Denmark to Assist in Training filipino Seafarers for Maritime Green Transition
MANILA, Philippines — Denmark has pledged its support in equipping Filipino seafarers with the skills required for the global shipping industry’s pivot towards green technologies, following a landmark ministerial meeting between the two nations — their first in 25 years.The bilateral dialogue, held on Monday, 9th December, between Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, underscored the commitment of both countries to deepen maritime collaboration. A key outcome was the agreement to facilitate the training of Filipino seafarers on Danish vessels, particularly with an eye on the "decarbonisation of the shipping industry." Additionally, the meeting opened avenues for Filipino healthcare professionals to work in Denmark, addressing the Nordic nation’s burgeoning need for medical personnel."On the subject of seafarers, I believe we can all acknowledge Denmark’s unparalleled leadership within the global maritime industry," remarked Secretary Manalo during a joint press conference with his Danish counterpart. "We have explored opportunities for the reskilling and upskilling of Filipino seafarers aboard Danish ships, with a focus on preparing them for the industry’s transition towards decarbonisation."The transition towards greener maritime operations entails adopting sustainable practices to mitigate environmental harm. For the Philippines, this shift necessitates investments in advanced, cleaner technologies, upgrading port infrastructure, workforce training, and the implementation of supportive policies. Filipino mariners, a backbone of the global shipping workforce, will require specialised skills to remain competitive in this evolving sector.Background: A Path to Greener Seas
Earlier this year, the Philippines’ Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and Danish enterprise Green Marine Copenhagen formalised a memorandum of understanding to enhance the skills of Filipino mariners. This initiative includes tailored training programmes alongside research and development opportunities to prime the workforce for the green transition.Danish Ambassador Franz-Michael Mellbin has previously lauded Filipino maritime professionals, expressing that their continued presence in the industry is indispensable. His comments followed the European Commission’s 2021 admonition for the Philippines to enhance its maritime training standards, under threat of losing EU recognition for its seafarers’ qualifications. In response, Manila enacted reforms, resulting in the European Commission’s decision to extend recognition of Filipino certifications in 2023, safeguarding the livelihoods of some 50,000 Filipino seafarers employed on EU-flagged vessels.Broader Collaboration: Healthcare and Technology
Beyond maritime cooperation, Denmark and the Philippines are strengthening their partnership in the healthcare sector. With a growing demand for medical practitioners in Denmark, the two nations are set to sign a joint declaration governing the education, training, and recruitment of Filipino nurses and healthcare assistants."This agreement ensures ethical and fair recruitment processes while establishing an orderly framework to benefit both Filipino workers and Denmark’s healthcare system," noted Secretary Manalo.Simultaneously, the countries have signed a memorandum of understanding on technology cooperation, covering areas such as cybersecurity and e-governance. Further agreements on defence, energy, and financial development are also in the pipeline.Foreign Minister Rasmussen, reflecting on the renewed vigour in Danish-Philippine relations, stated: "As I conveyed to Secretary Manalo earlier, this visit marks a significant elevation in our partnership. And I can assure you, we will not wait another 25 years before our next high-level exchange."Cristina Chi – Philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines — Denmark has pledged its support in equipping Filipino seafarers with the skills required for the global shipping industry’s pivot towards green technologies, following a landmark ministerial meeting between the two nations — their first in 25 years.The bilateral dialogue, held on Monday, 9th December, between Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, underscored the commitment of both countries to deepen maritime collaboration. A key outcome was the agreement to facilitate the training of Filipino seafarers on Danish vessels, particularly with an eye on the "decarbonisation of the shipping industry." Additionally, the meeting opened avenues for Filipino healthcare professionals to work in Denmark, addressing the Nordic nation’s burgeoning need for medical personnel."On the subject of seafarers, I believe we can all acknowledge Denmark’s unparalleled leadership within the global maritime industry," remarked Secretary Manalo during a joint press conference with his Danish counterpart. "We have explored opportunities for the reskilling and upskilling of Filipino seafarers aboard Danish ships, with a focus on preparing them for the industry’s transition towards decarbonisation."The transition towards greener maritime operations entails adopting sustainable practices to mitigate environmental harm. For the Philippines, this shift necessitates investments in advanced, cleaner technologies, upgrading port infrastructure, workforce training, and the implementation of supportive policies. Filipino mariners, a backbone of the global shipping workforce, will require specialised skills to remain competitive in this evolving sector.Background: A Path to Greener Seas
Earlier this year, the Philippines’ Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and Danish enterprise Green Marine Copenhagen formalised a memorandum of understanding to enhance the skills of Filipino mariners. This initiative includes tailored training programmes alongside research and development opportunities to prime the workforce for the green transition.Danish Ambassador Franz-Michael Mellbin has previously lauded Filipino maritime professionals, expressing that their continued presence in the industry is indispensable. His comments followed the European Commission’s 2021 admonition for the Philippines to enhance its maritime training standards, under threat of losing EU recognition for its seafarers’ qualifications. In response, Manila enacted reforms, resulting in the European Commission’s decision to extend recognition of Filipino certifications in 2023, safeguarding the livelihoods of some 50,000 Filipino seafarers employed on EU-flagged vessels.Broader Collaboration: Healthcare and Technology
Beyond maritime cooperation, Denmark and the Philippines are strengthening their partnership in the healthcare sector. With a growing demand for medical practitioners in Denmark, the two nations are set to sign a joint declaration governing the education, training, and recruitment of Filipino nurses and healthcare assistants."This agreement ensures ethical and fair recruitment processes while establishing an orderly framework to benefit both Filipino workers and Denmark’s healthcare system," noted Secretary Manalo.Simultaneously, the countries have signed a memorandum of understanding on technology cooperation, covering areas such as cybersecurity and e-governance. Further agreements on defence, energy, and financial development are also in the pipeline.Foreign Minister Rasmussen, reflecting on the renewed vigour in Danish-Philippine relations, stated: "As I conveyed to Secretary Manalo earlier, this visit marks a significant elevation in our partnership. And I can assure you, we will not wait another 25 years before our next high-level exchange."Cristina Chi – Philstar.com