Officials from the Philippines and Norway come together to champion the shift to clean and modern ferry transport.

In his remarks, Norwegian Ambassador Christian Halaas Lyster emphasized that “electrification is not just feasible — it is highly effective.”

Meanwhile, MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan underscored the urgency of climate action, saying “decarbonization is not merely a compliance task; it is a national imperative for survival and resilience,” noting that the Philippines remains highly vulnerable to natural calamities.

From the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Assistant Secretary Ventura Plan reaffirmed the government’s full support for the initiative, citing that ‘waterways are not barriers—but are lifelines.’

One key highlight of the conference is the presentation of the MAPALLA Electric Ferry System, which will connect Manila Bay, Pasig River, and Laguna Lake through an all-electric commuter ferry network.

Package 1 covers the Pasig and Marikina Rivers — construction runs from 2027 to 2029, with 75 electric vessels set to sail by 2029.
Package 2 expands to Manila Bay and Laguna Lake, targeted to begin operations by 2035.

Organized by the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Innovation Norway, Maritime CleanTech, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), and the Philippines Norway Business Council (PNBC), this landmark event echoes one goal — a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable maritime future.

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