The world’s leading ship registries will gather in the Philippines next year to participate in the first-ever Flag State & Shipbuilders Convention and Expo: Maritime Philippines 2023 on February 16-17, 2023 at the Hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza.
Organizer Rachelle Lopez of the WMOC Group of Companies said this is a favorable opportunity to ventilate critical maritime issues to gather traction for the new government under President Ferdinand Marcos to respond and push for the country’s maritime development.
Mr. Marcos had earlier declared during the presidential campaign his bias for developing the Philippines as a major shipping hub.
Notable speakers from some of the biggest flag states like Panama, Liberia, Marshall Islands, Hongkong, and Singapore will be sharing their experiences and success stories.
Participants will be given the rare opportunity to learn and understand the requirements to have a vessel registered in a flag state, and how to comply with all maritime rules and stipulations by the flag state aligned with international maritime rules.
“Our participants will have an understanding of how a country to be a flag state has to have the necessary maritime infrastructure – both financial and financial and most importantly, adhere to all the norms and regulations established by the International Maritime Organization,” Lopez said.
“We are happy to announce that Manila, the vibrant and modern capital city of the Philippines, is hosting this very timely and important conference and exhibition focusing on Flag State, Ship Registry, and the promising future of shipbuilding in the Philippines,” she added.
Lopez said the conference will also be holding a simultaneous exhibition and forum that will also present the Ship Building and Ship Repair (SBSR) industry of the Philippines.
She expressed hope that the 2-day event can position the country’s manpower, facilities, and policies to support a robust international maritime and waterfront industry.
“The Philippines is truly a land of great opportunity. We believe, therefore, that it is time for all the players and stakeholders to meet with investors, policymakers, and international developers to share insights and ideas as well as exchange information on matters and issues of mutual interest,” she added.