President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday said the Philippines is positioning itself as a serious player in green shipbuilding as he joined Japanese shipbuilder Tsuneishi Group in delivering the world’s first dual-fuel methanol-powered KAMSARMAX bulk carrier.
Built in Balamban, Cebu, the 81,200-metric-ton vessel—Hull No. SC443, now named Brave Pioneer—was designed to sharply cut carbon, nitrogen oxide and sulfur emissions, in line with stricter global environmental standards.
“This is a historic milestone for Philippine shipbuilding,” Marcos said, calling the project proof that the country can compete at the highest level of maritime manufacturing.
Marcos noted that methanol-powered ships are gaining traction worldwide as the shipping industry races to meet International Maritime Organization regulations, opening doors for Philippine shipyards to premium markets, green financing and climate-linked investments.
He said green vessels enable access to sustainability-linked loans, green bonds and climate funds that could spur investments in advanced marine components, materials and energy-efficient systems.
The project also underscored the strength of the Japan-Philippines industrial partnership, combining Tsuneishi’s ship design expertise with Filipino labor and infrastructure at the Aboitiz-led West Cebu Estate.
Tsuneishi has operated in Cebu for over 30 years, launching nearly 400 ships and delivering more than 370 vessels globally.
Marcos cited industry data showing the Philippines now has over 130 registered shipyards, employs more than 11,000 workers, and built 484 vessels in 2024.
He added that the government is boosting support for shipbuilding through incentives under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act, focusing on modernization, higher-value output and low-carbon technologies.