Phl emerging as Asia’s next shipbuilding hub

CEBU, Philippines - Majority of the materials used for shipbuilding in the Philippines are imported from other countries, but despite this, an industry player says the country has a very big potential to become Asia’s shipyard center.

Segismundo Exaltacion, Jr., general manager of Tsuneishi Technical Services (Philippines), Inc., said the shipping industry in the country needs the support of other industries and of the government.

“It is always a dream for us that the Philippines will support in our aspiration for global competitiveness (in shipbuilding),” Exaltacion said in an interview with reporters during Tsuneishi’s disclosure of its new ship models.

Presently, the Philippines is ranked fourth largest shipbuilder in the world.

He noted the new ship models of Tsuneishi Heavy Industries (Cebu), Incorporated are designed to answer the needs of both the ecology and economy, with the firm’s target to cut 40 percent of carbon dioxide emissions.

Exaltacion also explained the industry has been developing especially on the area of reducing fuel oil consumption which is one of the most important concerns in terms of value for ship owners and operators.

The models are TESS35 (a 35,300 deadweight metric tons) bulk carrier, TESS45BOX (45,300 DWT) bulk carrier, TESS58 or the eco ship and the TESS64 Aeroline. TESS stands for Tsuneishi Economical Standard Ship.

The official said the degree of support that the industry may be getting from government and other stakeholders is beyond the control of shipbuilders. “What is beyond our control though is our capability to develop new and innovative ships. Innovation is in our control,” he said.

In an interview, Hitoshi Kono, the president of THICI, said the shipbuilding firm is planning to build more cargo ships and smaller vessels in the future.

The company, which is already operating in the reclaimed property in this town for 20 years now, produces around 20 vessels a year -- largely on 30,000 ton to 180,000 ton class bulk carriers.

Kono expressed Tsuneishi is eyeing to increase the number to 25 to 30 vessels per year.

The shipbuilding business has three factories: one is located in the town of Balamban in Cebu while the other two are in Japan and China. (FREEMAN)