Australia and the Philippines partner to boost trade and protect seafarers
Manila, Philippines (6 February 2026) - Australia and the Philippines have reaffirmed their commitment to mutual recognition of seafarer certificates, a move that will reduce administrative barriers and support shipping and trade logistics between the two maritime nations.
Australia’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Marc Innes-Brown, met Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator, Ms Sonia Malaluan, in Manila on Friday to finalise the arrangement.
Ambassador Innes-Brown also announced Australia’s formal endorsement of the Philippines-led Manila Declaration on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety and Well-being.
The announcements follow the successful re-election of both Australia and the Philippines to the International Maritime Organization Council, and come as the two countries celebrate 80 years of bilateral relations in 2026.
“This is not just about certificates – it is about people and prosperity” said Ambassador Innes-Brown.
“Almost 95 per cent of Australia’s two-way goods trade with the Philippines is seaborne. In 2024 and 2025 respectively, Australia was visited 52 times by Philippines-flagged vessels – the highest number in the past five years.”
“For Australia, these measures mean smoother trade and more efficient maritime operations – supporting our ongoing ambitions under Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.”
“At the same time, we’re working to support the rights and livelihoods of Filipino seafarers, reaffirming the Philippines’ indispensable role in global shipping as a leading supplier of skilled maritime labour.”
“Together, Australia and the Philippines are building a partnership that keeps our economies moving and our seas connected.”
Administrator Malaluan said “For the Philippines, this Memorandum reaffirms our commitment to maintaining a robust and internationally compliant system of training, assessment, and certification for Filipino seafarers, consistent with global maritime expectations.”
Australia has invested significantly in its trade and maritime links with the Philippines in recent years, promoting the two countries’ shared vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.
In 2024, Australia established a permanent Australian Border Force presence in its Embassy in Manila to bolster civil maritime, border enforcement and trade facilitation engagement with the Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Customs.
Australia is also partnering with the World Bank to support MARINA and the Philippine Department of Transportation to develop a roadmap to decarbonise inter-island ferry services in line with MARINA’s Maritime Industry Development Plan 2028.