October 2011

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Seafarer Communications lacking at ports – Report

The International Committee on Seafarers’ Welfare (ICSW) has pub­lished a report on seafarer access to communications technology in port, which it claims is “taking a back seat because of high investment costs and ports’ concerns about security.” The Developments in New Technology & Implications for Seafarers’ Welfare report was commissioned by ICSW in order to learn more about how port-wide…


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New program set to assist Seafarers and Families affected by Piracy

A new program set to help seafarers and their families cope with the physical and mental trauma caused by torture and abuse at the hands of pirates is being launched in London, UK today. The Maritime Piracy Humanitarian Response Programme (MPHRP), funded by the ITF Seafarers’ Trust and The TK Foundation, is chaired by Peter Swift, formerly managing director of…


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Seafarers Worldwide to get pay hike by 2012 – IBF

The Philippines’ estimated 380,000 seafarers have much to cheer about as the International Bargaining Forum (IBF), International Trans­port Workers’ Federation (ITF) and Joint Negotiating Group (JNG) have reached the final agreement regard­ing the pay hike of sailors serving in the international merchant marine fleet. The conclusion, which has been hard fought by both sides, resulted in a three-year deal being…


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US Megaport Initiative to be expanded to Cebu

The United States government is set to provide more nuclear and radiation detection equipment to the Philippine government to be deployed to ports in Manila and Cebu by next year.  According to Kim Prono, a representative of the US Department of Energy, the move is meant to increase security measures at the coun­try’s major ports, to prevent nuclear proliferation and…


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Ro-Ro link between Phil and Indonesia pushed

The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) is pushing for the Philippines-Indonesia Roll on-Roll off (Ro-Ro) as a prelude to the connectivity to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Ro-Ro system starting next year. Marina said the connectivity will facilitate the seamless transport of cargo and passen­gers within the ASEAN economies. Initially, Marina and its Indonesian counter­part, the Indonesian Directorate General…


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DOTC bares P5 billion Infrastructure Plan

Department of Transportation and Communications secretary Man­uel Roxas II has unveiled a 5-year P565 billion infrastructure plan including the continuation of the controversial North Rail project. Speaking before a briefing organized by the Makati Business Club recently, Roxas said the project is aimed at providing reliable, safe, and affordable public transportation sys­tem nationwide. The projects, meanwhile, include the 11.7 km…


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Shape up to compete, Marina told domestic carriers

Local shipping industry will continue to lose from the airline industry unless services offered by vessel operators becomes at par with that of the airlines. In a Passenger Service Rating System (PSRS) conducted by the Mari­time Industry Authority (Marina) recommended that local liners need to shape up to compete with the domestic air carriers. Under the PSRS, vessel operators only…


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Koji Sekimizu of Japan is new IMO Secretary General

Mr. Koji Sekimizu of Japan, who is currently Director of IMO’s Maritime Safety Division has been elected as the Secretary- General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), for a 4-year term effective 1 January 2012. Sekimizu edged out five other candidates, including our own Neil Frank Ferrer and the nominees of the Re- public of Korea, Spain, USA and Cyprus….



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MICT gets 8 new RTGs to support new berth operation

International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) will soon take delivery of eight brand new rubber tired gantries (RTG) to support the Manila International Container Terminal’s (MICT) new Berth 6 operation that is scheduled for early next year.   An investment worth $10.7 million, the new RTGs will arrive in two batches beginning June next year in time for the startup…


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PPA approves, modifies North Port Terminal 1 design

  The Board of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has modified and approved the detailed development de­sign of Terminal 1 of the North Port, formerly North Harbor, submitted by operator Manila North Harbour Port, Inc. (MNHPI).   The Board has likewise extended the time­line in finishing the development, which only covers Terminal 1 or the provision on the Pas­senger Terminal…


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ICTSI services largest boxship to call in Georgia

International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) Batumi International Container Terminal (BICT) recently serviced the MSC Ukraine, the largest vessel to dock in the Black Sea coast of the Republic of Georgia. “We are honored to have the MSC Ukraine here as it shows our capability to service new generation vessels,” says Capt. Jan Nowak, BICT chief executive officer and general…


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New Maersk service boosts Philippine Shippers’ service to Europe, Asia

Maersk Line, the world’s largest containerized cargo carrier, has provided Philippine shippers uninter­rupted service to Europe and other ports in Asia with the introduction of a new service. Dubbed as Daily Maersk, the service offers daily cut-offs from different strategic ports in Asia and fixed transportation time providing unprecedented frequency and absolute reliability. In a statement Maersk Line Philippines explained…


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Hanjin to expand Subic Yard

Philippines largest shipyard operator Hanjin Heavy Industries-Philippines (HHIP) has reserved an additional 150 hectares of land for the expansion of its Subic yard in its bid to handle swelling orders for new buildings as well as other projects. The expansion, which has an estimated investment cost of about $1 billion, is being geared towards the platform for the new Malampaya…


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China-ASEAN Free Trade Area: Its Potentials

Last 18 August, FVR keynoted the 6th Pan-Beibu Gulf Economic Cooperation (PBGEC) Forum in Nanning, Guangxi Province, and People’s Republic of China upon the invitation of the People’s Government of Guangxi and the China Development Institute. The PBGEC was established in July 2006 to reinforce the strategic partnership between China and ASEAN, boost bilateral and sub-regional economic cooperation, and speed…


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DOLE cites 7 measures to avoid another Keppel Shipyard Incident

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recommended seven corrective measures on occupational safety and health which the Keppel Subic Shipyard, Inc. management should implement to avoid the recurrence of the recent mishap in the said shipyard. Labor and Employment Secretary Ro­salinda Dimapilis-Baldoz said the seven measures by DOLE resulted from the investigation of the Department’s inspec­tion team which was…


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Shipbuilding, Reclamation, Iron Smelting are key growth areas for Maritime Industry: FVR

Aside from the opportunities in shipbuilding, former President Fi­del V. Ramos identified two more growth areas for the maritime industry—reclamation and smelting. Speaking before the members of the Mari­time League as well as other invited guest in a breakfast forum recently, Ramos stressed that foreign counterparts are not needed in these projects as it can be done “All Pinoy”. “We…


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Stakeholders presses government to ratify The Maritime Labor Convention of 2006

Stakeholders in the maritime industry has again called on the Philippine government to ratify the Maritime Labour Convention of 2006 (MLC 2006) in order that it will be one of the thirty ratifying countries re­quired for the convention to take effect. The campaign for the early ratification MLC2006 is the focus of this year’s celebration of the 16th National Seafarers’…


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Manning Conference is Philippines’ leading international event

A strong blend of respected international speakers, a thought-provoking agenda and the presence of leading industry players is turning the 12th Asia Pacific Manning and Training Conference into one of the most important international conferences to be held in the Philippines this year. The event will bring to Manila more than 350 participants represent­ing 40 of the biggest international maritime…