Navigating the Waves of Strategic Insights from the Joint Maritime Conference 2026

Mr. Tore Henriksen, Chairperson of the Joint Maritime Committee, and H.E. Massimo Santoro, European Union (EU) Ambassador to the Philippines, formally opened the conference by highlighting the vital role of international cooperation and the rules-based order in a complex global environment. They emphasized that the shipping industry’s resilience depends on shared standards and trusted partnerships, particularly given the Philippines’ strategic importance as a key maritime stakeholder and primary provider of global maritime workforce. 

Global Power Shifts and the Future of Maritime Trade 

The session opened with H.E. Christian Lyster, Ambassador of Norway to the Philippines, who emphasized how today’s geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts, and shifting power dynamics now directly influence shipping routes, insurance costs, and the safety of vessels and crews. Prof. Jay Batongbacal of the University of the Philippines reinforced this in his talk, noting a global shift from a free‑trade environment to a more security‑driven order, where access to strategic waterways increasingly depends on “secured corridors” and negotiated passage. 

A panel moderated by Mr. Carl Martin Faannessen then translated these trends into industry realities. Panelists, comprising of H.E. Lyster, Prof. Batongbacal, and Mr. Erwin Meijnders of the Royal Dutch Shipowners Association, highlighted how disruptions in major canals and chokepoints have pushed companies from “just‑in‑time” logistics toward more resilient but costlier “just‑in‑case” planning, resulting in longer routes, higher emissions, and greater insurance exposure. They also underscored rising risks to seafarers, particularly in “gray‑zone” areas where geopolitical tensions threaten vessel safety without escalating into open conflict.  

Tech or Threat? Understanding Maritime Digital Transformation  

The second session opened with H.E. Marie Fontanel, Ambassador of France to the Philippines and Mr. Giovanni Porcu of the Italian Embassy Manila, who both highlighted how rapid technological change is reshaping global shipping, creating major opportunities while introducing new vulnerabilities. H.E. Fontanel emphasized that innovation must be paired with accountability, regulation, and international cooperation. 

Mr. Louiery Sincioco, CTO of UTS Philippines, discussed the growing use of AI for route optimization, predictive maintenance, and decision support, noting that AI should enhance, not replace, human judgment. Mr. Riccardo Barbiellini of Bureau Veritas explained the spectrum of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), stressing that current regulations were built for crewed vessels. As autonomy evolves, shipping will require more flexible, goal‑based regulation focused on safety, accountability, and environmental protection. Even with autonomous operations, he emphasized that responsibility must remain clearly assigned to a human operator or control center. Ms. Louella Zarcilla, CEO of LZ Cybersecurity, addressed rising cyber risks as shipboard operational systems become increasingly connected to shore‑based networks. She warned of threats such as GPS spoofing and ransomware, emphasizing that beyond technical defenses, human awareness, training, and strong governance are the most effective safeguards. 

Moderated by Mr. Joost Mes of Marlow Navigation, this session’s panel concluded that AI, automation, and cybersecurity are strategic tools, not automatic solutions, and must be governed responsibly. Regulation, training, and institutional readiness remain essential to ensure that technology strengthens trust, safety, and resilience across the maritime sector. 

Human Capital at Sea: Strengthening the Filipino Workforce Advantage 

The afternoon session opened with Mr. Robert van der Hum, Deputy Head of Mission of the Netherlands to the Philippines, highlighted the Philippines’ critical role as one of the world’s largest providers of seafarers. Dr. Winston Conrad B. Padojinog of the University of Asia and the Pacific presented the economic contribution of the Philippine seafaring sector, noting its importance to employment, remittances, and national development. He also underscored that technological change, stricter global regulations, and rising geopolitical risks are creating new skill and readiness demands for Filipino seafarers. Capt. Joeran Noestvik of Noatun Maritime assessed Philippine maritime education against international standards, stressing the need for continuous investment in digital skills, automation, and green shipping to remain globally competitive. This was complemented by insights from Capt. Sherwin Cinco of Döhle Seafront and shipowner Mr. Johann Diercks, who discussed evolving labor trends and future workforce requirements from both the seafarers’ and employers’ viewpoints. 

A panel moderated by Mr. Carl Martin Faannessen, joined by Assistant Secretary Jerome Pampolina of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Administrator Hon. Sonia Malaluan of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), reaffirmed that Filipino seafarers are not just a labor pool but a strategic global asset. They emphasized that strong communication skills, professionalism, and longstanding training systems give the Philippines an edge. Strengthening public–private cooperation, investing in human capital, and safeguarding welfare were identified as essential to sustaining the country’s leadership in global shipping. 

Charting the Way Forward for Global Maritime Cooperation 

The conference synthesis was delivered by H.E. Andreas Pfaffernoschke, Ambassador of Germany to the Philippines, who underscored the shared challenges of geopolitical fragmentation, rapid technological change, and environmental pressures. He emphasized that despite strains on the rules‑based order, trusted partnerships, multilateral cooperation, and strong institutions remain essential, especially in safeguarding seafarers and ensuring they return home safely. 

In his closing remarks, Asec. Villamor Ventura S. Plan, Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary for Maritime, called for turning dialogue into concrete action. He stressed the need for deeper collaboration between government, industry, and international partners to build a resilient and future‑ready maritime sector. 

Overall, the Joint Maritime Conference 2026 provided a critical platform for understanding the forces shaping global shipping. By bridging discussions on security, technology, and workforce development, the conference reaffirmed the Philippines’ strategic role in global maritime affairs and the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in navigating an increasingly complex maritime future. 

Co‑organized by the Dutch, French, German, Italian, Nordic Chambers of Commerce, and Phiilppine-Norwegian Business Council, the event was made possible through the support of industry partners committed to strengthening international cooperation and advancing maritime excellence in the Philippines. 

JMC Conference 2026 was Co-Presented by: 

• Peter Döhle Group 
• Marlow Navigation Philippines Inc. 
• ShipMoney 
• Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement 
• Odfjell Shipmanagement 

Sponsored by: 

• Philippine Transmarine Carriers 
• BDO Unibank Inc.  

With Special Thanks to:  

• Lubeca Marine Services Inc. 
• International Container Terminal Services, Inc. 

Compass Sponsors: 

• Scanmar Maritime Services Inc. 
• Association of International Shipping Lines 
• United Training Services  
• Maasmond Maritime