The Philippines and Norway have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation on maritime safety, digitalization, and decarbonization following a bilateral meeting between the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA).
MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan met with Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) Director General Alf Tore Sørheim and H.E. Christian Halaas Lyster, Ambassador of Norway to the Philippines on April 17, 2026.
Among the key outcomes of the meeting is the possible technical assistance on the analysis of maritime incidents, aimed at improving safety measures through data-driven approach. Another collaboration shall be on sharing of best practices to effectively implement a risk-based ship inspection system to enhancing maritime safety.
In support of maritime decarbonization, the two maritime authorities explored opportunities for the electrification of short-distance domestic shipping, as well as other initiatives aligned with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the sector.
On digitalization, MARINA Administrator Malaluan emphasized that the existing cooperation between the Agency and NMA on the mutual recognition of Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) Certificates under Regulation I/10 may contribute to the deployment of Filipino seafarers.
She likewise expressed MARINA’s commitment to implement the necessary steps toward systems integration through an Application Programming Interface (API), including potential linkage with the MARINA Integrated Seafarers Management Online (MISMO) System. These initiatives are expected to further strengthen regulatory alignment and support the continued digitalization efforts between the two maritime authorities.
Both parties likewise identified areas for collaboration to enhance seafarer competency and well-being, including knowledge-sharing and capacity-building initiatives.
The discussions signified the strong maritime partnership between the Philippines and Norway, with both countries expressing commitment to translate these initiatives into concrete programs and sustained technical cooperation.
