PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday said the Philippines was ready to take part in the global move toward greener and low-carbon maritime shipping as he led the naming and delivery ceremony of the world’s first dual-fuel methanol-powered bulk carrier in the country.
In his speech, Marcos said the delivery of the Kamsarmax vessel placed the Philippines firmly on the global map as a future-ready maritime manufacturing hub aligned with international decarbonization targets.
“This achievement sends a clear message to the world that the Philippines is ready to lead the global transition toward low-carbon and sustainable maritime transport,” Marcos said.
The ‘Brave Pioneer’ PHOTO FROM PCO
“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,” he added.
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Named “Brave Pioneer,” the methanol-powered Kamsarmax bulk carrier has a capacity of 81,200 metric tons and was 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.
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The Kamsarmax SC-443 was launched on July 17, 2025, in Balamban, Cebu by Tsuneishi Heavy Industries Inc., a joint venture between Japan’s Tsuneishi Group and the Philippines’ Aboitiz Group.
Marcos said the collaboration between Japan and the Philippines — between the Tsuneishi Group and the Aboitiz Group — brought together advanced ship design, skilled Filipino labor, and a robust domestic manufacturing base.
“While this project is a product of bilateral cooperation, it is also a showcase of Filipino craftsmanship, ingenuity, and competitiveness,” the president said.
“It is especially vital as we move towards green shipping: an approach that embraces cleaner fuels, optimized vessel design, improved energy management, and sustainable shipping corridors,” he added, noting that as global regulations become stricter, the demand for low-emission and alternative-fuel vessels will only grow.
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The chief executive said Philippine shipyards that could deliver such vessels gain access to premium international markets.
“Green vessels also open doors to sustainability-linked loans, green bonds, and climate finance, bringing new investment into our shipbuilding sector,” the president said, adding that the transition would fuel growth in ancillary industries such as advanced marine components, coatings, materials, and energy-efficient systems.
As of November 2025, the Philippines had 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.
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“These only prove that this industry is vibrant, dynamic, and growing,” Marcos said.
The president said his administration remained fully committed to strengthening the shipbuilding and ship repair industry by enhancing its competitiveness, sustainability, and strategic capacity.
He cited the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Law, which provides fiscal and nonfiscal 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 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.
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“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 said.
“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,” he added.
