Philippines and Germany to Sign Maritime Agreement for Protection of Filipino Seafarers

President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. received arrival honors from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at The Chancellery in Berlin, marking the official start of his Working Visit to Germany on March 12, 2024. During this visit, the Philippines and Germany are set to sign a maritime agreement, with Germany committing to provide Filipino seafarers with the “highest protection” following a recent Houthi attack in the Gulf of Aden.

The Department of Foreign Affairs announced that the Philippines and Germany will be signing a joint declaration of intent (JDI) aimed at strengthening cooperation in the maritime sector, facilitating maritime trade, and ensuring the safety and mobility of Philippine and German-owned vessels. While not dictating Germany’s actions, the expectation is that German ports and vessels will prioritize the protection of Filipino seafarers, particularly in light of recent attacks.

Following the Houthi attack on the Barbados-flagged bulk carrier M/V True Confidence, at least 15 Filipino crew members were on board, with two tragically losing their lives. The surviving Filipino seafarers are expected to arrive in Manila soon, with efforts ongoing to recover the remains of those who perished. The commitment from Germany to provide the “highest protection” to Filipino seafarers reflects a significant step in ensuring the safety and security of maritime workers in the region.

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