Philippine Merchant Marine Academy

Graduate School, Manila

TITLE:

Resilience Amidst Chaos: The Impact of Ukrainian War to the Philippine

Seafaring Management

A Research
Presented to the
Faculty of the Graduate School
Philippine Merchant Marine Academy
Manila

In Partial Fulfillment of
the Requirements for the Subject
Research Methodology with Thesis

Name:
Baroman Guian Llewel Lastimosa

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 Philippine Merchant Marine Academy
Graduate School, Manila

DECEMBER 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents
Page
Title Page 1
Table of Contents 2

Chapter 1 THE PROBLEM AND REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 3

Introduction 3
Integrated Related Literature and Studies 5
Synthesis and Gaps 9
Theoretical Framework 11
Conceptual Framework 12
Statement of the Problem 15

Scope and Delimitations 15

Significance of the Study 16
Definition of Terms
18

Chapter 2 METHODOLOGY 19
Research Design 18
Respondents of the Study 20
Ethical Considerations 21
Instrumentation 22
Validation of Instrument 23
Data Gathering Procedure 23
Data Analysis 24
References 26
Appendices 28
Instrument-Survey or Interview Questions 28

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CHAPTER 1

The Problem and Review of Related Literature

Introduction

The impact of the Ukrainian war on Philippine seafaring management has

been significant. The conflict has led to disruptions in maritime trade, affecting

the global shipping environment and putting pressure on maritime transport

infrastructure and services. The war has caused the need for alternative trade

routes for Ukrainian goods, disrupted regional logistics, halted port operations in

Ukraine, and increased insurance costs and fuel prices. Furthermore, the war

has led to supply chain disruptions, soaring commodity prices, and exchange

rate volatility, affecting the global supply of food and energy and exacerbating

inflationary pressure across various regions, including the Eastern Partner (EaP)

countries. In response to these challenges, the Philippines, along with other

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Asian countries, has been prompted to strengthen its maritime cooperation

activities and consider strategies to preserve its food and energy security

This may have implications for the Philippine seafaring management, but more

information is needed to understand the specific impact, especially on Filipino

Seafarers on-board the vessel/s during the war.

The war's impact on the maritime sector underscores the interconnectedness of

the global shipping business and the need for collaborative efforts among vessel

flag states, port states, and industry to address the challenges arising from the

conflict.

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Integrated Related Literature and Studies

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has significant implications for the global

maritime industry, including the Philippines. The conflict has caused widespread

disruption to global shipping, exacerbating ongoing supply chain disruptions, port

congestion, and crew crises. . The Black Sea and the Sea of Azov have been

directly affected, with Ukrainian ports closed and a Russian naval blockade in

place. This has led to a massive backlog of ships waiting to access ports,

thousands of crew members stranded at sea or unable to return home, and a

growing threat posed by cyber risk. Kadow K. (2022) Impact of Ukraine war on

global shipping (https://commercial.allianz.com/news-and-insights/expert-risk-

articles/shipping-safety-22-ukraine-war.html). The war has also had indirect

effects on the global economy, leading to slower growth and faster inflation. The

conflict has disrupted trade, supply chains, and remittances, particularly affecting

neighboring economies. Additionally, reduced business confidence and higher

investor uncertainty have weighed on asset prices, tightening financial conditions

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and potentially spurring capital outflows from emerging markets. Kammer A,et al

(2022) How War in Ukraine Is Reverberating Across World’s Regions

(https://www.imf.org/en/Blogs/Articles/2022/03/15/blog-how-war-in-ukraine-is-

reverberating-across-worlds-regions-031522)

In the context of the Philippines, the war has led to a cautious approach in

dealing with the conflict. President Duterte has condemned Moscow's invasion of

Ukraine and called for both parties to settle their disputes amicably .The

Philippines has also expressed willingness to offer facilities in the archipelago for

the U.S. Navy's use if the conflict spills over to Asia. Espeña J. (2022)How the

Russia-Ukraine War Will Impact Philippines-Russia Relations. The Diplomat

(https://thediplomat.com/2022/03/how-the-russia-ukraine-war-will-impact-

philippines-russia-relations/)

However, the direct impact on the Philippines' seafaring management has been

limited so far, as the country does not have close economic ties with Russia and

Ukraine.

