A general cargo vessel named MV SERENE GRACE is not just built by global shipbuilding giant Tsuneishi Heavy Industries in Balamban, Cebu, but is also registered under the Philippine flag.
During the naming and delivery of MV SERENCE GRACE, Administrator Sonia Malaluan of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) highlighted this milestone to Philippine Ship Registry, considering that a foreign-vessel was not only brought to the Philippines through bareboat chartering but it was built in a shipyard in Cebu Province.
Administrator Malaluan highlighted that the said milestone showcases confidence in the Philippine Flag and Filipino seamanship, as well as the partnership between local shipping companies and world-class shipbuilding counterparts.
(See related story: https://logisticsnews.ph/2026/06/20/marina-pushes-ship-registry-incentives-bills-to-make-ph-a-competitive-global-flag-state/)
“M/V Serene Grace may be one vessel, but she is the start. The proof that Philippine shipping companies can own, and operate ocean-going vessels constructed right here in the Philippines,” she said.
M/V SERENE GRACE is a 17,000 DWT General Cargo vessel, manned by full Filipino seafarers including 20 officers and crew. MV SERENE GRACE will be used exclusively to transport shipbuilding materials from Japan to the Philippines.
Administrator Malaluan expressed her gratitude to Tsuneishi Heavy Industries, Serene Breeze Shipping Corporation and the Kambara Kisen after leading the rope cutting ceremony. The Administrator attended the event, together with her Chief of Staff, Director Engr. Ramon Hernandez, and MARINA Regional Office VII Director Engr. Ronaldo Bandalaria.
She vowed that MARINA will continue to showcase current trends, latest developments, and key achievements—such as MV SERENE GRACE—in line with promoting shipbuilding and ship repair, and increasing ship registry in the country.
