The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the World Bank (WB) have launched a pilot project aimed at decarbonizing and modernizing the Philippines’ domestic ferry fleet, a key step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving safety in inter-island shipping.

As reported on PortCalls.com, the Interisland Ferry Decarbonization Pilot Project will support the development of a national strategy and design a pilot for ferry decarbonization, according to MARINA. The initiative builds on a previous study conducted by the WB and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) focused on improving safety and energy efficiency in domestic ferries.

The project was formally introduced during a kickoff meeting and workshop, where MARINA deputy administrator for operations Nannette Dinopol reaffirmed the agency’s commitment: “[We look] forward for the study to provide practical and technical recommendations towards modernization and decarbonization of ships.”

John Richardson, WB Philippines transport program coordinator, acknowledged the contributions of supporting governments and emphasized stakeholder involvement: “We appreciate the Japanese and Australian governments for their support,” he said, recognizing the “crucial role of Philippine government agencies and maritime stakeholders.”

Australian Embassy Second Secretary Alex Sodomaco underlined the public health and environmental stakes: “Decarbonizing the ferry system is not just an environmental imperative but it is a necessity for the health of communities and ecosystem.”

The kickoff session also discussed findings from a freight flow model and a capacity-building workshop on ferry demand assessment and modeling.

The pilot forms part of the broader Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP) 2028, which aims to create a nationally integrated and globally competitive maritime sector by 2028.

A background study initiated in 2021 with support from the World Bank, International Finance Corporation, and IMO, identified safety gaps and emission reduction opportunities for domestic ferries. The ongoing project now moves from study to strategy, potentially setting a regional benchmark for other archipelagic and island nations.

What do you think? Will this public-private collaboration be the turning point for cleaner, safer ferry operations in the Philippines? Share your thoughts and join the conversation.

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