President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. today announced a landmark development in sustainable shipping: Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a global leader in shipbuilding, will construct the world’s first methanol dual-fuelled KAMSARMAX bulk carrier at its facility in Cebu, Philippines.
The announcement came following President Marcos’s meeting with Tsuneishi Shipbuilding executives during his working visit to Osaka, Japan. This pioneering project underscores the Philippines’ growing role in advanced manufacturing and sustainable maritime solutions.
“The future of shipbuilding is taking shape in the Philippines,” President Marcos stated. “With Japan’s Tsuneishi Holdings, we’re building the world’s first Methanol Dual-Fuelled KAMSARMAX Bulk Carrier at our Cebu facility, a game changer for clean and smart shipping. It’s proof of what we can achieve through innovation, strong partnerships and the talent of the Filipino workforce.”
The KAMSARMAX bulk carrier, designed to operate on both methanol and conventional fuels, represents a significant leap towards reducing emissions in the shipping industry. Methanol, as a marine fuel, offers a pathway to significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels, aligning with global efforts for a more sustainable maritime sector.
Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. is renowned for its significant share in the international market for medium-sized bulk carriers and has been at the forefront of research and development for methanol-fueled vessels. The company operates shipyards in the Philippines, Japan, and China, with business offices across Asia and Europe.
Further solidifying its commitment to the Philippines, Tsuneishi Shipbuilding is embarking on the fifth phase of expansion for its shipyard in Balamban, Cebu. This expansion includes investments in new capital equipment and enhanced research and development capabilities, promising to further boost local employment and technological advancement.
This collaboration between the Philippine government and Tsuneishi Shipbuilding highlights a shared vision for innovation and environmental stewardship in the global maritime industry.
