President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the naming and delivery ceremony of the world’s first methanol dual-fueled bulk carrier during significant rites held at what is regarded as the country’s shipbuilding capital at the West Cebu Estate in Balamban, Cebu.
“I name this ship Brave Pioneer. May God bless her and all who sail on her,” President Marcos said during the christening ceremony of the KAMSARMAX Vessel SC-443 measuring 229 meters with about 81,200 deadweight tons (DWT).
President Marcos said the delivery of the KAMSARMAX Vessel SC-443 marked a historic milestone for Philippine shipbuilding.
“This achievement sends a clear message to the whole world: The Philippines is ready to lead in the global transition towards low-carbon and sustainable maritime transport,” the President declared in his speech.
“This occasion not only celebrates the launching of a vessel; it is also a celebration of progress and of innovation. And above all, we celebrate the Filipino capacity to rise to the challenge of a rapidly changing world,” the Chief Executive added.
President Marcos said the collaboration between Japan and the Philippines—between the Tsuneishi Group and the Aboitiz Group—brought together advanced ship design, skilled Filipino labor, and a robust domestic manufacturing base.
“While this project is a product of bilateral cooperation, it is also, and very importantly, a showcase of Filipino craftsmanship, ingenuity, and competitiveness,” President Marcos said.
The KAMSARMAX Vessel SC-443 is designed to significantly reduce emission of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides.
President Marcos said the delivery of the pioneering vessel places the Philippines firmly on the map as a future-ready maritime manufacturing hub aligned with International Maritime Organization decarbonization targets and global sustainability standards.
“It is especially vital as we move towards green shipping: an approach that embraces cleaner fuels, optimized vessel design, improved energy management, and sustainable shipping corridors,” said the President, noting that as global regulations become stricter, the demand for low-emission and alternative-fuel vessels will only grow.
The Chief Executive said Philippine shipyards that can deliver such vessels gain access to premium international markets.
“Green vessels also open doors to sustainability-linked loans, green bonds, and climate finance, bringing new investment into our shipbuilding sector,” the President pointed out, adding that the transition would fuel growth in ancillary industries such as advanced marine components, coatings, materials, and energy-efficient systems.
As the world’s first methanol dual-fueled KAMSARMAX bulk carrier, the Brave Pioneer is designed to significantly reduce emission of carbon dioxide by 10 percent, nitrogen oxides by 80 percent, and sulfur oxides by 99 percent compared to conventional models.
A dual-fueled vessel is equipped with engines and fuel systems that allow it to run on methanol and conventional marine fuel such as heavy fuel oil.
The KAMSARMAX SC-443 was launched on July 17, 2025 in Balamban, Cebu by Tsuneishi Heavy Industries Inc. (THI), a joint venture between Japan’s Tsuneishi Group and the Philippines’ Aboitiz Group. | PND