THE Philippines is aggressively modernizing its maritime and logistics sectors under the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023 to 2028 with significant infrastructure upgrades and a parallel focus on future-proofing its vital seafaring workforce. This dual approach aims to boost trade, lower costs and foster inclusive development across the nation.
A cornerstone of this modernization is the P5.7 billion expansion of the Manila South Harbor.
“We now have world-class port infrastructure, aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision,” declares Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Vince Dizon at the May 2025 launch.
Led by Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) and global logistics firm DP World, the project has added an extended Pier 3 and two fully electric ship-to-shore cranes.
“The expansion added an extended Pier 3, two fully electric ship-to-shore cranes and additional yard space for 20,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), increasing the port’s capacity to over 2 million TEUs annually,” ATI officials state, emphasizing the climate-resilient and sustainable cargo handling aspects.
Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Santiago echoes this sentiment, highlighting the environmental benefits, saying, “These are the largest cranes in the Philippines, and we’re proud to say they are fully electric, environmentally responsible.”
Beyond Manila, the DOT and PPA are driving port upgrades nationwide.
“These ports are not just structures; they’re access points to better lives,” Santiago emphasizes, aligning with the PDP’s goal of expanded regional opportunities.
In Luzon, International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) is developing the Luzon International Container Terminal (LICT) in Bauan, Batangas.
“Our new Bauan terminal’s ability to accommodate large ships sets it apart and positions us as a leader in efficient and eco-conscious trade,” asserts Nathan Clarke, ICTSI vice president, highlighting LICT’s capacity for mega-ships and sustainable practices.
Integral to this maritime revitalization is the preparedness of Filipino seafarers, a sector where the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) is playing a crucial role. Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan underscores the agency’s commitment to ensuring Filipino maritime professionals remain globally competitive amid these changes.
“Marina is proactively implementing comprehensive strategies to ensure Filipino seafarers remain future-proof and protected [amid] the rapidly evolving global maritime landscape,” Administrator Malaluan states.
Malaluan adds: “Our initiatives — firmly anchored on upholding international standards, embracing digitalization through the Marina Integrated Seafarers’ Management Online (Mismo) System, fostering crucial industry partnerships, elevating training benchmarks and actively engaging in global dialogues on sustainable shipping — are all aligned with the national goals outlined in the PDP and the rights championed by the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.”
The Mismo system, a key component of the digital transformation highlighted in the PDP, streamlines seafarer documentation and enhances security.
Furthermore, Marina is actively addressing the industry’s shift toward sustainability by issuing national training standards for alternative fuels and fostering collaborations with international partners such as Green Marine Copenhagen and Maersk.
“Our partnerships aim to equip Filipino seafarers with the skills and knowledge necessary for the green transition and the adoption of new technologies,” Administrator Malaluan explains.
Marina’s efforts extend to ensuring compliance with international standards through rigorous adherence to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers or STCW Convention and active participation in International Maritime Organization discussions.
This guarantees the continued global employability of Filipino seafarers as the Philippine maritime sector modernizes. Moreover, the ongoing development of a ladderized maritime education and training framework aims to create more flexible and accessible career pathways for aspiring seafarers.
As the Philippines invests in upgrading its ports and logistics infrastructure under the PDP 2023 to 2028, Marina’s parallel commitment to future-proofing its seafarers ensures that the country’s maritime professionals remain a vital and competitive force in the evolving global landscape, contributing significantly to the nation’s economic growth and maritime prominence.
Source: Revitalizing PH shipping and logistics with infrastructure and seafarer readiness
