By Marinel E. Peroy
Norway and the Philippines are deepening their long-standing maritime partnership through initiatives that not only build careers but also enhance both nations’ roles in the global shipping industry.
This was affirmed during the 35th anniversary celebration of the Norwegian Training Center (NTC), held on April 24 at The Peninsula Manila. Norwegian Ambassador Christian Halaas Lyster lauded the program’s contribution to maritime excellence and bilateral cooperation.
“The maritime sector is one of the cornerstones of the bilateral relationship of Norway and the Philippines,” Lyster said. “The maritime sector is important for both our countries, and we will continue to work with the Philippines and the maritime industry to promote, develop, and safeguard maritime interests.”
The NTC, a subsidiary of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, manages a Cadet Program that has enrolled more than 8,000 Filipino students, over 6,000 of whom have since become world-class seafarers.
“The Philippines and Norway play a crucial and vital role in this work,” said NTC managing director Joe Even Tomren. “The Norwegian Training Center… will continuously strive to be a world leader of maritime competence and excellence coming out of the Philippines.”
Filipino seafarers currently make up nearly 65% of the crew on Norwegian international vessels, highlighting how vital Filipino talent is to global maritime operations.
Gerardo Borromeo, CEO of Philippine Transmarine Carriers (PTC), emphasized the role of people, systems, and technology in adapting to the fast-evolving maritime sector. “It is important to put people at the heart of every transformation,” he said.
Ambassador Lyster also stressed how the maritime sector can be a force for sustainability. “Philippines has every opportunity to further develop its sector and remain a competitive maritime nation. You can count on Norway as a partner,” he said.
