Philippines to Co-Host ASEAN Conference on Maritime Decarbonization

Manila, The Gulf Observer: The Philippines will co-host a regional conference aimed at accelerating maritime decarbonization in Southeast Asia as ASEAN member states seek to meet international emissions standards while maintaining the competitiveness of their shipping industries.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr), in partnership with the ASEAN Secretariat and Australia’s Partnerships for Infrastructure (P4I), will convene the virtual ASEAN Future of Maritime Conference 2026 on September 16, according to an official news release.

Held under the theme, “Navigating Our Future Together: Advancing Maritime Decarbonisation through Investment, Innovation and Skills,” the conference will bring together government officials, maritime industry representatives, international partners and experts from ASEAN and Australia.

Participants will discuss investment requirements, emerging technologies, policy measures and workforce skills needed to accelerate emissions reductions across the maritime sector.

The Philippines, through the DOTr and in cooperation with the Philippine Ports Authority, Maritime Industry Authority and Philippine Coast Guard, is developing a long-term maritime decarbonization trajectory and establishing a greenhouse gas emissions baseline for the country’s maritime sector.

The initiative comes amid growing international focus on energy security and emissions reduction in shipping. ASEAN is home to some of the world’s major maritime trade routes and remains increasingly exposed to the effects of climate change.

The transition toward lower-emission maritime operations is expected to support ASEAN countries in meeting International Maritime Organization requirements while strengthening the competitiveness of their shipping sectors through the adoption of emerging low-emission technologies.

The virtual conference will feature scene-setting presentations, two moderated panel discussions and opportunities for participant engagement. Attendance will be limited to invited participants.

The conference will serve as a platform for ASEAN member states and their international partners to exchange views and explore practical measures to build a safer, more resilient and lower-emission maritime sector across Southeast Asia.