Integrated container logistics and supply chain services firm, Maersk, is opening its doors to technical personnel of the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) to accelerate the energy transition of the country’s maritime sector.

On Tuesday, Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan and Maersk officials, headed by Gungor Ates, owners’ Representative to the Philippines for Maersk, sealed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on knowledge exchange through shipboard familiarization programs of ships that can use lower greenhouse gas emission fuels, skills development, and training for Filipino seafarers in the handling of methanol, and research related to the use of alternative fuels such as methanol.

The partnership also includes ship visits and onboard familiarization, knowledge-sharing activities, including technical workshops, information exchange, and expert consultations, along with efforts to enhance local regulatory frameworks that support the industry's energy transition.

To date, Maersk plays a crucial role in international trade by operating one of the world’s largest fleets.

With a strong commitment to decarbonization, the company has been at the forefront of advancing alternative dual-fuel vessels and energy-efficient technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Maersk currently has 12 dual-fuel methanol vessels in its fleet globally.

"This partnership is a significant step for Marina personnel to get the much-needed knowledge, deeper understanding, and exposure to the use of alternative fuels from the global shipping leaders and first movers in the use of methanol as fuel. This initiative will boost MARINA’s capacity to develop a regulatory framework and implement measures to support energy transition," Malaluan said.

"By working together, we are not only fostering innovation and capacity building but also ensuring that the Philippines remains a leader in the global push for sustainable and responsible shipping," she added.

For his part, Ates noted: “Close to 40 percent of Maersk’s seafarers are Filipinos and they will be increasingly working onboard ships that are capable of using alternative fuels. We are pleased to support Marina in further understanding the use of alternative fuels like methanol, enhancing training standards and related policies. This also reaffirms our commitment to the importance of upskilling our crew and supporting the Philippines.”

To date, Maersk has hired 4,500 Filipino seafarers, which Ates said plays a pivotal role in their daily operations.

Moreover, Marina said the signing ceremony marks the beginning of a partnership that will pave the way for collaboration and innovation in maritime decarbonization, reinforcing the Philippines’ role as a key player in a global effort toward more energy-efficient shipping practices and a more resilient maritime future.