In a remarkable maritime undertaking between Japan and the Philippines, MOL Maritex Co., Ltd. (MOLMAT) of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP), and the Magsaysay Training Center (MTC) of the Magsaysay Group signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on July 29, 2025, at the MAAP Campus in Mariveles, Bataan, to open a Dynamic Positioning (DP) Training Center in the Philippines.
The MOA was signed by MOLMAT President Kazuhiko Kikuchi, MAAP President VADM Eduardo Ma R. Santos, and Magsaysay Learning Resources, Inc. (MLRI) President Alex Enriquez.
The courses – all accredited by the Nautical Institute (NI) – to be offered at the new DP Training Center include:
• DP Induction Course
• DP Simulator Course
• DP Sea Time Reduction Course
• DP Revalidation Course
• DP Refresher and Competency Assessment Course
• DP Vessel Maintainer Course
This initiative aligns with MOL’s broader commitment to offshore wind energy development. With the growing demand for DP operators in offshore wind activities in the Philippines and across Asia, equipping Filipino seafarers with the right skills is vital to supporting the workforce needs of the expanding offshore renewable sector.
“This is a collaboration among three organizations, and we at Magsaysay are honored to be part of it,” said Magsaysay People Resources Corporation (MPRC) President Marlon Roño. “ MAAP is a global leader in maritime education and training, and we’re grateful to work alongside them. The demand for DP training is rising, especially in offshore sectors and vessels that require specialized skills.”
The DP simulator for the training center is manufactured by Kongsberg — the same system used on actual MOL vessels — allowing trainees to experience realistic, hands-on operations.
The DP Training Center will provide operational training for seafarers and engineers to meet the requirements for offshore wind power generation and for special vessels involved in offshore and ocean development.
This partnership is a pivotal step toward shaping the future of Filipino seafarers in offshore operations. By expanding access to DP training, MOLMAT, MAAP, and MTC aim to ensure that the Philippines remains essential to the evolving needs of the global maritime industry.
MOL Maritex Co., Ltd. (MOLMAT) was established in April 2025 through the merger of MOL Marine and Engineering Co., Ltd., MOL Shiptec, and MOL Ocean Expert Co., Ltd. Drawing upon the extensive expertise of the Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) Group — which has been operating vessels for 140 years — MOLMAT is composed of highly skilled merchant marine navigators and engineers, maritime consultants, and specialists in oceanographic observation, maritime engineering, and port and vessel safety.
MOLMAT opened its first NI-accredited DP Training Center in Tokyo, Japan, in June 2022.
The Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) was envisioned and established by Capt. Gregorio S. Oca, former President of AMOSUP (Associated Marine Officer’s and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines), to be on par with the best maritime institutions in the world. Since its founding on January 14, 1998, MAAP has been equipped with state-of-the-art facilities aligned with the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
Magsaysay Training Center (MTC) is a pioneer in the professional development of maritime officers and crew in the Philippines. It offers industry-mandated and customized training programs tailored to client needs. Known for providing quality instruction, MTC equips seafarers with the knowledge, skills, and technical expertise required to advance their careers in the global maritime industry. Its course offerings include Health and Safety, Engineering, Navigation, Tanker Operations, and other specialized programs aligned with international standards.
