NYK Receives Visit from the Philippine Maritime Industry Authority
NYK and the Philippines Partner for Shipping Innovation, Decarbonization, and Seafarer Training
NYK and MARINA officials meet in Tokyo to discuss advancements in shipping technology and seafarer education.
On October 2, officials from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) of the Philippines met with NYK (Nippon Yusen Kaisha), one of Japan’s largest shipping companies, at NYK’s head office in Tokyo. Key people, such as Nobuhiro Kashima, NYK’s senior managing executive officer, joined the meeting to discuss major changes in the shipping industry, including the latest technology, efforts to reduce pollution, and ways to improve education for seafarers.
During this gathering, NYK shared insights into the Designing the Future of Fully Autonomous Ships Plus (DFFAS+) program, a project that is part of the broader MEGURI2040 initiative to develop self-driving ships. This project is supported by Japan’s Nippon Foundation and includes multiple NYK Group companies. These new technologies in shipping aim to make the seas safer and help reduce pollution, which is a big focus for NYK.
NYK also discussed its Decarbonization Story, an ongoing plan to help reduce pollution in the shipping industry. This story includes both technology upgrades and educational programs, like the NYK Digital Academy, which NYK started in 2019. The academy trains seafarers to handle advanced technology, with NYK employees leading many of the lessons voluntarily.
Officials from MARINA, who guide shipping policies in the Philippines, shared their thoughts on these programs. They emphasized that both countries need to work together to support education and training for seafarers, as the Philippines is one of the world’s top countries for producing trained sailors.
Building Skills for the Future
The meeting also included a discussion with 13 Filipino seafarers who are now working in Tokyo. Their input helps NYK understand the needs of Filipino sailors and highlights the importance of both countries sharing skills. This cooperation benefits Japan, which expects fewer young people joining its workforce in the future, by allowing Filipino seafarers trained in Japan to return to the Philippines with new skills to contribute to their local communities.
Rashid Delgado, co-CEO of Transnational Diversified Group (TDG), a long-time NYK partner, also attended. He underlined how important it is for both the Philippines and Japan to keep working together.
NYK Conducts Short-term Maritime Exchange Program for Students in Japan and the Philippines
Hands-On Experience with Cleaner Fuel
In addition to the meeting, MARINA officials watched a bunkering operation, where NYK’s LNG-fueled car carrier, Plumeria Leader, was refueled with cleaner, LNG fuel from the bunkering ship Kaguya. This event took place on October 4 at Tahara Port in Aichi, Japan, and is part of NYK’s ongoing mission to use fuels that produce less pollution. Cleaner fuel options like LNG (liquefied natural gas) are helping NYK and the global shipping industry reduce their carbon footprint.
The Philippines and Japan’s Strong Partnership in Maritime Training
The Philippines is a key partner for NYK, as many Filipino seafarers work on NYK ships or onshore in Japan. NYK and TDG also run the NYK-TDG Maritime Academy (NTMA) near Manila, where Filipino seafarers receive hands-on training. This collaboration has helped both countries build a skilled workforce prepared for new technologies, like autonomous ships and next-generation fuel vessels.
With public-private partnerships and shared goals, NYK and the Philippines are strengthening their commitment to better seafarer training and greener, safer shipping practices. NYK plans to continue these efforts to support Filipino seafarers and invest in maritime education that benefits both Japan and the Philippines.
