Manila, Philippines –In a significant stride toward sustainable maritime transport, Arup has been appointed by the World Bank Group to lead the Philippines’ first national ferry decarbonisation pilot project. This landmark initiative aims to transform the country’s inter-island ferry system into a low-emission, climate-resilient transport network, marking a critical advancement in the region’s green transport agenda.
This pioneering project is a collaborative effort involving Arup, the Philippines Department of Transportation (DOTr), and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). It is designed to support the Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP) 2028 and align with the country’s Paris Agreement climate commitments.
The project commenced in May 2025 and will tackle a range of challenges currently facing the domestic maritime sector, including an aging and fragmented ferry fleet, limited regulatory oversight, and barriers to adopting low- and zero-emission technologies. Arup will lead the way by offering a comprehensive suite of services that include water transportation planning, maritime engineering, and business advisory support.
Drawing on expertise from its Hong Kong, Manila, London, and Singapore offices, Arup will integrate climate, transport, and sustainability knowledge to ensure a practical and replicable model for clean ferry operations. A key emphasis will be placed on aligning strategies with national energy and transport policies, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and enhancing connectivity for underserved island communities.
As the first initiative of its kind in the country, this decarburization pilot is poised to become a scalable and replicable model for other archipelagic nations. It promises to deliver cleaner, safer, and more reliable ferry services, while supporting the country’s broader energy transition and inclusive development goals.
Arup’s leadership in this project reinforces its global commitment to driving climate-positive infrastructure solutions, particularly in vulnerable island and coastal regions.
