The Philippines Association of Coastal and Inland Water Ferries Inc. (PACIFI), IMP shipyard and Port Services, Inc. And ZEM have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop the country’s prototype electric hybrid propulsion ferry.
The first electric ferry initiative was launched under the TrAM (Transport: Advanced and Modular) project, which is supported by the European Union’s Horizon2020 program. This initiative aims to advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals while enhancing the EU’s innovation, competitiveness, and economic growth. This was aimed to showcase the future of maritime transport in Europe, with Norway as the center of electric ferry transport in Europe.
“The future of maritime transport will depend on a smart combination of alternative fuels, energy efficiency measures, and shore power systems—especially when powered by renewable energy,” said Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Christian Lyster.
“Norway’s success story is impressive: with 111 ferry routes and around electric 180 ferries, in operation, it is proven that electrification is not only feasible but also highly effective,” he added.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) recently rolled-out its first fully electric passenger ferry, M/B Dalaray, sailing across 26-kilometer, 13 stops, across five cities along the Pasig River last October 6. The Pasig River Ferry runs across the cities of Pasig, Makati, Mandaluyong, Manila, and Taguig to Manila Bay-Pasig River-Laguna Lake (MAPPALA).
Several Norwegian companies have joined the conference such as: Hyke on urban electric ferry design, Zinus on Innovative charging solutions, Zeabuz on autonomous passenger ferry, Kongsberg International on integrated maritime solutions, Kongsberg Norcontrol, on for digital solutions for safer waters, Maritime Robotics on advancing autonomous surface and subsea operations and ZEM on maritime electrification.
Also joining the event are Innovation Norway and Penguin International on the e-ferry experience of Norway and Singapore.
Philippine Inter-Island Shipping Association of the Philippines (PISA) also joined the discussions with insights on opportunities for inter-island operations in the future.
The first Philippines – Norway Electric Ferries Conference is organized by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Manila, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), together with Innovation Norway, Philippines – Norway Business Council (PNBC), and Maritime Cleantech.