AIMS Museo Maritimo Participates in Global Shipbuilding Conference

Photo from AIMS Museo Maritimo

November 14, 2025 – Pasay City, NCR, Philippines

Article by AIMS Museo Maritimo Team

AIMS Museo Maritimo recently participated in the global conference Revitalizing the Philippine Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Industry, held on November 12-13, 2025. Hosted by the Philippine government and the Danish Embassy, the event gathered over 200 international and local participants from across the maritime sector, including shipyards, designers, and government agencies, to discuss the future of the Philippines' shipbuilding industry.

As part of a panel discussion focused on Upskilling and Manpower Building, the museum presented a historical perspective on the Philippines’ maritime legacy. This included a deep dive into the evolution of shipbuilding in the country — from the ancient balangay boats to the era of Spanish galleons, and into the present-day shipbuilding industry that has positioned the Philippines as the 4th largest shipbuilding nation in the world.

Photo from Daryl Lorence Abarca

The Philippines: A Maritime Nation-State

The Philippines has long been a maritime nation, with a history rooted in seafaring and shipbuilding that spans centuries. The indigenous balangay boats, which are among the earliest forms of waterborne transport in Southeast Asia, represent the beginning of a rich tradition of maritime activity. These boats were not just tools for navigation; they were key to the Philippines' extensive trade networks that predate European colonization.

During the Spanish colonial period, the galleon trade routes between Manila and Acapulco became an essential part of global commerce, further solidifying the Philippines' role as a key player in maritime trade. Today, the Philippines remains central to the global maritime industry, contributing significantly to shipbuilding, ship repair, and the skilled workforce that powers the global fleet.

Connecting History to Modern Development

The participation of AIMS Museo Maritimo in the conference is a reflection of the museum’s commitment to linking the Philippines’ maritime past to the development of its future. By sharing the historical significance of shipbuilding, the museum highlighted the critical role that the country’s maritime heritage plays in shaping the modern shipbuilding industry.

Understanding the evolution of the Philippines' maritime capabilities, from the balangay to the galleons, provides invaluable context for today’s shipbuilding efforts. The nation’s historical expertise, coupled with its modern workforce, forms a strong foundation for the growth of the shipbuilding industry. The museum’s role in this discussion is not only to preserve and share this history but also to ensure that the lessons of the past are integrated into the future development of the industry.

The Path to Industry Growth: Education and Innovation

The global conference focused on the need to modernize the Philippine shipbuilding sector by investing in technology, improving efficiency, and most importantly, upskilling the workforce. AIMS Museo Maritimo plays an important role in this effort by offering educational programs and resources that help foster a deeper understanding of maritime traditions and innovations.

The museum’s educational outreach provides a platform for industry professionals, students, and the general public to learn about the historical and technical aspects of shipbuilding. This knowledge is essential for the development of a workforce that is not only skilled in modern shipbuilding techniques but also grounded in the country’s rich maritime heritage.

H.E. Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to the Philippines and Palau

AIMS Museo Maritimo’s Contribution to the Future

The museum’s participation in the panel on Upskilling and Manpower Building aligns with its ongoing efforts to facilitate the development of the maritime industry by ensuring that historical insight is woven into the fabric of the sector’s future. By highlighting the evolution of shipbuilding from the balangay to the present, the museum underscores the continuity of the Philippines’ maritime identity — an identity that is key to understanding the significance of shipbuilding today.

As the Philippines looks to strengthen its position as a global player in shipbuilding and ship repair, it is essential to recognize the historical and cultural importance of the maritime industry. AIMS Museo Maritimo’s involvement in these conversations ensures that the nation’s rich maritime history remains at the forefront of discussions about the future of the industry, helping to shape policies and initiatives that will lead to sustainable and inclusive growth.

Moving Forward: Integrating History with Modern Practices

The future of the Philippine shipbuilding industry lies in its ability to balance historical knowledge with modern innovation. As the conference highlighted, technological advancements such as modular shipbuilding and sustainable practices will play a key role in the industry’s evolution. The Philippine government, working alongside stakeholders in the private sector, is committed to creating an environment that supports this growth, with a focus on education, investment, and regulatory reform.

AIMS Museo Maritimo will continue to play an important role in this process, helping to connect the past with the present and future. By fostering a greater appreciation for the Philippines’ maritime heritage, the museum supports efforts to build a skilled workforce and a more competitive, sustainable shipbuilding industry.

A Maritime Future Rooted in Tradition

As the Philippines moves forward in its efforts to revitalize its shipbuilding industry, the role of AIMS Museo Maritimo becomes ever more vital. The museum’s work not only preserves the nation’s maritime history but also helps bridge the gap between tradition and innovation. By fostering education and dialogue, the museum plays a central role in ensuring that the Philippines’ maritime heritage continues to inform and inspire the development of the modern shipbuilding industry.

In this way, the Philippines can continue to honor its past while embracing new opportunities for growth, sustainability, and global competitiveness in the shipbuilding sector.