A delegation of maritime transport representatives from public and private sectors from the Philippines traveled to Norway to study the possible introduction and adoption of electric ferry (e-ferry) network systems.
Organized by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Manila in partnership with Innovation Norway and Maritime Cleantech, the 4-day trip provided a comprehensive demonstration of the advanced technologies that operates Norway’s world-class e-ferry network. It included sessions explaining the policy and market requirements needed to facilitate green transition, on-site visits, and presentations from Norwegian e-ferry experts, technology providers, and ferry operators around the country.
The delegation consisted of officials from the Department of Transportation, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corp., AD&V Business Consultancy and Outsourcing, Follosco Morallos & Herce, and the World Bank. This development is aligned with current government thrusts to shift to electric public transportation.
Norway is a global leader in electric mobility, pioneering zero-emission technology in transport with the first fully electric commuter ferry, MS Ampere, in 2015; and the world’s first high-speed e-ferry, MS Medstraum, in 2022. When Medstraum began its voyage on a commuter route in the city of Stavanger, it had reduced emissions in the region equivalent to taking 30-60 buses off the road. It also has roughly 30% lower energy consumption than conventional alternatives.
In November 2025, the first Norway-Philippines Electric Ferries Conference was held in Manila that highlighted the ambition of a high-frequency and low carbon commuter ferry network to connect Metro Manila with neighboring provinces. The Philippine government has since underscored the urgency of climate action saying that decarbonization is not merely a compliance task, but a national imperative for survival and resilience.
The continuing cooperation between Norway and the Philippines is part of the efforts towards use of cleaner fuel, reduction of transportation costs, and maximizing the use of inter-island and inland waterways in the Philippines.
Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Kristian Netland stated, “As the Philippines pursues a more sustainable and modern maritime sector, we see great potential for cooperation and look forward to sharing Norwegian experience and innovation in support of the country’s green transition.”
