The Philippine maritime sector is pushing for the rollout of a one-stop-shop portal by the second quarter of 2026 to consolidate and streamline processes and requirements for investors in the domestic shipbuilding and ship repair (SBSR) industry.
This proposal was among the key policy and actionable recommendations raised during the two-day “Revitalizing the Philippine Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Industry” seminar organized by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Danish Embassy in Manila, and the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
Industry stakeholders highlighted the lengthy procedures, extensive requirements, and the need for endorsements from various agencies that currently delay the approval of incentives and permits in the SBSR sector. They also noted differing interpretations of existing laws.
Stakeholders emphasized that removing bureaucratic red tape would help ensure that the country’s estimated 3,000 suppliers in the SBSR ecosystem continue to thrive and attract more investors.
The creation of a dedicated SBSR sub-group was also proposed, in coordination with the Fiscal Incentives Review Board, which reviews incentives for major projects valued at over PHP15 billion.
MARINA has submitted two measures to Congress—the Shipbuilding and Ship Repair (SBSR) Development Bill and the SBSR Fiscal Incentives Bill—to promote industry growth by offering a special package of tax and fiscal incentives to investors.
Overall, the recommendations underscored the need for predictable processes and aligned regulations across government agencies to improve ease of doing business and boost investor confidence.
Another key recommendation is the expansion of the coverage of the current CREATE Law and the Strategic Investment Priorities Plan (SIPP) to further support SBSR activities.
Stakeholders also proposed issuing a Joint Memorandum Circular to create a technical working group for SBSR support, as well as a memorandum of understanding with the Department of the Interior and Local Government to strengthen cooperation.
Other challenges identified include the need to align with international standards for defense-related SBSR projects and securing certifications that would allow local shipyards to participate in defense procurement processes.
The seminar also noted the high cost of advanced technologies and the need to improve workforce capabilities.
With coordinated efforts among government agencies to implement the recommended policies, private shipyards—working with foreign technology providers—are expected to demonstrate a proof of concept by the third quarter of 2026.
Connectivity, reliability, and accessibility measures related to the adoption of new technologies among stakeholders are expected to be in place by the first quarter of 2027.
Agencies involved in SBSR industry development include the Department of Trade and Industry–Board of Investments; Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Department of Energy; Department of the Interior and Local Government; Technical Education and Skills Development Authority; Commission on Higher Education; MARINA; Philippine Ports Authority; and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.
