The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) launched the Philippine Overseas Shipping Industry Assessment to collect data and boost the global competitiveness of the nation’s maritime fleet, officials announced.

Overseas Shipping Service director Ramon Hernandez led the official launch during a virtual meeting with private stakeholders last 19 August. The initiative aims to evaluate current trends, challenges and growth opportunities in overseas shipping, establishing data-driven parameters to expand the Philippine ship registry.

“This matters because policy is only as strong as the evidence behind it,” Hernandez said. “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 RAdm. Loumer Bernabe, a retired naval officer, praised private sector participation and emphasized that the agency seeks a collaborative rather than purely regulatory relationship with the shipping industry.

During the meeting, officials and industry leaders also discussed updates on lobbying efforts for the Philippine Ship Registry Bill in the 20th Congress, preliminary planning for POSIDONIA 2028, and preparations for the second Philippine Shipping and Shipbuilding Conference. The conference will take place during the Blue Economy Annual Trade and Conference from 29 September through 1 October.