Philippines and EU Reaffirm Joint Efforts to Strengthen Maritime Standards

MANILA, Philippines — Key Philippine maritime agencies and representatives from the European Union met on 6 November 2025 to advance the implementation of the SCOPE–Seafarers Technical Assistance Project, an initiative designed to support the Philippines in upholding high global standards in maritime education, training, and certification. The inaugural Project Steering Committee (PSC) Meeting took place at the MARINA Central Office, co-led by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE). DOTr Assistant Secretary for Maritime Affairs Atty. Villamor Ventura S. Plan and DG MOVE Director for Waterborne Transport Fotini Ioannidou presided over the discussions. Speaking on behalf of EU Ambassador H.E. Massimo Santoro, Dr. Gemmer expressed the EU’s continued commitment to working with the Philippines to maintain its strong global presence in the seafaring workforce.

Suez Canal Authority Clarifies Stance on Detained Russian Tanker

The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has issued an official clarification regarding the continued detention of the Russian-flagged crude oil tanker Dignity, stating that the vessel’s situation is the result of a civil court order and not an action initiated by the canal authority itself. The tanker has been held at the Suez anchorage for nearly two months following a directive from the Ismailia Economic Court relating to an unpaid financial dispute between the ship’s owning company and Sphinx Shipping Agency. The SCA emphasized that it is not a party to the case and that reports attributing the vessel’s detention to canal authorities are inaccurate. The Dignity is understood to be associated with sanctions imposed by the European Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom, particularly concerning oil price-cap restrictions. While these sanctions frame the vessel’s broader operating environment, the SCA reiterated that the current detainment is solely connected to the unresolved commercial claim. Concerns have also been raised over the welfare of the crew. Reports indicate that the Russian seafarers onboard have not received wages for several months and are facing limited fuel and essential supplies, potentially compromising power and onboard safety. The situation has drawn attention from maritime observers and welfare organizations monitoring detained or abandoned crews worldwide. The SCA urged media organizations and stakeholders to verify information through official channels, underscoring the need to avoid speculation that could “cause confusion or misinterpretation” of the matter. The case continues to highlight the complex intersection of sanctions, maritime commerce, port jurisdiction, and crew welfare, particularly when disputes result in prolonged vessel detention at anchorage.

Ferry and Vehicle Carrier Collide at Jolo Port Amid Rough Seas

A minor maritime collision occurred on Tuesday morning at Jolo Port involving a passenger ferry and a vehicle carrier. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed that no injuries or fatalities were reported among passengers or crew members from either vessel. According to initial reports, the ferry was approaching the pier when it made contact with the vehicle carrier that was already berthed. The impact was attributed to strong waves and challenging sea conditions brought by the prevailing weather in the Sulu area. Both ships sustained minor structural damage but remained stable and afloat. Port authorities immediately initiated safety protocols, including securing the vessels and conducting inspections to rule out fuel leaks or other environmental hazards. The Philippine Coast Guard, in coordination with the Philippine Ports Authority, has launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident. Preliminary findings suggest that heavy swells and reduced maneuvering space may have contributed to the collision. Port operations have since returned to normal, with authorities reminding vessel operators to exercise extra caution when docking amid rough sea conditions.

Philippines and Bangladesh Seal Agreement on Seafarer Certificate Recognition

PASAY CITY — The Philippines and Bangladesh have entered into a new maritime cooperation arrangement that allows each nation to recognize the other’s seafarer certificates issued under the STCW Convention, strengthening professional mobility and employment opportunities for both maritime workforces. The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) took place on 03 November 2025 at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Pasay City. With this agreement, Filipino seafarers may now be deployed onboard vessels registered under the Bangladesh flag without undergoing redundant certification procedures, provided they meet existing international standards. The Philippines was represented by MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan, together with Atty. Jerome T. Pampolina of the Department of Migrant Workers, and Executive Director Samuel L. Batalla of the MARINA STCW Office.