The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) hosted a two-day symposium on decarbonization to align its goals with the global maritime sector’s aim of promoting sustainability within the shipping industry.

Held from March 19 to 20 in Pasay City, the symposium carried the "Charting the Course: Empowering Seafarers for a Decarbonized Shipping Future." It was aimed at equipping seafarers and maritime stakeholders with the knowledge and skills necessary for the industry's transition to greener shipping. 

Green shipping refers to the practice of environmentally friendly policies and technologies within the industry to promote sustainability and reduce harmful effects to the environment such as emissions and pollution.

Marina Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan underscored the Philippines’ critical role in global shipping, describing Filipino seafarers as the backbone of the industry.

“This means that any industry-wide transformation must prioritize our seafarers, ensuring they are fully equipped with competencies necessary to thrive in a green and decarbonized shipping future. This is why Marina is taking proactive actions, approach in aligning our policies, training programs, and industry partnerships with the green transition,” she noted.

During the symposium, industry leaders, policymakers, and experts gathered to discuss strategies, share best practices, and strengthen collaboration toward a sustainable maritime sector.

Among the topics discussed included navigating policies for shipping decarbonization, the critical role of seafarers for green transition, ensuring safety of life in navigating green future, and alternative fuels for maritime decarbonization. 

Speakers from Green Marine Group, a company focused on building sustainable solutions in adopting low-emission technologies, led discussions on marine fuel technologies such as liquified natural gas (LNG), methanol ethanol, ammonia, hydrogen, biofuels, and other fuels.

Marina said the symposium highlighted the importance of international collaboration in driving sustainable solutions and ensuring that the maritime workforce is prepared for the industry’s transition to cleaner shipping.

Malaluan said the event reinforced the commitment of Marina and its partners to drive the maritime industry's shift toward environmental sustainability, ensuring that Filipino seafarers remain at the forefront of the global transition to greener shipping.