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Despite the limited direct impact, the war in Ukraine has added to the challenges

faced by the global maritime industry, including the Philippines. The industry

must navigate ongoing supply chain disruptions, port congestion, and crew

crises, while also dealing with the potential for increased maritime risks and

geopolitical tensions.

One study that examines the effects of war on the maritime industry is

"The Impacts Of The War On Terrorism On Maritime Shipping" by Christophe J.

McMahon. This paper investigates the impacts of the war on terrorism on the US

and world shipping industry, focusing on five main aspects: Vessel and port

security, Transportation security, Insurance and compensation, Legal and

regulatory environment, and Technology and innovation.

The study highlights the disruptions and challenges faced by the maritime

industry due to the war on terrorism, including increased security measures,

insurance costs, and regulatory changes. James, A. P., & Van Dell, H. (2002).

The Impacts Of The War On Terrorism On Maritime Shipping. International

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Business & Economics Research Journal (IBER), 1(8).

https://doi.org/10.19030/iber.v1i8.3962

Another relevant study is "The Impact of War Conflict on Sustainable

Shipping: Conference Report" by Zhao et al. This report discusses the impact of

the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the safety and sustainability of shipping, as well as

the relationship between the conflict and global shipping security. The study also

examines the changes in the operation of the China Railway Express and the

impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the world political landscape and global

economic structure Zhao X, Duan X, Chang Y-C. The Impact of War Conflict on

Sustainable Shipping: Conference Report. Sustainability. 2023; 15(16):12554.

https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612554.

In addition, a study by Feldman, Eiran, and Rubin examines the effect of

third-party trade on dyadic conflicts and the role of naval power in shaping these

effects. The study argues that the effect of third-party trade on conflicts is

conditional on the naval power of both the potential conflict parties. As the

researcher reviewed these articles, the need to investigate the impact of the

ongoing Ukrainian war on Philippine Seafaring Management became apparent.

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The researcher aims to focus on fellow Filipino seafarers under the same

management.

Synthesis and Gaps

The impact of the Ukrainian war on the Philippine seafaring management can be

analyzed through the following points:

Synthesis:

The war in Ukraine has caused disruptions in global shipping, affecting

trade with Russia and Ukraine, and has led to the closure of major ports in the

Black Sea, such as Odessa. This has impacted the global economy, with slower

growth and faster inflation. The conflict has also affected the maritime industry,

exacerbating ongoing supply chain disruptions, port congestion, and crew crises

caused by the pandemic. The war has led to a surge in the value of commodities

like food and energy, pushing up inflation and eroding the value of incomes.

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Gaps:

There is a lack of direct information on the specific effects of the Ukrainian

war on the Philippine seafaring management. However, the disruptions in global

shipping and the impact on the maritime industry can indirectly affect the

Philippine seafaring management. The Philippines has not been directly involved

in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, but the ongoing situation has led to

concerns about the potential for spillover effects in the region, such as the

Taiwan Strait crisis.

There is also limited direct information available on the impact of the Ukrainian

war on Philippine seafaring management.

Additionally, Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has directly disrupted

maritime activities in the Black and Azov seas, which could indirectly affect the

global maritime industry, including the Philippine seafaring management.

Therefore, while there is limited direct information, the disruptions in global

shipping and the maritime industry due to the Ukrainian war may have indirect

effects on the Philippine seafaring management.

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Theoretical Framework

The war has caused uncertainty and concerns for many Asian countries,

including the Philippines, due to the ongoing military conflict in Eastern Europe

and rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait. The Philippines has also expressed its

support for Ukraine and condemned the Russian invasion. The war has

significant consequences for the United States and its allies, as it is the most

significant interstate conflict in decades and its evolution will have major

consequences for global geopolitical equations. The war may also affect

maritime space and control of commercial sea lanes, which could have

implications for the Philippine Seafaring Management. However, further research

is needed to determine the specific theoretical framework and impact of the

Ukrainian War on the Philippine Seafaring Management.

