By Veronica Uy
In a landmark move toward achieving the global Net Zero Emission goal by 2050, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) of the Philippines has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Green Marine Copenhagen of Denmark, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said recently.
At the Travel Talk 2024 of the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines, Bautista said this strategic partnership “involves the comprehensive training and capacity-building of Filipino mariners in the proper handling of alternative green fuels such as methanol for energy efficient propulsion systems of sea-going vessels.”
“This collaboration signifies the direction toward green transition in the maritime sector,” he added.
Bautista said the agreement between MARINA and Green Marine Copenhagen underscores the Philippines’ commitment to exploring alternative fuels as part of a comprehensive whole-of-government approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
He noted that while the Philippines may not yet have the drastic goals seen in European cities, such as the banning of all diesel vehicles in Paris, Madrid, Athens, and Mexico City, or the phasing out of conventional cars in Norway, France, and the United Kingdom, this collaboration signifies a robust move toward environmental sustainability.
The MOU not only aims to enhance the skills of Filipino mariners but also to ensure the country’s maritime industry stays competitive and environmentally responsible in the global market.
This agreement is part of a broader national effort to explore sustainable energy solutions across various sectors.
Bautista noted that in 2022, a local low-cost airline successfully used a type of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on a commercial flight from Singapore to Manila.
The SAF, made entirely from renewable waste like recycled cooking oil, highlighted the potential for sustainable alternatives in aviation. However, the availability of SAF remains a challenge that the country continues to address.
Additionally, the Philippines is closely monitoring recent advancements in automotive technology, such as the development of a water-fueled internal combustion engine by a reputable Japanese car manufacturer.
This innovation, if proven viable, could revolutionize public transport and prompt a shift in focus from electric vehicles to water-fueled engines.