FAS Maritime

08/01/2025

MARINA Press Release
08 January 2025

𝐃𝐌𝐖, 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐀 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐈𝐑𝐑 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐚 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐬; 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

MANILA – Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan signed the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers (Republic Act No. 12021) on 08 January 2025, in a ceremony held at the Malacañang Palace. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. also witnessed the signing, underscoring the administration’s commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers.

Administrator Malaluan emphasized the government's commitment to upholding the principles enshrined in the Magna Carta. "Today, we celebrate not just a legislative accomplishment but a concrete expression of our nation's gratitude and commitment to our seafarers," she stated.

The Magna Carta’s IRR, comprising 22 rules, provides a detailed framework to operationalize the provisions of the law. Key provisions include strengthening seafarers’ rights and welfare, promoting equality and inclusion, and advancing maritime education and training. The IRR was the product of three (3) months of extensive consultations involving government agencies, maritime industry stakeholders, training institutions, non-governmental organizations, and civil society groups.

The DMW, represented by Secretary Cacdac, led the IRR’s formulation as Chair, with MARINA serving as Vice Chair. Administrator Malaluan hailed the collaboration as a milestone in realizing the President’s vision to enhance the protection, welfare, and empowerment of Filipino seafarers. “This marks the beginning of a new chapter where the rights of our seafarers are safeguarded, ensuring they remain the lifeblood of global shipping,” said Administrator Malaluan.

The IRR’s approval paves the way for various government agencies to develop subsequent policies and guidelines that will bring the Magna Carta’s principles into full effect. Administrator Malaluan called for collective action, stating, “We owe this achievement to the dedicated efforts of legislators, agencies, stakeholders, and seafarers who engaged with us during the drafting process. Let us all commit to implementing these rules effectively, keeping seafarers’ welfare at the forefront.”

President Marcos Jr. signed the Magna Carta into law on 23 September 2024, reinforcing the Philippines’ position as a global leader in maritime workforce development. The law is a testament to the nation’s commitment to equipping Filipino seafarers with the necessary skills and protections to thrive in the maritime industry.

08/01/2025

FITCH Ratings has upgraded its outlook for global shipping from "deteriorating" to "stable" in 2025, citing improved performance in tankers and bulk shipping despite a continued downturn in container shipping.

Supply chain pressures and geopolitical risks remain key factors for the industry. "We forecast tankers and dry bulk to remain stable, with the former most likely to perform well," Fitch Ratings said. "Container shipping is on track to reach an oversupply situation in 2025 with new vessel deliveries, likely further reducing freight rates."

FITCH Ratings has upgraded its outlook for global shipping from 'deteriorating' to 'stable' in 2025, citing improved performance in tankers and bulk shipping despite a continued downturn in container shipping.

08/01/2025

INTERNATIONAL Maritime Organization Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez has positioned the world's seafarers at the heart of IMO's priorities this year.

Dominguez said in his New Year's message that security and decarbonization were among the top priorities of IMO, both of which are anchored on the safety and welfare of seafarers.

INTERNATIONAL Maritime Organization Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez has positioned the world's seafarers at the heart of IMO's priorities this year.

07/01/2025

MOL GROUP CEO HASHIMOTO DELIVERS NEW YEAR MESSAGE

TOKYO – Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) Group President and CEO Takeshi Hashimoto delivered the following New Year's message to all MOL Group officers and employees on Jan. 7.

In his message, Hashimoto reviewed the group's performance in 2024, noting that the company had benefited from favorable market conditions in the chemical tanker, car carrier and containership businesses. He also acknowledged potential risks, such as the relationship between the incoming U.S. administration and China, and the prolonged war between Russia and Ukraine.

Looking ahead to 2025, the final year of Phase 1 of the company's management plan "BLUE ACTION 2035," Hashimoto emphasized the need to strengthen the company's human capital portfolio and improve operational efficiency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).

"We plan to reform our personnel system in FY2025," Hashimoto said. "I do not expect it to function perfectly from the start, so I hope to bring the system closer to its ideal form over the next two to three years, while continuing to make necessary adjustments after its implementation."

Hashimoto also addressed global environmental issues, acknowledging that the enthusiasm surrounding the 2021 Glasgow Accord had faded. He stressed the importance of continuous efforts to improve operational efficiency and reduce GHG emissions.

"While we pride ourselves as a member of First Movers Coalition, we must avoid getting too far ahead of others," Hashimoto said. "We need to become 'movers and shakers' and create trends along with other like-minded partners."

The message concluded with greetings for the safety and well-being of all MOL Group members and their families worldwide.