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Conceptual Framework

The impact of the Ukrainian war on the Philippine seafaring management can be

analyzed through the following conceptual framework:

Neutrality and Security Concerns: Initially, the Philippine government

adopted a policy of neutrality regarding the Ukrainian war. However, as the

conflict progressed, the government condemned the invasion and expressed

concerns about the potential spillover of the conflict in Asia, particularly in the

Taiwan Strait. This shift in position highlights the uncertainty and concerns of

Asian countries, including the Philippines, for the ongoing military conflict in

Eastern Europe and rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

Economic Impact: The war in Ukraine has markedly eroded near-term

global economic prospects, primarily through commodity markets. Prices for

commodities that Russia and Ukraine supply, including energy, wheat, fertilizers,

and some metals, are sharply higher, which can exacerbate poverty and inflation

pressures in emerging market and developing economies. This can also affect

the Philippine economy, as it relies on these commodities for its growth and

development.

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Maritime Cooperation: The Philippines has been working on strengthening

its security ties with the United States, which includes renewed prospects for US

forces to use facilities in the Philippines in the event of a potential conflict. This

could lead to increased maritime cooperation between the two countries, which

might include joint naval patrols in the South China Sea.

Humanitarian Crisis and Reconstruction: The war in Ukraine has caused

an enormous humanitarian crisis, with urban centers in many parts of the country

heavily damaged, maritime, road, and rail transit severely disrupted, and vital

economic and social service infrastructure destroyed or rendered unusable.

When hostilities subside, a large-scale mobilization of resources will be needed

for reconstruction in Ukraine.

In conclusion, the Ukrainian war has significant implications for the

Philippine seafaring management, as it affects the country's economic prospects,

security concerns, and potential for maritime cooperation with other nations in the

region.

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THE RUSSO-UKRAINIAN

WAR

DISRUPTED MARITIME ACTIVITIES ( IN CLOSE

AREAS/SEA)

DISRUPTING GOBLAL SUPPLY CHAINS, SANCTIONS AND ANY WAR

PROPAGANDA

STRANDED SEAFARER’S / VESSEL, PROLONG

CONTRACT

DIFFICULTY OF SUPPLYING CREW BY

MANNING VESSEL

DISRUPTION ON SEAFARER’S SCHEDULE ONBOARD AND ONSHORE

PERSONNEL, THAT MAY BE BENEFICIAL OR DETRIMENT

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Statement of the Problem

1.What are the challenges and opportunities encountered/experienced by the

Filipino Seafarers affected by the war on Ukraine on-board?

2. How do Filipino Shipping Companies address the challenges and opportunities

experienced by the Filipino Seafarers?

Scope and Delimitations

The scope of this research is limited to Wilhelmsen Filipino crew and crewing. It

focuses specifically on the experiences, challenges, and working conditions of

Filipino crew members employed by Wilhelmsen, as well as the company's

crewing practices in the context of the Filipino maritime labor force. The research

aims to provide a detailed understanding of this specific group and their

interactions with the maritime industry, rather than generalizing to all seafarers or

crewing practices in other companies or regions.

The study is limited by the researcher's solitary capacity and constrained

resources. The study will exclusively concentrate on Wilhelmsen Manning Inc. as

the focal company. Furthermore, the research will specifically target Filipino

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seafarers employed under this company, as well as the crewing managers

overseeing their deployment and management. This focus will enable a detailed

and in-depth analysis of the experiences, challenges, and perspectives of Filipino

seafarers within the context of Wilhelmsen Manning Inc., as well as the dynamics

and practices within the crewing management of the company.

