Mintra has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Maritime Industry Authority of the Philippines (MARINA) to explore how digital learning and workforce management solutions can support the continued development of Filipino seafarers, maritime professionals and the wider maritime workforce.

Signed in Manila on the Day of the Seafarer, the strategic partnership establishes a framework to strengthen capability across the Philippine maritime industry. The Philippines supplies around 25% of the world’s merchant crews, making the development of a future-ready workforce increasingly important as the industry adapts to rapid change, including new fuels, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, cyber risk, evolving welfare expectations and more complex onboard operations.

The collaboration aims to support the development of practical, future-focused training that connects learning with the skills, behaviours and decision-making capabilities needed in today’s maritime environment.

Future activities may include digital learning initiatives, train-the-trainer programmes, access to maritime learning resources, and digital certification and competence tracking 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.

The partnership supports MARINA’s Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP), which focuses on strengthening the capability, competitiveness and long-term sustainability of the Philippine maritime industry. Through this collaboration, Mintra and MARINA will explore opportunities to advance maritime education and training, support workforce development, and leverage emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and data analytics, to address the evolving needs of the sector.

The collaboration will also explore opportunities to support a more inclusive maritime workforce, including initiatives that encourage greater participation and development opportunities for women in the industry.

Kevin Short, CEO of Mintra, commented: “The maritime industry is undergoing significant change, and ensuring people have the right skills, knowledge and support will be critical to its future success. This collaboration provides Mintra and MARINA with an opportunity to explore how modern learning approaches and competence management can strengthen workforce capability, improve the connection between training and operational needs, and provide greater visibility of competence across the maritime workforce. We are proud to bring our maritime learning expertise, digital solutions and understanding of safety-critical industries to this important initiative.”

MARINA welcomes this partnership with Mintra as part of our continuing commitment to strengthening maritime human capital and ensuring that Filipino seafarers remain among the most competent and globally competitive maritime professionals in the world. This collaboration supports our wider commitment to advancing maritime education and training, enhancing employability, and preparing Filipino maritime professionals for the changing needs of the international fleet.

Mr Geir Michalsen, Charge d’Affaires of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Manila, stated: “Norway and the Philippines share deep maritime ties. This MOU reflects the practical, international collaboration needed to address modern seafaring challenges across digitalisation, sustainability and workforce development.”

The implementation of the agreement will be overseen by a newly formed Joint Coordinating Committee, which will develop action plans, timelines and measurable outcomes for future initiatives.