Carmela I. Huelar

2 weeks 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.

3 weeks 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.

3 weeks ago | manilatimes.net | Carmela I. Huelar |Genivi Verdejo

THE International Labor Organization (ILO) has brokered an agreement within its Joint Maritime Commission to raise the global minimum monthly wage for seafarers to $690 by January 2026, a 6-percent increase from the current $673 (which took effect in January 2025). This decision, reached during negotiations in Geneva on April 14-15, 2025, is pending formal approval by the ILO Governing Body in November. The agreed terms also include subsequent increases to $704 in 2027 and $715 in 2028.

3 weeks ago | manilatimes.net | Carmela I. Huelar

A SIGNIFICANT step towards decarbonizing the shipping industry was marked on April 18, with the delivery of the Verde Heraldo, an advanced LNG-fueled Capesize bulker commissioned by JFE Steel Corporation and built by Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. The vessel's naming ceremony, held at the Saijo Shipyard, saw JFE Steel President and CEO Masayuki Hirose name the vessel Verde Heraldo, meaning "Green Pioneer" in Spanish, a testament to its environmentally conscious design.

1 month ago | manilatimes.net | Carmela I. Huelar

TRANSPORTATION Secretary Vince Dizon warned shipping companies that they will face severe consequences if they continue to overload their vessels for profit, causing significant inconvenience to passengers. The warning was issued after Dizon directed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), and Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) to issue a show cause order against a Romblon-bound vessel that violated the anti-overloading policy.