Significance of the Study

The impact of the Ukrainian war on Philippine seafaring management,

particularly for companies like Wilhelmsen Management, is significant. The war

has led to a shortage of seafarers, affecting global supply chains and maritime

activities. The conflict has made it more difficult to hire Ukrainian and Russian

seafarers, leading to a strain on the workforce, which was already stretched due

to COVID-19. Furthermore, the war has caused disruptions in regional logistics,

halted port operations, destruction of infrastructure, trade restrictions, increased

insurance costs, and higher fuel prices, affecting global trade. This has impacted

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the maritime transport infrastructure and services. Understanding the impact of

the Ukrainian war on Philippine seafaring management is crucial for addressing

the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict and its repercussions on the

maritime industry. The study aims to provide insights into the challenges faced by

Filipino seafarers and the efforts made by the Manning Agency of Wilhelmsen

Management (Philippines) to address these challenges.

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Definition of Terms

Seafarer - Seafarers are people who work on ships or people who travel

regularly on the sea

Manning Agency - A manning agency is a company working in the maritime

industry that provides the following functions to a shipping company, principal or

shipowner: They advertise your seafarer job vacancies. They receive and

appraise applications from candidates. They propose seafaring candidates to the

shipping company or principal.

Russo–Ukrainian War - The Russo–Ukrainian War is an ongoing conflict

between Russia and Ukraine that began in February 2014.

SPSS - is short for Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, and it's used by

various kinds of researchers for complex statistical data analysis

Likert Scale - is a rating scale used to measure opinions, attitudes, or

behaviors. It consists of a statement or a question, followed by a series of five or

seven answer statements. Respondents choose the option that best corresponds

with how they feel about the statement or question.

Cornback

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Chapter 2

METHODOLOGY

This chapter discusses the methodology used in this study. It includes the

research design, respondents of the study, ethical considerations,

instrumentation,validation of instrument, data gathering procedure and data

analysis.

Research Design

The study is a qualitative descriptive research, where information is

collected without altering the environment. It aims to describe "what exists"

regarding Filipino seafarers and crew managers. Primary data is obtained

through a survey of active seafarers during the ongoing war, while secondary

data includes relevant literature used to support the analysis and interpretation of

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the study's results. Data collected were for the following variables and they were

analyzed using descriptive statistics:

1. Challenges and Opportunities encountered by seafarers

2. Challenges and Opportunities encountered by Company Side.

Respondents of the Study

The respondents of the study will be active Filipino seafarers who were

on-board during or after February 24, 2022, when the war started. These

seafarers are under the Manning Agency of Wilhelmsen Management

(Philippines). The crewing managers responsible for seafarers play a crucial role

in ensuring the smooth and safe operation of maritime vessels. They are involved

in manning the vessel and overseeing the crew's performance, safety, and

wellbeing. The study mentioned in the question focuses on the benefits and

challenges of implementing stable and fluid crews within the merchant shipping

industry,

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Ethical Considerations

The researcher emphasized the importance of ethical standards in the

research, particularly regarding the use of human subjects. Prior to the survey,

permissions from the relevant company, authority, and respondents were

obtained. The researcher upheld the principle of providing respondents with free

will and detailed information about the research procedures. Additionally,

confidentiality of data was ensured by using it solely for research purposes, and

the anonymity of the subjects was protected by not linking them to their

responses. All works of authors used in the paper were appropriately

acknowledged through in-text citations and included in the reference list.

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Instrumentation

A survey questionnaire will be developed for this study, composed of two

parts. The first part will focus on the profile of the respondents, and will address

the challenges and opportunities encountered by seafarers. The questionnaire

aims to gather insights on various aspects of seafarers' well-being, including

physical and mental health, access to communication, work-life balance, career

prospects, and overall quality of life. The second part is challenges, and

opportunities encountered by the company side.

The survey will provide valuable information to understand seafarers'

perceptions and experiences, ultimately contributing to the improvement of their

working conditions and overall well-being.

