Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT), International Container Terminal Services Inc.’s (ICTSI) business unit at the Port of Cagayan de Oro in the Philippines, recently started operating exclusively on solar power during daylight hours.

MCT started sourcing solar power on 14 February under a retail supply contract with PrimeRES Energy Corporation within the Philippine energy department’s Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) framework. MCT will use solar power generated by PrimeRES’es solar power supply during daylight hours. At night, the terminal will draw power from PrimeRES’es supply portfolio including the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), ensuring 24/7 energy supply. This hybrid solution maximizes the use of renewable energy while maintaining operational stability.

“The Mindanao Container Terminal is a key gateway for the region, and reducing carbon emissions from our operations aligns with ICTSI’s broader environmental objectives,” says Aurelio C. Garcia, MCT president and general manager. “This shift to solar power reflects our commitment to sustainability and demonstrates the steps we are taking to lower emissions.”

PrimeRES Energy Corporation is a retail electricity supplier, which focuses on transformative investments and partnerships with private distribution utilities and electric cooperatives. Licensed by the Philippine Energy Regulatory Commission, PrimeRES supplies power to contestable customers, with electricity sourced from Prime Infra’s renewable energy (RE) portfolio and third-party suppliers.

“This partnership with MCT exemplifies our commitment to delivering affordable and reliable power solutions tailored to meet diverse needs,” says Daniel O. Arago, PrimeRES Energy Corporation chief operating officer. “We appreciate MCT’s trust and shared vision of providing consumers with environmentally friendly energy solutions at competitive costs.”

Switching to PrimeRES is expected to provide MCT with competitive electricity rates and potential cost savings.

ICTSI, through its subsidiary Mindanao International Container Terminal Services Inc. (MICTSI), recently secured a 25-year extension to operate and manage MCT. As part of its long-term plan to enhance capacity and efficiency, MCT will invest more than $100 million in infrastructure upgrades. The investment includes a 300-meter berth extension and the acquisition of new equipment to support projected cargo volume growth. Once completed, these upgrades are expected to increase the terminal’s annual capacity beyond its current 350,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). The berth extension will accommodate larger vessels and support new service routes, improving connectivity for Mindanao’s importers and exporters. The expansion aligns with government efforts to attract more investment and business activity to the region.

Source: ICTSI

The Republic of the Philippines and Latvia have officially signed an agreement recognizing STCW certificates issued by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), paving the way for more opportunities for Filipino seafarers. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) was formalized on 11 February 2025 during the 11th session of the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training, and Watchkeeping (HTW).

MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan and Maritime Administration of Latvia Director Jānis Krastiņš signed the deal on behalf of their respective governments. Under this agreement, the Latvian maritime authority will issue an Endorsement of Recognition for certificates granted by MARINA, ensuring compliance with STCW Convention regulation I/10.

The agreement guarantees that Filipino seafarers meet the training and competence standards set by section A-I/6 of the STCW Code, requiring qualified instructors and assessors. It also enforces continuous monitoring of education, training, certification, and endorsement activities through a quality standards system, in line with section A-I/8 of the STCW Code. Endorsements will be issued following regulation I/2, paragraph 5 of the STCW Convention.

This move strengthens maritime cooperation between the Philippines and Latvia, reinforces international standards, and opens more doors for Filipino seafarers to work aboard Latvian-flagged vessels.

Source: MARINA

The Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), utilized its two multi-mission offshore vessels (MMOVs) on Friday, January 31, to ferry 37 rescued Filipino fisherfolk who were stranded in Balabac, Palawan while en route to the West Philippine Sea. 

Based on the report, F/V ANDREI SARAH, carrying 37 crew members, departed San Jose, Occidental Mindoro on January 18. Due to rough seas and engine failure, the boat captain directed the vessel toward a calmer area between Balabac and Tawi-Tawi Islands, intending to reach Liminangcong, Taytay, Palawan for repairs. However, the vessel struck a reef and broke into half near Onok Island in Balabac at 4:00 a.m. on January 29, causing it to capsize. 

The incident was quickly reported to a Coast Guard detachment in Onok Island, prompting immediate assistance from the Coast Guard Station in Balabac Island. By 10:00 a.m. of the same day, a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel arrived and rescued all 37 crew members. The fishers, along with their recovered equipment, were taken to the Coast Guard Station in Balabac, Palawan. 

On Friday, January 31, BRP Datu Pagbuaya (MMOV 3003) and BRP Datu Bankaw (MMOV 3004), two of the four BFAR vessels that successfully resupplied fishers in the vicinity of Guntao Island in El Nido, Palawan and Bancalan Island in Balabac, Palawan, retrieved 32 of the 37 stranded crew members and ferried them back to their homeport. Upon their arrival at Port of Caminawit in Occidental Mindoro, the 32 fishers were given provisions and medical assistance. 

Meanwhile, the remaining five rescued individuals, including the master fisherman and boat mechanic, stayed in Balabac to oversee the salvaged fishing gears. 

Source: BFAR