Philippines, Australia to boost maritime relations, trade

MANILA, Philippines, February 9 ------ The Philippines and Australia have taken further steps to boost maritime relations by reaffirming commitment to mutual recognition of seafarer certificates. The arrangement aims to reduce administrative barriers as well as support the two countries’ shipping and logistics partnerships.

Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown met with Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) administrator Sonia Malaluan in Manila on Friday to finalize the arrangement. The Australian diplomat also announced his country’s formal endorsement of the Philippines-led Manila Declaration on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety and Well-being.

The developments followed the re-election of both Australia and the Philippines to the International Maritime Organization Council, and as the two countries celebrate 80 years of bilateral relations this year. “This is not just about certificates – it is about people and prosperity. Almost 95 percent of Australia’s two-way goods trade with the Philippines is seaborne. In 2024 and 2025 respectively, Australia was visited 52 times by Philippines-flagged vessels – the highest number in the past five years,” Innes-Brown said. “For Australia, these measures mean smoother trade and more efficient maritime operations – supporting our ongoing ambitions under Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040,” he added. “At the same time, we’re working to support the rights and livelihoods of Filipino seafarers, reaffirming the Philippines’ indispensable role in global shipping as a leading supplier of skilled maritime labor. Together, Australia and the Philippines are building a partnership that keeps our economies moving and our seas connected,” he pointed out.

For her part, Malaluan said the agreement “reaffirms our commitment to maintaining a robust and internationally compliant system of training, assessment and certification for Filipino seafarers, consistent with global maritime expectations.” Australia said it has invested significantly in its trade and maritime links with the Philippines in recent years, promoting the two countries’ shared vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

In 2024, Australia established a permanent Australian Border Force presence in its embassy in Manila to bolster civil maritime, border enforcement and trade facilitation engagement with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Customs. Australia is also partnering with the World Bank to support MARINA and the Philippine Department of Transportation for the development of a roadmap to decarbonize inter-island ferry services – or transitioning from traditional fossil fuel-powered vessels to low- or zero-emission technologies – in line with MARINA’s Maritime Industry Development Plan 2028.

Source: philstar.com