Thousands of job opportunities for Filipino seafarers will be on offer at the Marino World Manning Expo and Conference (MWMEC) from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, organizers said.
The event comes as international shipping companies continue to recruit heavily from the Philippines, which supplies about 25% of the world’s 1.9 million maritime workers.
Industry forecasts point to a global shortfall of more than 90,000 officers by 2026, with Filipinos expected to account for a significant share of new hires.
Shipowners cite technical competence, English proficiency and adaptability as key reasons for the Philippines’ dominance in the sector, which generates billions of dollars in remittances annually.
This year’s expo, themed “Shaping the Future of Filipino Seafarers for Sustainable Shipping,” will bring together top manning agencies and shipping firms including Pacific Ocean Manning, North Sea Marine Services, Kestrel Shipping, Crossworld Marine Services, Jebsen PTC, Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Seaspan Philippines, Ionic Manila Manning, Senator Crewing Manila, Western Shipping Southeast Asia, CMA Ship Philippines, Century Maritime Agencies, Net Ship Management, Magsaysay Maritime Corporation, and Seabuoy Crewing Manila.
Thousands of vacancies will be available, ranging from entry-level ratings to senior officers.
Beyond recruitment, the three-day conference will tackle issues such as stricter environmental rules, the use of artificial intelligence and digital tools, and the retraining of crews for a decarbonising shipping industry.
Sessions will also cover retention and welfare, revisiting the proposed Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers and addressing onboard connectivity, mental health, and reintegration support.
Organizers said the adoption of Quanby Solutions’ facial recognition system will streamline registration, underscoring the expo’s push for efficiency and modernization.
The MWMEC is positioned as a key platform to sustain the Philippines’ role as the world’s largest supplier of maritime labor while preparing its workforce for industry disruption.
Cebu Business News
