THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has launched a baseline assessment of the Philippine overseas shipping sector to gather empirical data for upcoming regulatory updates and ship registry expansion.
The assessment, unveiled during an Aug. 19 meeting with private operators, evaluates fleet performance, market trends, and operational constraints facing local shipping companies.
Marina will use the findings to revise its accreditation rules and support the passage of the Philippine Ship Registry Bill in the 20th Congress. The proposed law seeks to update regulatory standards to attract more commercial vessels to the Philippine flag, which would increase registered tonnage and shore-based maritime jobs.
“This matters because policy is only as strong as the evidence behind it,” said Overseas Shipping Service Director Ramon Hernandez. “Whether we are refining our accreditation framework, advancing the Philippine Ship Registry Bill, or engaging our international partners on flag-state competitiveness, we need to speak from data we trust.”
Marina Deputy Administrator for Operations Rear Admiral Loumer Bernabe PN (Ret.) emphasized that ongoing coordination with private fleet operators is critical to aligning regulations with commercial realities.
Marina also reviewed preparations for the 2nd Philippine Shipping and Shipbuilding Conference at the Blue Economy Annual Trade and Conference (Beacon) Expo (Sept. 29 to Oct. 1) and early plans for the Posidonia 2028 exhibition in Greece.
