E-Ferry “M/B Dalaray” Officially Launched: A Milestone for Sustainable Water Transport

MANILA, Philippines — A major step toward cleaner and more sustainable urban mobility has been achieved with the official launch of the country’s first-ever battery-electric ferry, the M/B Dalaray, developed under the collaboration of the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), the University of the Philippines Diliman, and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). A Leap Toward Green Innovation The M/B Dalaray, whose name means “flow” or “circuit,” marks a significant advancement in the Philippines’ efforts to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and minimize carbon emissions. Designed and built locally, the vessel highlights Filipino ingenuity and teamwork in pursuit of sustainable technology and innovation.

President Marcos Orders Full Assistance for Filipino Crew Members of MV Minervagracht

PASAY CITY — October 4, 2025 In compliance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to extend complete assistance to Filipino seafarers affected by the attack on the MV Minervagracht, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), led by Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, personally welcomed the ten Filipino crew members safely returning home via Air France Flight No. 224 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.

France Detains Captain of Russian-Linked Tanker in Shadow Fleet Investigation

French authorities have detained the captain of a Russian-linked oil tanker intercepted off the Atlantic coast, intensifying Europe’s crackdown on so-called “shadow fleet” vessels suspected of evading sanctions and supporting Moscow’s war economy. The vessel, identified as Boracay and previously operating under multiple names and flags, was boarded by French naval forces near Saint-Nazaire last weekend. Official records suggest it was carrying nearly 750,000 barrels of crude oil from Primorsk, Russia, to India’s Vadinar refinery. Questions over its registry, irregular documentation, and the crew’s refusal to comply with French naval directives prompted a full investigation. Initially, both the captain and first officer were placed in custody. Following questioning, the first officer was released without charges, while the captain remains detained pending trial in February. French prosecutors allege the crew failed to justify the vessel’s nationality and obstructed naval inspections, offenses that carry significant penalties under maritime law.

MRET Summit 2025 Day 2 Concludes with Morning Insights and a Successful Closing

Addressing Workforce and Skills Shortages Day 2 of the MRET Summit 2025 at the Manila Hotel began with a message of support from MARINA Executive Director Samuel L. Batala, reinforcing government commitment to maritime development. The first breakout sessions, led by Ms. Rhee Prudente, tackled urgent issues on workforce and skills shortages. Delegates examined strategies in maritime education and training, policy frameworks, and legislative support. The discussions highlighted the need for sustainable approaches to produce highly skilled and globally competitive Filipino seafarers. These conversations not only addressed present workforce gaps but also charted pathways for strengthening future resilience in maritime human resources.