Philippine Transmarine Carriers (PTC) and the Philippine Center for Advanced Maritime Simulation and Training, Inc. (PHILCAMSAT) recently participated in a high-level bilateral engagement with Belgian maritime leaders. The meeting aimed to reinforce international collaboration in maritime education, simulator training, and global workforce development.

Ms. Karen Avelino represented PTC and PHILCAMSAT alongside officials from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), led by Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan. They welcomed a distinguished Belgian delegation headed by H.E. Maxime Prévot, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium, and H.E. Ambassador Vladislava Iordanova of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium in the Philippines.

Strengthening Bilateral Maritime Ties

Organized during the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Belgium, the event highlighted key areas of cooperation:

Green Shipping & Decarbonization: Aligning seafarer training with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) 2023 Greenhouse Gas Strategy, focusing on alternative fuels and sustainable practices.

Digitalization & Innovation: Enhancing regulatory efficiency through MARINA’s digital platforms, including MISMO and MARINA-BEST.

Maritime Infrastructure: Exploring joint investments in shipbuilding, ship repair, and ship recycling sectors.

Global Competency Standard: Expanding high-quality maritime education to keep Filipino maritime professionals competitive globally.

Supporting EU-ASEAN Seafarer Initiatives

During the dialogue, Ms. Avelino underscored PTC and PHILCAMSAT’s long-standing partnership with Belgian maritime stakeholders. Discussions also covered the European Union–ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package (EU-SCOPE) for Seafarers project, led by Mr. Andreas Nordseth. This initiative supports the Philippines in enhancing compliance with the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006).

As the first visit by a Belgian foreign minister since 1993, Deputy Prime Minister Prévot’s presence underscores a shared commitment to building a sustainable, tech-driven, and resilient global maritime industry.