Filipino seafarers have received training and stand ready to operate decarbonized vessels, according to Capt. Nebuchadnezzar Rabaya, training manager at the Norwegian Training Center (NTC). He shared this observation during the Norway-Philippines LNG Summit held on November 11, 2024, at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati.
Training for a greener future
Capt. Rabaya highlighted significant research from the international classification society Det Norske Veritas (DNV), which forecasts that 564 liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fueled vessels will join the 590 already operating worldwide. This increase will project a total of 1,154 LNG-fueled ships by 2028. Additionally, experts predict that 635 LNG tankers will be active in the same year. He emphasized that this growth in LNG-fueled ships will create job opportunities in the maritime sector for Filipino seafarers.
Currently, around 25,000 Filipino seafarers work for Norwegian companies, and that number is expected to double over the next three to five years as alternative fuel-powered vessels become more prevalent. Capt. Rabaya pointed out that many Filipino seafarers have already completed training to operate these new types of vessels.
Commitment to sustainable shipping
This development aligns with the Shipping Decarbonization Action Plan, which was launched at the Conference of the Parties (COP) in Egypt on November 9, 2022. The action plan responds to research findings indicating that shipping accounts for 3% of global emissions, emphasizing the need for a shift away from conventional fuels toward alternative low and zero-carbon fuels to meet global warming targets.
The summit also addressed the current and future roles of LNG in the Philippines’ electric power industry. Discussions included LNG as a transitional energy source, as well as exploring both large-scale and small-scale LNG projects along with Norwegian LNG technology and solutions.
Natural gas in the Philippines’ energy transition
In his speech, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla underscored the importance of natural gas in the country’s energy transition. “We recognize the role of LNG as a transition fuel, essential not only for maintaining reliable power generation but also for complementing renewable energy sources like solar and wind,” he stated. He emphasized that LNG serves as a key element in the Philippines’ energy mix as the nation strives for a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
Lotilla expressed his gratitude for Norway’s willingness to share its expertise in managing energy resources, particularly its experience with North Sea oil and gas. He pointed out that the lessons from Norway’s journey—such as regulatory certainty, fiscal responsibility, and workforce development—provide significant relevance to the Philippines as the country develops its natural gas sector.
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Source: The Manila Times
