Philippines strengthens maritime workforce with Mintra partnership

The parties will examine AI tools and digital certification for maritime workers.

Norway’s Mintra and the Philippines’ Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) have agreed to explore digital learning and workforce management initiatives for Filipino seafarers as the shipping industry adapts to decarbonisation, digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI).

The memorandum of understanding, signed in Manila on 25 June, will explore digital training, certification, and competence tracking to support workforce development in the Philippines, which supplies around 25% of the world's merchant crews.

The partnership supports MARINA's Maritime Industry Development Plan, which seeks to strengthen maritime human capital, enhance competitiveness of the Philippine maritime sector and prepare Filipino maritime professionals for changes in the global shipping industry.

Potential initiatives include digital learning programmes, train-the-trainer schemes, access to maritime learning resources and digital certification through Mintra's Trainingportal platform.

“These capabilities will help strengthen visibility of workforce skills, support more effective compliance management and improve confidence that training records accurately reflect individual competence,” Mintra said in a statement.

The partners will also explore the use of AI and data analytics in maritime education and training, alongside programmes aimed at increasing women's participation in the industry.

"The maritime industry is undergoing significant change, and ensuring people have the right skills, knowledge and support will be critical to its future success," said Kevin Short, CEO of Mintra.

A joint coordinating committee will oversee implementation and develop action plans, timelines and performance measures for future initiatives.