P-Noy leads naming of 2 bulk carriers

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines  – President Aquino led yesterday the blessing and naming of two 175,000 metric ton-bulk carriers built by the Korean shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Co.-Philippines in the company’s facility here.

The two bulk carriers were purchased by the Indian company, Adani Shipping Pte Ltd., and were named M/V Rahi and M/V Vanshi. Rahi and Vanshi Adani are the daughters the firm’s managing director, Rajesh Adani, who were all present during the ceremony.

The two girls were with the President in the rope cutting for the two vessels. Rahi and Vanshi also conducted the champagne-breaking for the “newborn vessels” that were named after them.

In his speech, the President assured investors of continued government support and incentives to make them stay in the country.

He said investor confidence in his administration was not “misplaced” as he was committed to provide the right environment for business to prosper in the Philippines.

HHIC-Phil president Jin Kyu Ahn noted that his company was committed to make the Philippines one of the best shipbuilders in the world.

“We need the unwavering and reliable support of the Philippine government pursuant to the main thrust of the President Aquino’s administration towards a strong public-private partnership that will propel the economy for the long term all stakeholders and the country as a whole,” he said.

In a statement, HHIC-Phil said it had invested around $2 billion in the shipyard and had a 20,000 work force so far.

It has been building huge commercial vessels ranging from container ships to oil tankers mainly for overseas clients since 2008.