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24/12/2024

From your FAS Maritime family, where your stories are told better! 🚢✨

This Christmas, as the world celebrates, we at FAS Maritime extend our heartfelt greetings to the entire Philippine maritime industry. 🎄🇵🇭 We especially acknowledge the unwavering dedication of our seafarers, who brave the high seas, manning the world's largest fleet. 🌊⚓

You, our brothers and sisters at sea, are the backbone of global trade. 🌍📦 Your tireless efforts ensure the steady flow of goods across continents, connecting nations and fueling economies. You sacrifice precious time with loved ones, working around the clock to provide for your families and contribute significantly to our nation's prosperity. 🙌❤️

To our seafarers, your families, the government, and all stakeholders in the shipping and logistics sector, we offer our deepest gratitude and wish you all a blessed Christmas. 🎁✨

May this festive season be filled with joy, peace, and the warmth of cherished memories. 🎅🤝

20/12/2024

Department of Migrant Workers - National Maritime Polytechnic

Philippine Maritime Manpower Factbook Portal
The Platform Soft Launch via Zoom.

07/12/2024

Rayomar Group of Companies and K Line Affirm Support to the Ongoing Construction of Museo del Galeon

PHILIPPINE logistics and shipping prime mover, the Rayomar Group, with Ventis Maritime and Japanese shipping giant Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha or "K" Line, expressed its full support to the PTC Group's Project MUSEO DEL GALEON by sponsoring 5 Silver Galeons to the museum. The sponsorship will help complete the 181 Galeons that have traded between Manila and Acapulco. The donation will help construct some of the replicas of the Galeons.

Envisioned to honor and give credence to the maritime legacy of the country, the Museo will chronicle the long history of trade between Mexico and Manila.

As Ambassador Carlos Salinas, CEO of the Board of the Galeon Museo, said, it will help preserve the past and bridge the future.
The trade helped other cultures and traditions, languages enter the country and eased the Filipino culture into the consciousness of other countries like Spain and Japan as well.
No less than Yukikazo Myochin affirmed the importance of their commitment to the museo along with the Rayomar Group and PTC. Mr. Myochin said, after all, 70 percent of the K Line crew are Filipinos, thus the affinity to the country.

Two of the country's pillars in seafaring and transport and logistics, Ambassador Carlos Salinas of the PTC Group and Rayomar Group's CEO and founder Ramon Garcia, were both present along with other officers and leaders of both the PTC Group, Rayomar, and K Line, including Jose Ramon Monchu Garcia, Gerardo Borromeo, Christina Salinas Manzano, and many others.

Rayomar's current head, Ramon Monchu Garcia, said such projects give some sort of clarity and purpose in an otherwise chaotic situation in the world.

The Museo del Galeon will be formally opened in 2025.

It will feature the Galeón Espíritu Santo, a full-scale representation of a 17th-century galleon that was constructed in Cavite in 1603. It will be on display along with other galeons identified to have traversed the said route.
The Galeón Espíritu Santo successfully participated in the Manila-Acapulco voyages from 1603 to 1618 on the galleon trade route discovered by Andres de Urdaneta in 1565, known as El Tornaviaje.

In over 250 years of the galleon trade, 181 vessels sailed across the Pacific Ocean between Manila and Acapulco in 798 voyages.

05/12/2024

LOOK: In addition to our Big Three interviews, the FAS Maritime team had the pleasure of visiting The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines based in Tokyo. We express our gratitude to Her Excellency Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano for accepting our courtesy visit, and to First Secretary & Consul Ms. Darell Artates for the warm welcome.

21/11/2024

DID YOU KNOW that the late "Father of Filipino Seafarers" co-crafted the much-celebrated Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, which was recently passed into law?
Let us take a moment to honor the late Captain Gregorio Oca—who paved the way for elevating Filipino seafarers on the world stage and whose legacy continues to protect and empower them today.

18/11/2024

Seatrade Maritime Day 2 & 3.

Amazing exhibitors and insightful sessions.




Photos by Wil Almeria

13/11/2024

A different venue greeted participants at the Opening Day/launch program of on November 11th at Shangri-La at the Fort in BGC.

However, the frenzied excitement was undeniable as delegates poured in to register and greet old friends from the industry.

FAS Maritime has been a part of one of the world's biggest manning events for several years now, and we're continually amazed by the vast network within this industry.

The welcome event included a Cruise Forum on the opening day and a formal launch program attended by several government officials. These officials included Secretary Hans Cacdac of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Ms. Sonia Malaluan of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), along with numerous foreign delegates and maritime stakeholders.

Welcome back to Manila, Crew Connect!

Seatrade Maritime





Photos by Wil Almeria

Event website - https://www.crew-connect-global.com/en/home.html?utm_source=fas_maritime&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=home_page

Exhibitor list – https://www.crew-connect-global.com/en/whats-on/exhibitor-list.html?utm_source=fas_maritime&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=exhibitor_list

Conference agenda - https://informaconnect.com/crew-connect-global/agenda/1/?utm_source=fas_maritime&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=conference_agenda

Speaker list - https://informaconnect.com/crew-connect-global/speakers/?utm_source=fas_maritime&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=speaker_list

11/11/2024

MANILA, Philippines — Crew Connect Global, the world's largest seafaring conference, opened today in Metro Manila. Hundreds of international and local crewing experts are attending the three-day event, hosted by Seatrade Maritime at the Shangri-La The Fort, Taguig City. The conference focuses on key trends in the global manning industry and features suppliers showcasing recruitment, training, and technology solutions.

