Representing InterManager, Karen Avelino, who also serves as Executive Director of Business Development for Shipping and Senior Vice President of Cruise Operations at PTC, participated in the conference program of the Marino World Manning Expo and Conference 2025. She joined the session on “Upskilling and Reskilling Towards Shipping Decarbonization,” which was graced by H.E. Christian Halaas Lyster, Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines.

In her presentation, Ms. Avelino emphasized that while new fuels and technologies will transform shipping, the true drivers of change are people. She highlighted the need for harmonized training, hands-on access to emerging propulsion systems, and stronger collaboration among owners, managers, and regulators. She also stressed the importance of Filipino seafarers, who account for nearly one in four of the world’s crews, in sustaining global trade in a low-carbon future.

Following her talk, she joined a panel discussion with Capt. Jo Even Tomren (Norwegian Training Center), Mr. Herbert Nalupa (MARINA), Engr. Donald Bautista (United Maritime Training Center) and Mr. Kiran Kumar Varanasi (Wärtsilä Voyage) share perspectives on preparing seafarers for the opportunities and challenges of decarbonization.