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1 week ago | 
manilatimes.net | Carmela I. Huelar
THE escalating conflict between Israel and Iran poses a grave threat to global supply chains, with a potential de-facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz — a critical choke point for international shipping — looming large. This stark warning comes from Peter Sand, chief analyst at Xeneta, the leading neutral ocean and air freight rate and market intelligence provider.
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1 week ago | 
manilatimes.net | Carmela I. Huelar
THE Philippines' leading ferry operator, Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corp. (APFC), known for its FastCat Ferries, is set to play a pivotal role in advancing maritime safety in Africa. Christopher "Chet" Pastrana, president and CEO, and Mary Ann Pastrana, EVP of APFC, have been invited as key presenters and mentors at the upcoming Lagos Ferry Safety Conference on June 25-26, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria.
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1 week ago | 
manilatimes.net | Carmela I. Huelar
SOME 400,000 seafarers around the world will receive a two-year, 5-percent pay rise after the latest negotiations at the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) in Singapore in May. The increase will be implemented through a 3.5-percent pay rise with effect from Jan. 1, 2026, and a further 1.5-percent pay rise with effect from Jan. 1, 2027. The award was negotiated under the IBF, a unique global structure that generates the world's largest collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
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3 weeks ago | 
manilatimes.net | Carmela I. Huelar
BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The VMA Global College and Training Center Inc. – Bacolod recently held its commencement exercises for a new batch of maritime professionals ready to contribute to the global shipping industry.
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3 weeks ago | 
manilatimes.net | Carmela I. Huelar
DP World, in partnership with VIMC Container Lines Joint Stock Company (VIMC Lines), has launched the Mekong Express, a new domestic sea-river transport route connecting the Can Tho (Cai Cui) and Cai Mep ports. Operating twice a week, the barge service reduces transit times of 48 hours by the river ways to just 15 hours via a combination of river and sea routes, a 70-percent improvement.
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1 month ago | 
manilatimes.net | Carmela I. Huelar
A PARTNERSHIP between SeaFam International and Global SME Loans Inc. was signed last May 20, promising Filipino seafarers and their families a powerful lifeline against predatory lending and a clear path to financial independence through entrepreneurial opportunities. This collaboration is set to redefine the post-service lives of seafarers, fostering a debt-free future and solid foundations for sustainable businesses.
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1 month ago | 
manilatimes.net | Carmela I. Huelar
WOMEN are an untapped resource in shipping, accounting for a potential 50 percent of the talent pool, said Mailyn Borillo, managing director of OSM Thome Philippines. "The maritime industry needs to move beyond strategy and embed inclusivity in daily operations," she told The Manila Times. "Awareness must start early in women's careers. There needs to be real support structures around safety, mental and physical well-being, and maternity.
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1 month ago | 
manilatimes.net | Carmela I. Huelar
SHIPPING giant A.P. Moller Maersk has furthered its commitment to inclusivity in the maritime industry with the launch of its dedicated "Equal at Sea" campaign. The initiative was unveiled on May 15 at the Associated Marine Officers' and Seamen's Union of the Philippines (Amosup) Hall, coinciding with the International Day for Women in Maritime, underscoring the company's resolute journey towards a more diverse and gender-equal future in global shipping.
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2 months ago | 
manilatimes.net | Carmela I. Huelar
DESPITE its lack of publicity, malaria remains an ongoing epidemic and a perilous threat to seafarers, whose work inherently involves frequent travel. Crews are one of the most susceptible groups to this mosquito-borne disease, which can lead to serious side effects such as fever, muscle pain, convulsions, and in some cases, death. Register to read this story and more for free. Signing up for an account helps us improve your browsing experience. Continue OR See our subscription options.
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2 months ago | 
manilatimes.net | Carmela I. Huelar
THE unexpected imposition of reciprocal tariffs by the United States has sent ripples of uncertainty through global trade, with the Philippine shipping industry bracing for potential disruptions. According to Patrick Ronas, president of the Association of International Shipping Lines (AISL), the announcement came as a surprise and is poised to cause a recalibration of shipping schedules in the near term. Register to read this story and more for free.