11/11/2024

Norway-Philippines LNG Summit Explores Energy Collaboration

MANILA — The Norway-Philippines LNG Summit 2024, held November 11 at the Dusit Thani Manila, concluded with a renewed focus on strengthening energy collaboration between the two nations. The summit, a collaborative effort between The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Manila, the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), Norwegian Energy Partners (NORWEP), and the Philippines Norway Business Council (PNBC), drew significant participation from key players in the LNG industry and the Philippine government.

Ambassador Christian Halaas Lyster of the Royal Norwegian Embassy delivered opening remarks, highlighting Norway's expertise in LNG and its commitment to supporting the Philippines' energy transition. Carl Martin Faannessen of the PNBC underscored the importance of fostering strong business ties between Norway and the Philippines in the energy sector. The event also featured a keynote address by Department of Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, who presented a comprehensive overview of the current state and future prospects of the Philippine LNG and natural gas sector. Secretary Lotilla emphasized the government's commitment to diversifying energy sources and ensuring a secure and reliable energy supply for the country.

The summit included panel discussions focusing on various aspects of the LNG value chain, from exploration and production to transportation, storage, and utilization. Experts from both Norway and the Philippines shared their insights and experiences, fostering a robust exchange of ideas and best practices. Discussions also covered the potential for technological advancements and sustainable practices within the LNG industry. Specific topics included regulatory frameworks, investment opportunities, and the role of LNG in achieving the Philippines' renewable energy targets.

The summit concluded with a networking reception, providing attendees with opportunities to forge new partnerships and strengthen existing collaborations. Organizers expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing the event's success in promoting dialogue and facilitating potential partnerships that could contribute to the Philippines' energy security and sustainable development goals. Further collaborations between Norwegian and Philippine entities are expected to emerge from the discussions and networking opportunities provided by the summit.





Photos by Wil Almeria

11/11/2024

Happening Now!

Wärtsilä Users Conference 2024, Forum 2A, Solaire, Nov. 11, 2024.





Photos by Wil Almeria

11/11/2024

SPANISH PORT AUTHORITY TO VISIT MANILA

A high-level business delegation led by the Algeciras Bay Port Authority (APBA) will visit Manila from Nov. 13-14 to explore maritime services and trade opportunities with the Philippines.

The Port of Algeciras, the fourth-largest port in Europe, handled 104.8 million tons of traffic in 2023. Located at the strategic Strait of Gibraltar, the port is known for its comprehensive range of services, including bunkering, ship repairs, crew changes, and sustainability initiatives.

Key investments in the port include:
* Digitalization efforts that have increased port capacity.
* Onshore Power Supply (OPS) infrastructure to reduce fossil fuel usage.
* The largest LNG bunker barge in Europe.
* A hybrid bunker barge designed for zero CO2 emissions within port waters.
* A hydrogen production facility under construction.

The Spanish delegation will include representatives from two official institutions and 14 Spanish companies. They aim to establish partnerships with Philippine counterparts in port logistics, maritime trade, and sustainable energy. The visit also seeks to strengthen trade relations between the two countries, particularly in anticipation of a free trade agreement.

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Bay Port Authority

11/11/2024

Happening Now!
MANILA — The Norway-Philippines LNG Summit 2024 takes place at the Dusit Thani Manila. Industry leaders and government officials are discussing the future of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the Philippines. The summit is organized by The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Manila, the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), Norwegian Energy Partners (NORWEP), and the Philippines Norway Business Council (PNBC).





Photos by Wil Almeria

07/11/2024

JAPAN FUNDS SCHOOL, COMMUNITY CENTER PROJECTS IN PHILIPPINES

Japan is funding two projects in the Philippines to improve education and community services for young people.

Ambassador Endo Kazuya signed grant contracts for the projects on Oct. 31, with a total value of $223,997. The funds will be used to build a one-story, six-classroom elementary school in Pura, Tarlac, and a community center for children and youth in Cebu City.

The projects are funded under the Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP), which supports grassroots projects in developing countries.

Ambassador Endo reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to the Philippines and highlighted GGP’s adaptability to local needs and its potential to empower future generations.

Project Details:

- The Project for the Construction of School Building for Maungib Elementary School in Pura, Tarlac
* Proponent: Municipality of Pura
* Grant Amount: $78,267 (PHP 4,472,960)
* Overview: The project will construct a new school building to replace a deteriorating structure.

- The Project for the Construction of Community Center for Children and Youth in Cebu City
* Proponent: Bidlisiw Foundation, Inc.
* Grant Amount: $145,730 (PHP 8,328,490)
* Overview: The project will construct a new community center to provide psychological care, health education, and vocational training to low-income families.

Japan, the Philippines’ top official development assistance donor, launched the GGP scheme in 1989. The two new projects bring the total number of GGP-funded projects in the Philippines to 564.

*Dollar Rate 1 USD = PHP 57.15 (as of April 23, 2024)

(Photos from Embassy of Japan)

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