IMP Shipyard and Port Services, the first local shipyard to register with the Board of Investments (BOI), is planning to expand its operation into shipbuilding by next year.
Capt. Gaudencio C. Morales, IMP Shipyard president and chairman, told LogisticsNews.PH the expansion would enable the company to build any kind of ships.
As a class B shipyard facility, IMP has the capability to accept, drydock, or build vessels from more than 80 meters to 129 meters.
While there is demand for new fleet for domestic shipping, IMP has to fulfill its own needs first as Morales also operates a shipping company – Metro Ferry – that is also due for refleeting. “One company has placed an order from us for a Ro-Ro vessel, but I have to start with my own company first before selling to others,” he said.
The existing facility has 10 berths, but two have been reserved for shipbuilding and fabrication. “We have to invest in additional equipment,” he said noting that investment for the expansion is estimated at PHP100 million.
IMP invested PHP400 million for the 3-4 hectare shipyard facility in Albuera, Leyte. The project was registered with the BOI in 2024 only. The first locally-owned shipyard registered with the BOI currently employs 200 workers.
