The global shipping sector faces strong decarbonization targets, requiring major emission cuts by 2030, 2040, and net zero by 2050. For the Philippines, domestic shipping is the lifeline that connects communities and sustains economic and social development. This sector is now under increasing scrutiny to adopt sustainable practices while maintaining its essential role in national growth. Meeting decarbonization targets poses not only technological and regulatory challenges, but also requires active involvement of the maritime workforce. Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) represent a key group in this transition, as they bring fresh perspectives, adaptability, and long-term engagement potential. However, their capacity to meaningfully contribute depends on opportunities for training, mentorship, and policy integration. While studies have examined technical and regulatory aspects of shipping decarbonization, limited research exists on the role of ECOPs in domestic shipping, particularly in archipelagic nations such as the Philippines. This article reports on a study that explores the role of Filipino ECOPs in domestic shipping decarbonization, focusing on their awareness, challenges, and opportunities for greater participation in shaping sustainable maritime practices. The study adopted a mixed-methods design to comprehensively assess the role of ECOPs in maritime decarbonization. This approach combined quantitative survey analysis with qualitative interviews and document review to capture both breadth and depth of perspectives. Using Raosoft calculator, survey respondents included 383 Filipino ECOPs working in various maritime sectors. Meanwhile, purposive sampling technique was used for participants from government agencies, industry organizations, and academic institutions for a semi-structured interviews to provide institutional perspectives. Convenience sampling was also employed since the participants’ availability and willingness to answer open ended questions were also considered. Relevant policy documents and frameworks were reviewed and were classified according to relevance and systematically examined to assess alignment with ECOP participation and workforce development. Quantitative survey data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to assess awareness levels and identify gaps. Qualitative data from interviews and documents were analyzed thematically to contextualize findings and triangulate results across multiple sources. The findings revealed that ECOPs demonstrate moderate to high awareness of environmental aspects of decarbonization (68.6%), yet significant gaps persist in regulatory knowledge, economic understanding, and technical applications (48%). Opportunities for ECOPs’ engagement were rated as “moderate potential” (WM = 3.22), with enabling factors deemed “sufficient” (WM = 2.85). Respondents recognized ECOPs’ capacity to drive technological adoption and policy innovation, though barriers, including restricted access to decision-making, inadequate training, and limited mentorship, pose “major challenges” (WM = 3.15). Policy analysis affirmed national alignment but underscored weak mechanisms for meaningful ECOP participation. This study explored the role of Filipino (ECOPs) in the decarbonization of Philippine domestic shipping through survey data, stakeholder interviews, and document analysis. ECOPs show strong awareness of decarbonization goals, alternative fuels, and efficiency measures. However, significant limitations persist in advanced policy literacy, such as carbon pricing mechanisms, and in the practical application of emerging technologies. While ECOPs show motivation and potential to support sustainable transitions, their contributions are constrained by theory–practice gaps, inadequate mentorship, limited access to decision-making processes, and insufficient institutional support. Participants acknowledged their promise in technology adoption, environmental policy development, and research, yet their involvement remains largely informal, short-term, and underfunded.
Emerson Madlangbayan Reyes (Mon,) studied this question.