The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) held the inaugural National Task Force Coordination Meeting for the Sustainable Maritime Transport Cooperation – Greenhouse Gas (SMART-C GHG) Project via videoconference on August 20, 2026. The virtual meeting marks an important step forward in the Philippines’ efforts to decarbonize its maritime sector.
The meeting gathered representatives from various organizations, including the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Energy, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development, the Board of Investments, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Cebu Port Authority, the University of the Philippines, the Metro Shipbuilders and Ship Repairers Association Inc., Colorado Shipyard Corporation, the Marine and Technical Superintendent Association of the Philippines, and Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corporation. The purpose was to review two foundational documents that guided the project’s implementation: the Needs Assessment Report and the Data Collection Framework.
The Philippines was selected as one of two pilot beneficiary countries under the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Integrated Technical Cooperation Program, funded by the Republic of Korea through its $4.5-million GHG-SMART program. Vietnam is the other pilot country.
The task force’s composition highlights the diverse sectors involved in maritime decarbonization, including foreign affairs, energy, environment, fisheries, coast guard, port authorities, academia, and private shipbuilding and ferry operators. MARINA emphasized that this wide-ranging participation demonstrates strong support for a comprehensive government approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping industry.
Engr. Jeremiah M. Perez, the National Focal Point for the SMART-C GHG Project, presented the project’s background and status. Engr. Bannie V. Eslava, the project’s designated technical personnel, led the technical discussions on the Needs Assessment Report. Meanwhile, Prof. Justin John Villar from the University of the Philippines-Diliman provided updates on the development of the Philippine Maritime GHG Data Collection Framework, which aims to establish the baseline emissions monitoring system required for the initiative.
The SMART-C GHG Project supports developing countries in establishing comprehensive management and analysis systems for vessel-based greenhouse gas emissions through technical assistance, capacity-building training, and data-collection tools. As a pilot country, the Philippines will develop and implement a National Action Plan aligned with the 2023 IMO Revised GHG Strategy. The project covers three core areas: developing National Action Plans on maritime decarbonization, strengthening national GHG emissions data collection and monitoring systems, and enhancing capacity for maritime administrations, seafarers, Flag State Implementation officers, Port State Control officers, ship operators, and port authorities.
The project facilitates regional knowledge sharing among ASEAN Member States and promotes coordinated implementation of global maritime GHG reduction regulations. Industry representatives present at the meeting emphasized that compliance with anticipated international maritime decarbonization standards requires early preparation. The data collection framework under development will enable Philippine-flagged vessels and ports to meet future reporting requirements while identifying emission-reduction opportunities specific to local conditions.
After reviewing and improving the Needs Assessment Report and Data Collection Framework, the National Task Force will then move forward with implementing the project’s capacity-building components. The coordination meeting ended with a commitment to continue regular interagency consultations as the project enters its implementation phase.
The IMO implements the SMART-C GHG Project under the IMO-Republic of Korea SMART-C Partnership Program.
