By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
MAKATI CITY – The 1st Norway-Philippines Electric Ferries Conference 2025 was held here at the Dusit Thani with the presence of Norwegian Ambassador Christian Halaas Lyster and Department of Transportation (DOTr) officials, other stakeholders, and the Norwegian delegation.
Carl Martin Faannessen, President of Philippines Norway Business Council (PNBC), who is working with the Norwegian Embassy, is the moderator and host of the conference.
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Lyster said that the initiative was borne out of the productive meeting with then DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon.
“Our two countries have enjoyed strong relations since establishing ties in 1948. I am proud to continue to build on this strong foundation,” Lyster said.
“The future maritime transport involves decarbonization, digitalization such as net zero framework through national policies, technology and innovation for a more greener and sustainable future,” he added.
“Norway’s success story is impressive with a hundred ferry routes and a hundred ferries in operation,” Lyster said.
“This is an excellent opportunity for the Philippines to learn from the experience of Norway,” he added.
“I would like to commend the Philippine government for a more greener and sustainable environment,” Lyster said.
“Let us use this gathering to strengthen our partnership,” he ended.
In her keynote speech, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Assistant Secretary Sonia Malaluan said “I am extremely honor and privileged to be part of this gathering.”
“As the Philippines takes bold step in taking a low emission rate, 60% of our population is living in the coastal areas, which makes maritime even more important,” Malaluan said.
104.67 million tons is the volume of shipments with 3,438 shipping entities have been accredited with MARINA.
It involved US$2 billion, which consisted of 8,355 merchant ships, 53 percent of which are passengers, with a general average of 200 tons.
The Maritime Development Plan 2028 includes the modernization and expansion of domestic shipping, including the coastal shipping.
The Philippines ranked no. 10 in the risk of the effects of climate change.
“Decarbonization is not only a national task but it is a national imperative for survival and sustainable maritime future,” Malaluan said.
“We are fully compliant with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” she added.
“Today’s conference is significant to the country’s decarbonization initiative,” Malaluan said.
“This conference shall be the ‘springboard’ for the country’s electric ferries system,” she added.
“Let this conference serve as a catalyst of ideas for the future of maritime industry for a more sustainable Philippines,” Malaluan stressed.
DOTr Assistant Secretary Villamor Ventura Plan spoke on behalf of DOTr Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez.
“The 1st Norway Philippines Electric Ferries Conference 2025 is not only a gathering of two countries but a dialogue for a more resilient and sustainable future,” Plan said.
“The Philippines can lead as a home-grown pioneer in maritime industry,” he added.
Plan cited the 40 electric ferries across 32 stations from Marikina River to Laguna De Bay.
“Together let us keep our step and vision clear for a resilient and sustainable future for electric ferries,” Plan said.
Daniel Seow, Senior Advisor of Innovation Norway, discussed the “Electrifying the Seas: Lessons, Challenges, and Success Stories from Norway”.
Seow cited the 100 electric ferries which are now operational in the Kingdom of Norway.
The global market for electric vessels is projected to reach US$14.2 billion by 2030.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was entered into between the IMP Shipyard & Port Services, Incorporated and the Philippine Association of Coastal and Inland Water Ferries, Inc. and ZEM AS and witnessed by Ambassador Lyster. ###
