
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is spearheading significant initiatives to modernize and expand the Philippine shipbuilding and ship repair industry, aiming to maintain and strengthen the countryโs position as one of the top five largest shipbuilding nations in the world. A major focus is the push for the passage of the Shipbuilding and Ship Repair (SBSR) Development Bill, which aims to attract more investments and provide additional incentives to the SBSR sector. This effort is part of the broader Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP) 2028, adopted through Executive Order No. 55.
MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan emphasized the critical importance of the SBSR Development Bill in a recent speaking engagement in Manila. โThrough the MIDP 2028, we have been pushing for the passage of the Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Development Bill, which will promote additional investments and grant more incentives to the SBSR sector. We are actively seeking champions to ensure this bill is certified as a priority by the President in the 20th Congress,โ said Administrator Malaluan.
It should be noted that the updated MIDP 2028 aims to modernize and expand the capabilities of Philippine shipyards to meet both local and international sea transport demands, while also creating more jobs and increasing investments in the country.
According to MARINAโs 2021 assessment report, local shipyards have the capability to construct ships for domestic use up to an average of 1,000 gross tons.
In April 2024, a significant resolution was signed during the 3rd National Shipyards Convention, focusing on legislation, research and development, capability and capacity building, and workforce development in the SBSR sector. This resolution underscores the collaborative efforts between MARINA and its stakeholders to advance the maritime industry.
Emerging technologies also play a vital role in MARINA’s initiatives. This as the Agency has renewed its partnership with the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) which highlights new research directions in the maritime industry. One notable accomplishment this year was the demonstration of the โSafe, Efficient, and Sustainable Solar-Assisted Plug-In Electric Boatโ (SESSY E-Boat) at the Manila Yacht Club.
Additionally, MARINA recently concluded orientations on the โMARINA Blockchain-Enabled Automated Certification Systemโ (MARINA BEST) in various regions. Scheduled to roll out in July 2024, MARINA BEST is a top project aimed at digitalizing and streamlining frontline services to promote ease of doing business.