United Marine Training Center (UMTC) has officially broken ground on the United Marine Green Energy Center (UM-GEC), a joint initiative by UMTC, Green Marine, and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to strengthen the Philippines' alternative-fuel maritime training capabilities.
The Green Energy Center will support training for seafarers preparing to work on alternative-fuel vessel operations as the global maritime industry transitions to new fuel technologies and next-generation ships.
The initiative also received funding support from the International Maritime Training Fund (IMTF), an initiative of Associated Marine Officer's and Seamen's Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) and The International Maritime Employers' Council Ltd (IMEC) supporting non-statutory training initiatives for seafarers. UMTC gratefully acknowledges the support of each organization in advancing this forward-looking training vision.
More than a simulator-based training facility, the Green Energy Center is being developed as an actual onboard-type training environment, with systems and equipment designed to closely replicate the conditions and operational requirements seafarers encounter on modern vessels. Its equipment and systems are being sourced from suppliers that also serve the shipbuilding and vessel industries, further strengthening the practical nature of the training environment.
Training Designed for Real-World Operations
Green Marine in cooperation with UMTC, drawing on its expertise in alternative-fuel vessel operations. UMTC support preparation of the training facility and resources needed for practical implementation.
The program emphasizes practical and scenario-based learning, giving seafarers opportunities to become familiar with vessel environments, systems, equipment, operational procedures, and appropriate emergency responses under controlled conditions.
MARINA has been deeply engaged in a comprehensive review of the course, playing a pivotal role in shaping a robust training framework that meets essential requirements and adapts to the dynamic competence needs of Filipino seafarers. This commitment ensures our maritime professionals have the skills and knowledge needed to excel in an ever-evolving industry.
The collaboration brings together three distinct but complementary roles: Green Marine's technical expertise, MARINA's regulatory and review role, and UMTC's training infrastructure and implementation capability.
A Joint Response to a Changing Industry
The Green Energy Center represents a shared effort to ensure that Filipino seafarers are prepared as vessel technologies and fuel systems continue to evolve.
Under the leadership of President Tony Galvez, UMTC has supported the development of the project as part of its commitment to investing in future-ready maritime training. Managing Director Donald Bautista has steered the project's strategic direction, while Training Director Roy Akker and the training team have supported the program's implementation and practical requirements.
UMTC management, along with representatives from Green Marine, MARINA, and guests, attended the groundbreaking ceremony on 17 August 2026, marking the start of the facility's development.
The event featured ceremonial activities that symbolized its journey and commitment, including the signing of the Founding Legacy Wall. This wall will be installed in the completed facility as a permanent record of the Green Energy Center’s beginnings and building partnerships.
The ceremony concluded with reflections from Owner's Representative Yevgenii Rokatenko, emphasizing the project's long-term role in supporting the development of future maritime professionals.
Looking Ahead
The Green Energy Center is being developed around a straightforward principle:
As ships change, training must evolve with them.
By combining a world-class training facility with specialized course development, regulatory review, and practical implementation, the initiative aims to prepare seafarers with the competencies they need to champion emerging technology and meet growing demand.
As construction moves forward, UMTC will continue working with its partners, shipowners, principals, maritime organizations, and other industry stakeholders to support the development of training solutions for the evolving needs of modern shipping.
The Green Energy Center is ultimately an investment in people as much as in infrastructure—preparing the workforce that will operate and safely navigate the vessels of the future.
United Marine Green Energy Center
Building the Future of Sustainable Maritime Training