Wärtsilä’s latest training partnership with GigaMare Inc. isn’t just about upskilling crews—it’s a strategic bet on the Philippines as a linchpin in the global maritime workforce. With over a third of the world’s seafarers hailing from the country, this deal is about putting cutting-edge engine training where it matters most.
GigaMare, a local training powerhouse, is now Wärtsilä’s official partner in the Philippines, certified to deliver crew training on select Wärtsilä engines. This isn’t just another training program—it’s a direct pipeline to Wärtsilä’s expertise, tailored for the region’s seafarers. The partnership leverages Wärtsilä’s Land and Sea Academy (WLSA) to certify GigaMare instructors, ensuring training meets Wärtsilä’s quality benchmarks and aligns with STCW and ISM standards.
But why the Philippines? Because the country’s seafarers are the backbone of global shipping. They need more than just technical know-how—they need leadership, adaptability, and the ability to navigate a rapidly evolving industry. “As the industry evolves, it is vital that seafaring crews are well equipped with the skills needed to operate vessels efficiently. They not only need the technical skills, but also the ability to lead, adapt, and succeed in today’s global maritime environment,” says Jari Ullakonoja, CEO & President, GigaMare.
This partnership isn’t just about scaling training—it’s about making it relevant. WLSA’s programs are designed to tackle real-world challenges, drawing on insights from Wärtsilä’s technical experts and field engineers. By bringing Wärtsilä-certified training directly to the Philippines, the partnership ensures that seafarers and ship operators have convenient and timely access to the latest expertise, tailored to the realities of their local context.
For Wärtsilä, this is a strategic play to embed its training ecosystem in a key maritime hub. It’s not just about selling courses—it’s about building a skilled workforce that can operate and maintain vessels efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively. “This new training partnership is a significant step towards establishing highly competent ship crews that are capable of operating and maintaining vessels efficiently, safely and cost-effectively. Most importantly, by bringing Wärtsilä-certified training directly to the Philippines, we ensure that seafarers and ship operators have convenient and timely access to the latest expertise, tailored to the realities of their local context, which makes upskilling more accessible and impactful than ever before,” comments Tomi Urho, Director, Training Services at Wärtsilä.
For GigaMare, this partnership is a game-changer. With over a decade of experience, the company can now sell Wärtsilä product training directly to local customers as an authorised Wärtsilä Training Partner. This isn’t just a revenue stream—it’s a chance to shape the future of maritime training in the region.
The real impact? More skilled crews, better vessel performance, and a more sustainable shipping industry. By investing in local training, Wärtsilä and GigaMare are ensuring that the Philippines’ seafarers aren’t just keeping up with the industry—they’re leading it.