The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is gearing up for the training and upskilling of Filipino seafarers to prepare them in the use of alternative fuels for ships and new technologies.
MARINA Administrator Sonio B. Malaluan, during a media briefing at the conclusion of the recent international conference on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety and Well-Being, said this initiative will ensure that Filipino seafarers remain to be relevant and future ready.
“We are are starting to analyze and indeed provide what is needed to make our seafarers relevant. And that would be training on all the requirements to address the emerging technologies of automation, digitalization, and decarbonization,” Malaluan said.
While there is no local expertise yet on ships using alternative fuels, nor the automated or the autonomous ships, but still, she said MARINA is preparing and targeting to start the training at least for the generic and basic training for seafarers on the characteristics of all the new fuels.
Already, MARINA has identified the training requirements and undertaken benchmarking with Norway, UK, in Korea, and Singapore, with the help of Danish parters with echnical staff on board ships fueled by methanol first. Eventually, MARINA will conduct familiarization events aboard ships fueled by ammonia and other alternative fuels.
The Philippines is the world’s largest supplier of seafarers. Of the estimated 1.9 million global seafarers, the Philippines is contributing roughly 500,000 of this workforce.
In June this year, MARINA’s maritime safety committee approved the interim guidelines on the training requirements for seafarers aboard ships using alternative fuels and new technologies.
In addition, MARINA has officially launched the Maritime Energy Demand Information and Analysis Software (MEDIAnS), an innovative tool that will help local shipping companies monitor fuel consumption, track emissions, and strengthen compliance with global decarbonization measures.
The program was introduced during a two-day training workshop that opened on August 27, 2025, bringing together representatives from 34 domestic shipping companies. “MEDIAnS is a testament to our dedication to innovation, data-driven advancement, and keeping our waters healthy for future generations,” said Engr. Maria Teresa D. Mamisao, Division Chief, MEPDS & SRS.
MEDIANS is expected to capture and provide baseline data and serve as a tool to allow data analytics that are essential in policy formulation and government intervention and measures transitioning to green shipping.
Through MEDIAnS, MARINA underscores the nation’s resolve to harness technology for a cleaner, more sustainable maritime industry.
