DOTr, Marina eye pilot testing of hybrid, full electric ferries

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) are planning to pilot test fully electric and hybrid ferries on select routes in the country to reduce carbon emissions and fuel costs.

According to Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez on Thursday, the initiative aims to harness the hybrid technology to benefit passengers, shipowners, and the environment.

“Kaya nitong mabawasan ang konsumo ng fuel, carbon emissions, at gastos sa operasyon ng mga vessels. Ultimately, ang makikinabang dito ay ang ating mga pasahero,” Lopez said in a press release. 

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(This can reduce fuel consumption, carbon emissions, and vessel operating costs. Ultimately, ourpassengerswill be the ones to benefit.)

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The DOTr said that pure electric ferries may be used for the Iloilo-Bacolod route, while the Batangas-Calapan route is for the hybrid ships. 

The DOTr shared that Marina is pursuing the pilot testing of electric and hybrid ferries following an earlier study of International Maritime Organization – World Bank on improving safety and energy efficiency of domestic ferries.

The DOTr then noted that of 4,000 domestic passenger ships in the country, “around 300 inter-island ferries account for about 86% of carbon dioxide emissions from domestic ferries.”

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Meanwhile, the DOTr said that it will hold a stakeholder’s consultation on the Interisland Ferry Decarbonization Pilot Project on November 4, in Iloilo to discuss the requirements needed for the pilot testing of vessels. 

READ: DOE seeks rules on boarding EVs on ships after MV June Aster tragedy

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Last month, the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Manila held a four-day trip in Norway for maritime transport representatives to study the possible adoption of electric ferry network systems. 

“The continuing cooperation between Norway and the Philippines is part of the efforts towards use of cleaner fuel, reduction of transportation costs, and maximizing the use of inter-island and inland waterways in the Philippines,” the embassy said in a separate press release. /jpv