as methanol. The partnership also includes ship visits and onboard familiarization, knowledge-sharing activities, including technical workshops, information exchange, and expert consultations, along with efforts to enhance local regulatory frameworks that support the industry’s energy transition.
Maersk, one of the global leaders in integrated logistics, plays a crucial role in international trade by operating one of the world’s largest fleets. With a strong commitment to decarbonization, the company has been at the forefront of advancing alternative dual fuel vessels and energy-efficient technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Maersk currently has 12 dual-fuel methanol ships in its fleet.
MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan emphasized the significance of this partnership in ensuring that the MARINA develops and strengthens its capacity to deal with greenhouse gas emission reduction measures. “This partnership is a significant step for MARINA personnel to get the much-needed knowledge, deeper understanding and exposure to the use of alternative fuels from the global shipping leaders and first movers in the use of methanol as fuel. This initiative will boost MARINA’s capacity to develop regulatory framework and implement measures to support energy transition. By working together, we are not only fostering innovation and capacity building but also ensuring that the Philippines remains a leader in the global push for sustainable and responsible shipping,” she said.
“Close to 40% of Maersk’s seafarers are Filipinos and they will be increasingly working onboard ships that are capable of using alternative fuels. We are pleased to support MARINA in further understanding the use of alternative fuels like methanol, enhancing training standards and related policies. This also reaffirms our commitment to the importance of upskilling our crew and supporting the Philippines,” said Gungor Ates, Owners’ Representative to the Philippines for Maersk.
The signing ceremony marks the beginning of a partnership that will pave the way for collaboration and innovation in maritime decarbonization, reinforcing the Philippines’ role as a key player in a global effort toward more energy-efficient shipping practices and a more resilient maritime future.
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