Good news from the Philippines:
The Seafarers’ Identity Document (SID) Card of Filipinos is now used as the standard SID template by foreign seafaring nations.
This comes after the International Labor Organization (ILO) officially whitelisted the Philippines for fully meeting the minimum requirements of the Revised SID Convention 185. The Philippines was the first ratifying member-state to comply with the convention.
“We are very proud to be the first country to comply with the Revised SID Convention and that other seafaring nations are using our best practices as a model in their own SID,” said Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) Administrator Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad.
Excellent news from India:
Indian shipping policy-makers have set the stage for a regulatory framework to create greater transparency into ocean carrier pricing for export-import and domestic cargo transportation—a complex and acrimonious issue.
That intent is part of a November 25 draft law released by the Ministry of Shipping for stakeholder feedback.
“Every service provider or agent, in respect, of any Indian ship, or other ship operating in coastal waters, in relation to import, export or domestic transportation, shall specify the all-inclusive freight in the bill of lading or any other transport document, in such mode and manner as may be notified,” the document said. “No service provider or agent shall levy any freight charges other than the all-inclusive freight specified in the bill of lading or other transport document.”
Not surprisingly, the Container Shipping Lines Association (CSLA)—the local representative voice of foreign carriers in India—was quick to question the wisdom of the government’s regulatory approach to the industry.
As expected, the Indian National Shipowners Association, has a different take on the proposal. “We do not see why it should be difficult to fix an all-inclusive freight rate and charge [the shipper] just that; has anybody stopped to ask the views of the poor exporter or importer who has to face the blunt end of the uncertainty in [freight] charges and a complete lack of transparency on the total cost of exporting or importing cargo?”
No good news from the Philippines on the shipping cost issue:
The Philippine importers and exporters are suffering from a similar issue. While the Philippine Authorities (i.e. Department of Transportation and Department of Trade and Industry) have recognized the bad behavior of international shipping lines, no effective action in support of the Philippine import and export industry has been taken.
Another unsatisfactory news regarding the Philippine maritime potential:
Marina is correct in stating:
The maritime industry is being an essential logistics and services support sector to sustain economic growth and competitiveness.
Maritime transport is the backbone of Philippine trade and a key engine driver to the Philippine economy.
The Philippines counts on the maritime industry as a vital component in attaining inclusive growth. Shipping remains the major infrastructure linking islands and connecting the country to Intra-Asia/Asean and international commerce.
The question is, however, when will Marina harvest the opportunities and transform the Philippines into the world’s best maritime service provider in partnership with the private sector and allow Philippine flag vessels to operate domestically and internationally in one registration to enhance their competitiveness. The Philippines needs its international shipping line NOW.
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