Philippines: NEDA Calls on Maritime Industry to Upgrade Safety Standards

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has called on the maritime industry to upgrade its standards and implement the sector’s existing plans and strategies.

“The maritime industry needs to update regularly their safety and security standards and strictly implement them, to keep up with international benchmarks and practices,” said NEDA Assistant Director-General Ruperto Majuca during the recent Philippine International Maritime Conference and Exhibition.

Majuca noted that the maritime sector has been plagued with more than 160 accidents per year over the last decade.

“Ensuring the effectiveness of maritime policy should be complemented with advancement in transportation infrastructure which is crucial in boosting development and services,” said Majuca.

The Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2011-2016 endeavors to ensure an integrated and coordinated transport network, including improving the country’s roll-on roll-off (RORO) terminal system that will enhance interisland logistics.

In compliance with international maritime security standards, the Philippines has adopted the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.

“Vessel traffic management systems have been installed in some ports in Manila, Corregidor Island and Batangas, and additional ones are being planned in the country’s other ports,” said Majuca.

During the 17th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Viet Nam last year, one of the flagship programs identified under the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity is a RORO Network that will explore sea linkages in the region.

The government is reviewing the development of existing RORO ports to accommodate international RORO ships, as well as the necessary regulatory framework to promote such service.

Other existing ports located in areas outside Metro Manila will also be promoted to open opportunities to worldwide shipping in the new areas.

Aside from transport interconnectivity, the government aims to promote investments in the shipbuilding industry by focusing on identified markets such as Korea and Japan. By 2014, it expects investments in the industry to grow by P93 billion.

(Manila Bulletin)