DURING the Seafarer 2050 Summit in Pasay City, Philippines president Ferdinand Marcos Jr emphasised the need for the country's shipping industry to enhance its capabilities and embrace modern technologies and vessels to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving global shipping sector, reports the Philippines Inquirer.

President Marcos highlighted the emergence of sustainable fuels, as well as the digitisation and automation trends in maritime transportation.

Senator Grace Poe had previously proposed the creation of a Philippine Transportation Safety Board to address safety challenges in sea, land, and air transportation.

The government's commitment to safety in the industry must align with this call, considering recent marine accidents.

Senator Poe, who chairs the Senate public services panel, expressed concern over the lack of a robust safety component in the country's transportation system.

She referenced incidents like the tragic M/V Lady Mary Joy 3 incident off Basilan in March, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals and caused environmental damage, as well as the capsizing and oil leakage of the motor tanker Princes Empress off Oriental Mindoro in February.

The rising number of marine accidents in the Philippines has raised concerns about maritime safety. Factors contributing to these incidents include overcrowding, adverse weather conditions, weak industry regulations and insufficient vessel maintenance.

In 2021, the Maritime Industry Authority recorded 214 incidents, the highest in five years and more than double the previous year's total.