Naming and Delivery Ceremony of Hull No. SC443

Tsuneishi Heavy Industries (Cebu) Inc., Balamban, Cebu
January 15, 2026

“This achievement sends a clear message to the whole world: The Philippines is ready to lead in the global transition towards low-carbon and sustainable maritime transport. This occasion not only celebrates the launching of a vessel; it is also a celebration of progress and of innovation. And above all, we celebrate the Filipino capacity to rise to the challenge of a rapidly changing world,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stated when he joined the Tsuneishi Group Corporation’s naming and delivery ceremony of Hull No. SC443 — an 81,200-metric-ton, dual-fuel methanol-powered KAMSARMAX bulk carrier — held in Balamban, Cebu.

The vessel is the first of its kind worldwide, capable of operating on both methanol and traditional fuels, significantly lowering emissions compared to conventional ships. In his keynote message, the President said that this achievement shows what can be accomplished through the Philippines’ strong international partnerships.

“While this project is a product of bilateral cooperation, it is also, and very importantly, a showcase of Filipino craftsmanship, ingenuity, and competitiveness. It proves, once again, that what is made in the Philippines can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best of anywhere in the world,” he said.

“It places the Philippines firmly on the map as a future-ready maritime manufacturing hub—aligned with International Maritime Organization decarbonization targets and global sustainability standards,” he added. This achievement is vital as the country moves toward green shipping, an approach that adopts cleaner fuels, optimized vessel designs, improved energy management and sustainable shipping corridors.

As one of the world’s largest shipbuilding nations, the Chief Executive reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to strengthening the shipbuilding and ship repair industry by enhancing its competitiveness, sustainability and strategic capacity. He highlighted the enactment of the CREATE (Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises) Law, which provides fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to promote 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. To our partners and stakeholders: May this project inspire deeper investments in skills development, technology, and high-value employment for Filipino workers,” he stated.

“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. 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,” President Marcos Jr. concluded in his speech.

Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. is a leading global shipbuilder specializing in the construction of bulk carriers, container ships and tankers. During the President’s Working Visit to Osaka, Japan last June, he met with company executives to discuss Tsuneishi’s plans in the Philippines, including today's ceremonial event.

With more than 30 years of operations at West Cebu Estate, Tsuneishi has launched nearly 400 ships and delivered over 370 vessels globally. This demonstrates the Filipino shipbuilders’ exceptional craftsmanship, supported by Aboitiz InfraCapital’s Economic Estates’ strong infrastructure and integrated support ecosystem.

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