Sea Power: The Game Changer

Maritime transport is the backbone of international trade and a key engine driving globalization and competitiveness. Around 80% of global trade by volume and over 70% by value is carried by sea, as per the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) estimate.

The 2011-2016 Philippine Development Plan (PDP) envisions a “safe, secure, efficient, viable, competitive, dependable, integrated, environmentally sustainable and people-oriented Philippine transport system”. The main objective is to ensure an integrated and coordinated intermodal transport network with backbone links to growth areas.

The shipping transport industry plays a very important role in the country’s development. Considering the archipelagic setting of the country, shipping provides the primary means of interisland transport. This is one where passengers and cargoes get to their destinations on time and in good and safe condition at the least possible cost. For cargoes, especially agricultural commodities, the transport should be in a manner where their physical condition at their place of destination allows them to be marketed at the most competitive price.

The country’s domestic shipping industry, however, has been regarded as inefficient. This is rather unfortunate as the industry has a large number of shipping companies where competition could be expected to be a powerful force for eliminating inefficiency.

In The Manila Times (TMT) online business forum, titled “Sea Power: The Game Changer”, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Vice Admiral Robert Arugay Empedrad lays down the government policies and framework regarding our Philippine Domestic Shipping Transport Industry; Philippine Ports Authority Assistant General for Finance and Administration Elmer Nonnatus Cadano showcases the modernization of Philippine ports and services; Mark Matthew Francisco Parco, President of Philippine Liner Shipping Association, and private sector representative Frederic Dybuncio, President & CEO of 2Go Group Inc., shares with us their best practices as they modernize in keeping with the demands of the times.