IMO Secretary-General Visits NYK Training Center and Maritime Academy in the Philippines in International Shipping News 26/02/2026 On February 18, as part of the official engagements with maritime stakeholders in the Philippines, Arsenio Antonio Domínguez Velasco, secretary-general of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), visited NYK-Fil Maritime E-Training Inc. (NETI)* and NYK-TDG Maritime Academy (NTMA),** the NYK Group’s training center and maritime academy in the Philippines. The visit included a tour of NETI’s advanced simulator facilities, showcasing cutting-edge maritime education and training technologies that support global shipping operations. At a forum with NTMA cadets, the secretary-general delivered an encouraging address, followed by an open and candid exchange of views with future seafarers. Cadets had the opportunity to directly raise questions with the secretary-general on maritime safety, environmental sustainability, as well as the advancement of women and career development. Front row, from left,Samuel L. Batalla, Executive Director, STCWO, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)Hideaki Hamanaka, Country Head, NYKTeodoro Locsin Jr., Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the United KingdomArsenio Antonio Domínguez Velasco, Secretary-General, IMOSonia B. Malaluan, Administrator, MARINAJ. Roberto C. Delgado, Founder & Group Chairman, Transnational Diversified GroupJosephine J. Francisco, President, TDG Ship Management and Manpower DivisionJean Ver Pia, Head, Asia & Pacific Section, IMO A commemorative tree-planting ceremony was also held as a symbol of joint efforts to protect the environment and promote sustainable maritime transport. The visit concluded with a campus tour of NTMA and a formal send-off attended by government officials, diplomatic representatives, and maritime industry leaders. The engagement reaffirmed the Philippines’ vital role in the global maritime workforce and highlighted the importance of continued collaboration in advancing maritime education, safety, and sustainability. Discussion with NTMA Cadets during the Forum We remain committed to steadily advancing human resource development in line with international standards, enhancing seafarers’ competence through practical education and training, and proactively adopting innovative practices to achieve safe and sustainable maritime transport. * NYK-FIL Maritime E-Training, Inc. A wholly owned subsidiary of NYK-Fil Ship Management Inc. The company was founded in 2000 to train Filipino seafarers on NYK-operated vessels. ** NYK-TDG Maritime Academy (NTMA) Established: June 3, 2007 Number of students per year: 140 per academic year in two academic disciplines, 70 in marine navigation, and 70 in marine engineering Total Enrollment: 431 (as of February 2026)— of which female students account for about 9% Cumulative graduates: 1,707 (15 cohorts) Instructors and staff: 94 Location: Canlubang, Calamba City Curriculum: Four years, including three years of academic study and one year of onboard training Mission: To foster global seafarers through world-class, high-quality education by focusing on building an individual’s sense of humanity and providing training in practical maritime technologies From left,Josephine J. Francisco, President, TDG Ship Management and Manpower DivisionSonia B. Malaluan, Administrator, MARINAArsenio Antonio Domínguez Velasco, Secretary-General, IMOTeodoro Locsin Jr., Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines t