Cebu, January 15 (AseanAll) — Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on January 15, 2026 highlighted the Philippines as one of the world’s largest shipbuilding nations, emphasizing that the administration is fully committed to strengthening the industry, according to the Presidential Communications Office of the Philippines.
“We are one of the world’s largest shipbuilding nations,” Marcos said in his speech during the historic naming and delivery ceremony for the KAMSARMAX SC-443 held at the West Cebu Estate in Balamban, Cebu, regarded as the shipbuilding capital of the Philippines.
Named Brave Pioneer, the KAMSARMAX SC-443 is the world’s first methanol dual-fueled bulk carrier.
As of November 2025, the Philippines has over 130 registered shipyards nationwide, employing over 11,000 workers, of whom 70 percent are skilled professionals such as welders and fitters.
In 2024, the country constructed 484 vessels, from fishing boats to passenger and cargo ships.
“These only prove that this industry is vibrant, dynamic, and growing,” Marcos said.
The President said his administration remains fully committed to strengthening the shipbuilding and ship repair industry by enhancing its competitiveness, sustainability, and strategic capacity.
The Chief Executive cited the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Law, which provides fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to encourage modernization, adoption of low-carbon technologies, and higher-value manufacturing.
“May the delivery of this methanol-fueled KAMSARMAX vessel stand as a symbol of what we can achieve when innovation meets purpose,” said President Marcos, who also urged the country’s partners and industry stakeholders to continue investing in skills development, technology and high-value employment for Filipino workers.
“By continuing to invest in green technologies and advanced manufacturing, we are shaping the Philippines into a future-ready maritime hub that can meet the evolving demands of global trade,” the President emphasized.
“So together, let us shape a Bagong Pilipinas that champions economic growth, industrial self-reliance, and national security—and continue to proudly showcase Filipino excellence to the rest of the world,” the President also said.
As the world’s first methanol dual-fueled KAMSARMAX bulk carrier, the Brave Pioneer is designed to significantly reduce emission of carbon dioxide by 10 percent, nitrogen oxides by 80 percent, and sulfur oxides by 99 percent compared to conventional models.
A dual-fueled vessel is equipped with engines and fuel systems that allow it to run on methanol and conventional marine fuel such as heavy fuel oil.
The KAMSARMAX SC-443 was launched on July 17, 2025 in Balamban, Cebu by Tsuneishi Heavy Industries Inc. (THI), a joint venture between Japan’s Tsuneishi Group and the Philippines’ Aboitiz Group.
