Philippines vs. China: Arbitral Claims under UNCLOS
“I must down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky, and all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by.” (John Masefield)
Stories
Global Warming: The Maritime Dimension
The world’s oceans and forests are absorbing less of the CO2 released by human activity, resulting in a faster rise in atmospheric levels of greenhouse gases.
Capt. Sibala and Pres. Obama
On 17 November, US President Barack H. Obama visited the Philippine Navy’s flagship, US-made BRP Gregorio del Pilar, the first US Coast Guard Hamilton Class 3,250-ton frigate combatant ship that was transferred to the Philippines in 2011. The second frigate was transferred in 2012, and named BRP Ramon Alcaraz. President Obama spoke with Captain Vincent Sibala PN (USNA’93) on the…
Some thoughts on the AFP Modernization Program
Only very recently, President Obama said China must adhere to international law for the sake of peace and stability in the South China Sea (Vietnam) and the West Philippine Sea (RP). The Pacifi c Area Command head, Admiral Harry Harris, referred to the aggressive reclamation work by China on the reefs as a “Great Wall of Sand”. These artificial islands…
Benefits of port connector road too many to ignore, says PCCI
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is asking the government to approve the pro-posed elevated expressway project that will connect the Port of Manila to the Skyway Stage 3 project, saying it will ease traffi c, lower delivery costs, cut travel time, and prevent a repeat of the port congestion. PCCI president Alfredo Yao, in a letter to…
The Maritime Breakfast Forum 100, 101 and 102…
On March 20, 2015, the MBF marked its 100th forum, a milestone hosted by VADM. Jesus Millan and RADM. Ronald Mercado, and held at the Philippine Navy Headquarters. The 100th, 101st and 102nd MBF Fora discussed at length, among others, China’s dredging, reclamation, and construction activities in the disputed islands located in the West Philippine Sea.
FAME recognizes JX Ocean Co. Ltd. for contribution to the Ph manning industry
JX Ocean Co. Ltd garners yet another recognition. Fiipino Association for Mariner’s Employment Inc. (FAME), as part of their 40th Anniversary’s Culminating Activity, decided to recognize institutions that have shaped the Shipping Industry through their various contributions. JX was commended for not only their continuous patronage of Filipino Seafarer’s, but also their extra-ordinary contribution and investment on the industry.
Ph loses bid for IMO Sec Gen
It was a heartbreaking moment, losing out in a hotly-contested election for Secretary General of the London-based International Maritime Organization (IMO) last June 30, 2015 in London. The drama started in Philippine media when it was reported that Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) administrator Maximo Q Mejia Jr was among six people hoping to become the International Maritime Organization’s next secretary-general….
Philippine Ports Authority Marks 41st Founding Anniversary
Taking off from its milestone last year, the Philippine Ports Authority is looking at sustaining the pace it has adopted as it slowly transforms Philippine ports to world standards. As it celebrates its 41st Founding Anniversary with the theme “Magkabalikat sa Pagsulong ng Ating Adhikain on 11 July 2015, PPA General Manager Juan C. Sta. Ana is encouraging the PPA…
PPA upgrades crane operation in gateway ports
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is improving the cargo handling capacity of three gateway ports in preparation for the expected influx of cargoes from its Association of Southeast Asian Nation (Asean) neighbors brought about by the implementation of the Asean Economic Community at the end of the year. PPA said the existing crane capacity of the three ports are not…
ICTSI Laguna dry port expands facilities for containers
International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) dry port unit, Laguna Gateway Inland Container Terminal (LGICT), recently broke ground to start the expansion of new facilities which include extended and dedicated storage areas for loaded and empty containers, a runway for rubber tired gantries (RTG), container care facilities, weigh bridges at the gates and an upgraded access road, as it primes…
MARINA turns 41
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) recently celebrated its 41st founding anniversary on June 1, 2015 with simple and modest activities at its central office in Manila, and in all its regional offices. Administrator Dr. Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr. (PhD) who was on an overseas maritime conference, earlier sent words of thanks to industry stakeholders who have been a big help…
Reinventing Maritime History
Many columnists from time to time mention the observation that we are a ‘fractured nation’ for many reasons. For one, some say that we suffer from colonial mentality, that we forgot our roots and readily accepted what our colonial masters dished out to us. On the other hand, there is an opposite syndrome, and that is to falsely claim historical…
Lim Ki-Tack named new IMO SecGen
Lim Ki-tack, president of the Busan Port Authority in South Korea, has been elected the new Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization. Today’s decision was passed down by a secret ballet vote of the 40-member IMO Council, which is holding its 114 session this week. Lim beat out five other candidates from Cyprus, Russia, Philippines, Denmark and Kenya for the…
Double Dragon Properties bags P126-M new Iloilo Ferry Terminal project
Double Dragon Properties Corp. has been named the winner of a : development contract for a new ferry terminal-cum-commercial complex in Iloilo City.
ICTSI acquires private port Hijo International in Davao
Port operator International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) has acquired a private port in the Gulf of Davao, its second terminal in the area. ICTSI also operates Sasa Wharf, Davao’s main international seaport. According to ICTSI, its wholly-owned subsidiary Abbotsford Holdings, Inc., (AHI) has acquired subscription rights to forty million common shares in Hijo International Port Services, Inc. (HIPS), which…
Philippine Coast Guard celebrates 111th Founding Anniversary
A revitalized Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), an agency bestowed with substantial responsibilities as a multi-mission maritime agency tasked to promote safety of life and property at sea, protect the marine environment, enforce maritime laws, and conduct maritime security operations celebrates its 111th Founding Anniversary.
PTC chief executive Borromeo replaces Evitt – First Philippine President of lnterManager
Ship management trade association InterManager has joined the ranks of shipping industry organizations that are recognizing Asia’s growing maritime influence and have looked east for leaders. Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc. (PTC) Vice-Chairman and CEO Gerardo A. Borromeo was elected as the new President of InterManager, an international trade association for in-house and third party ship managers. Borromeo is the first…
Asia Pacific strategic mutual trust: new approaches and ideas
I will delve on a topic I developed for the 4th Xiangshan Forum held in Beijing, China on ‘Nov 16-18, 2012 covering new approaches and ideas for strategic mutual trust in the Asia-Pacific region. This is essentially a summary of my paper, with citations deleted for brevity.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…