Norway’s ZEM AS (Zero Emission Maritime Solutions) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Philippine Association of Coastal and Inland Water Ferries Inc. (PACIWFI) and IMP Shipyard & Port Services, Inc. to collaborate on the development and deployment of a Prototype Electric/Hybrid Propulsion Ferry (eFerry). The vessel will serve as a model for the modernization of the country’s coastal and inland water transport system.
The MOU, signed Tuesday during the Norway-Philippines Electric Ferries Conference in Makati, marks a key milestone in advancing the Integrated Modernization Program for Coastal and Inland Water Transport System (CIWTS). The program aims to improve maritime mobility, support the growth of the blue economy, and enhance climate-resilient transport systems in coastal communities.
Under the partnership:
PACIWFI will lead project promotion, coordination, and alignment with government agencies and Local Government Units (LGUs), ensuring regulatory compliance and integration into local development plans.
IMP Shipyard will design and construct the vessel, including hull fabrication and integration of navigation and auxiliary systems.
ZEM will provide and supervise the installation of the electric propulsion system, enabling a cleaner, energy-efficient, and low-emission ferry platform.
This initiative underscores the Philippines’ commitment to pioneering maritime innovation and positions the country as a potential hub for green shipbuilding and zero-emission vessel technology in Southeast Asia. Beyond economic benefits, the technology also strengthens disaster response capability and supports the Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) of the Department of National Defense by enabling dual-use platforms for humanitarian and maritime security missions.
“This collaboration represents a major step in transforming our coastal transport ecosystem into a safe, modern, and climate-resilient system,” said Juan Miguel Gonzales, PACIWFI Executive Director. “More importantly, it prioritizes the underserved island communities and uplifts local economies through accessible and sustainable mobility.”
“IMP Shipyard is proud to contribute to nation-building through innovative vessel construction,” said Capt. Gaudencio C. Morales, IMP Shipyard President. “We are ready to build the next generation of Filipino-made ferries.”
Morales said they plan to start building small ferries, 45 meters and below, including both an e-ferry and a hybrid ferry, next year. Their Norwegian partner, ZEM, will supply the propulsion systems for the e-ferry, which is intended for deployment between Lapu-Lapu and Cebu. The smaller ferry will have a capacity of around 100 passengers for short trips of less than an hour, while the larger ferry will be capable of voyages of up to four hours.
Located in Albuera, Leyte, IMP has already begun operating a drydocking and repair facility and will commence shipbuilding operations next year under the CIWTS project.
“My shipyard is in the Visayas, so my focus is the development of the CIWTS in the Visayan region,” Morales added.
“ZEM is committed to introducing clean propulsion systems to Philippine waters,” said Jonathan Sorbye, ZEM CEO. “Our vision is to decarbonize the maritime sector and show that sustainability and efficiency can go hand in hand.”
ZEM AS is a pioneering Norwegian maritime technology company specializing in the design, supply, and integration of zero-emission electric and hybrid propulsion systems for vessels operating in coastal and inland waterways.
The eFerry will serve as a demonstration vessel for replication across coastal provinces and inland waterways, supporting the Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP) 2028 and promoting inclusive mobility and local economic growth.
