The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has pledged to support the rollout of proposed inter-island ferry decarbonization projects, with Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan committing to help translate a recent study into on-the-ground initiatives.
Speaking at a dissemination workshop, Administrator Malaluan said MARINA will promote and disseminate the study’s results and engage key stakeholders to advance implementation, including local shipowners and local governments in Iloilo City and Negros Island.
“The priority now is to translate this study into action. It will truly improve the efficiency and sustainability of our domestic ferry sector—an imperative that is both necessary and urgent,” she said. “Through this pilot, we are advancing practical and scalable solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
The MARINA Chief also underscored the potential of electrifying short-distance routes, positioning it as a practical entry point for decarbonizing the sector, and said the study’s business model will be presented as part of an investment portfolio to attract partners.
The study outlines three pilot pathways: electric ferries for short routes such as Iloilo–Bacolod; hybrid vessels for routes like Batangas–Calapan; and fuel-efficiency upgrades for long-haul operations. Among these, the electrification pilot is seen as the most immediately feasible.
In his welcome remarks, Ninan Biju of the World Bank emphasized that improving the capacity and efficiency of maritime transport is key to enhancing connectivity and development in the Philippines.
The Inter-Island Ferry Decarbonization Pilot Study, which was presented by ARUP Project Consultants Christopher Wong, and Dr. George Grigoropoulos consolidates technical analysis and stakeholder consultations; presents an updated roadmap; proposed pilot projects; and implementation pathways, including regulatory and operational considerations.
MARINA will take a supporting role, collaborating with partners to bring the study’s recommendations closer to reality across key inter-island routes.
Also in attendance were Australian Embassy Manila First Secretary Daniel Simson; World Bank Philippines Transport Program Coordinator John Richardson; DOTr Chief Communications Officer John Patrick Dayao; SHAP President Meneleo Carlos, PISA President Mark Parco and other stakeholders.
