In a major move toward a more sustainable and tech-forward maritime sector, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) Philippines officially entered into a strategic partnership on March 17, 2026. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the MARINA Central Office signals a new era of active collaboration between regulators and industry leaders, focusing on the "green transition" and the holistic development of the Filipino seafaring workforce.
The partnership is built on the premise that the maritime industry’s shift toward environmental responsibility cannot be achieved in isolation. By combining MARINA’s regulatory oversight with BSM’s global operational expertise, the two organizations aim to create a blueprint for green fuel adoption and energy-efficient operations.
BSM Group Representative Guengoer Ates emphasized that the maritime sector is entering a new era defined by the need for sustainability, innovation, and stronger collaboration.
"Partnerships like this are essential as our industry navigates a period of profound transformation," Ates stated. "By joining forces with MARINA, we are not only addressing the challenges of today but also proactively shaping the future of maritime. Our shared commitment to seafarer excellence and environmental stewardship will ensure that the Philippines remains a leading force in the global maritime community."
Beyond hardware and fuel, the MOU places a heavy emphasis on the "human element." Acknowledging that seafarers are the backbone of the global supply chain, the collaboration outlines specific initiatives to support their mental health, safety, and technical competence.
Key highlights of the partnership’s first-year roadmap include:
• Methanol Training: Specialized sessions for MARINA personnel to stay ahead of alternative fuel trends.
• Mental Health Advocacy: Development of a dedicated course to bolster the psychological resilience of seafarers.
• Enhanced Training Standards: Facilitating "Training of Trainers" for revised safety and social responsibility modules.
• Resource Sharing: Provision of modern learning facilities to bridge the gap between classroom theory and shipboard reality.
The agreement was formalized by MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan and BSM’s Guengoer Ates, with STCW Office Executive Director Samuel L. Batalla and BSM Training Director Adrien S. Luntao witnessing the milestone.
Administrator Malaluan emphasized that while the industry is changing rapidly, the focus remains on the people:
"Through this MOU, MARINA and BSM aim to work together to support the green transition while ensuring that the welfare, competence, and resilience of seafarers remain at the center of this transformation," Malaluan said.
This partnership serves as a call to action for other maritime stakeholders, proving that when the public and private sectors align their goals, the path to a carbon-neutral and worker-centric industry becomes much clearer.