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Validation of Instrument

The survey questionnaire will be pre-tested to instructors in PMMA Grad

and if necessary a psychometrician. It is to determine if there are errors in the

questionnaire or areas that need improvement such as ordering of questions,

wording, and the natural flow from one section to another. The researcher

intends to utilize a Cronbach's alpha, which is mostly used for assessing the

internal consistency of a questionnaire with multiple Likert scales.

Data Gathering Procedure

The following procedure will be followed throughout the process to obtain the

data for the study:

1. The survey questionnaire will be developed, approved and validated with the

help of experts. Google Docs will be utilized for this one.

2. The researcher will coordinate with the different MTIs to conduct the survey.

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3. The researcher will seek the permission of the respondents through an

informed consent.

4. After getting an informed consent, survey questionnaire will be distributed to

respondents.

5. Answered questionnaire will then be collected by the researcher.

Data Analysis

The gathered data will be processed using SPSS Statistics, a powerful

statistical software platform that offers a user-friendly interface and a robust set

of features for data preparation, management, analysis, and reporting. SPSS

Statistics provides various basic statistical functions, such as frequencies, cross-

tabulation, and bivariate statistics, and allows for the creation of tables and

graphs. The software can be used to perform data entry and analysis, and to

present summarized results in graphical or tabular form.. Additionally, SPSS

Data Preparation, included in the SPSS Professional edition, performs advanced

techniques to streamline the data preparation stage, delivering faster and more

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accurate data analysis results.. It also includes features like data validation,

automated data preparation, and optimal binning. Therefore, SPSS Statistics is a

comprehensive tool for conducting descriptive statistics using percentage or

frequency counts and presenting the results in graphical or tabular form.

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References:

Smith E. (2022) War in Ukraine may lead to seafarer shortage and impact on

supply chains https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-25/ukraine-russia-war-

impact-on-seafarers-shipping-cargo-trade/101170448

Mann J. (2022) The Russia-Ukraine conflict’s global impact on maritime trade

https://www.ship-technology.com/features/the-russia-ukraine-conflicts-global-

impact-on-maritime-trade/

Kammer A. et al (2022) How War in Ukraine Is Reverberating Across World’s

Regions https://www.imf.org/en/Blogs/Articles/2022/03/15/blog-how-war-in-

ukraine-is-reverberating-across-worlds-regions-031522

Espeña J. (2022) How the Russia-Ukraine War Will Impact Philippines-Russia

Relations, The Diplomat https://thediplomat.com/2022/03/how-the-russia-ukraine-

war-will-impact-philippines-russia-relations/

James, A. P., & Van Dell, H. (2002). The Impacts Of The War On Terrorism On

Maritime Shipping. International Business & Economics Research Journal

(IBER), 1(8). https://doi.org/10.19030/iber.v1i8.3962

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Graduate School, Manila

Zhao X, Duan X, Chang Y-C. The Impact of War Conflict on Sustainable

Shipping: Conference Report. Sustainability. 2023; 15(16):12554.

https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612554

Feldman N. (2022) Naval Power and Effects of Third-Party Trade on Conflict

https://doi.org/10.1177/0022002720958180

https://www.fao.org/3/w3241e/w3241e05.htm#:~:text=There%20are%20at

%20least%20nine,and%20develop%20the%20final%20questionnaire.

https://statswork.com/blog/what-are-the-different-types-of-questionnaires-

involved-in-research-and-explain-how-to-select-the-type-of-questionnaires-for-

the-specificstudy/?

fbclid=IwAR3_fejKrjSY6nOQwC0pjdyqYlIYGhzpQTSW804shSjFLEFzyzm3FHzlB

WM

Collingridge D. 2023 Validating a Questionnaire

https://www.methodspace.com/blog/validating-a-questionnaire

Bhandari, P. & Nikolopoulou, K. (2023, June 22). What Is a Likert Scale? | Guide

& Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved November 29, 2023, from

https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/likert-scale/

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2021 Alchemer What is SPSS? https://www.alchemer.com/resources/blog/what-

is-spss/

Appendices:

Appendix A. Interview Guide Questionnaire

Research Consent Form

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