MAAP - News & Events
MOLMEC and MAAP Partner to Establish DP Training in the Philippines
February 19, 2025
Mariveles, Bataan - In a significant move towards bolstering the competitiveness of Filipino seafarers in offshore operations, MOL Marine & Engineering Co., Ltd. (MOLMEC) and the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) signed a four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a Dynamic Positioning (DP) training program in the Philippines.
This collaboration addresses the demand for DP-certified professionals in the oil and gas, subsea, and offshore wind industries by making NI-accredited and specialized DP training more accessible for Filipino seafarers. Under the MOU, MOLMEC will provide its technical expertise in DP training, while MAAP will leverage its advanced DP simulators and training infrastructure.
The Philippines has consistently been a major supplier of seafarers to the global maritime fleet, yet access to DP training programs remain limited. While NI-accredited DP training courses are available in the country, the costs associated with such often serve as a hurdle for many seafarers. The cooperation between MOLMEC and MAAP differentiates itself by emphasizing the value proposition of delivering world-class, industry-leading, and value-driven DP training.
Moreover, this initiative aligns with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines' broader commitment to offshore wind energy development. The demand for DP operators is projected to grow with the increase in offshore wind activities in the Philippines and across Asia. Equipping Filipino seafarers with DP certification will contribute to workforce upskilling for the burgeoning offshore renewable sector.
This partnership is pivotal in defining the future of Filipino seafarers in offshore operations. By expanding access to DP training, MOLMEC and MAAP ensure that Filipinos remain indispensable to the evolving needs of the maritime industry.
MOL Marine & Engineering Co., Ltd., was established from the merging of MOL Marine Co., Ltd. and MOL Engineering Co., Ltd. in April 2021. Drawing upon the extensive knowledge of the Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) Group, which has been operating vessels for 140 years, MOLMEC brings together highly skilled and experienced merchant marine navigators and engineers, maritime consultants, and specialists in oceanographic observation and research, on-site maritime engineering, and other fields to contribute to the safety of ports, vessels, cargo handling, and marine traffic. MOLMEC opened its NI-accredited DP training center in Tokyo, Japan on June 2022.
Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific was envisioned and established by Capt. Gregorio S. Oca, visionary founder and President of AMOSUP (Associated Marine Officer's and Seamen's Union of the Philippines), to be at par with the best maritime education and training institutions in the world. MAAP, which was founded on January 14, 1998, is a world-class maritime academy equipped with STCW-compliant state-of the-art facilities.
Dynamic Positioning controls the position and heading of a vessel by using thrusters that are constantly active and automatically balance the environmental forces (wind, waves, current etc.) which tend to move the vessel off the desired position.