CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — Crafted by Filipino hands and launched under rain-soaked skies, the world’s first methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier was officially named and delivered in Cebu.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who graced the launching event, bannered it as a breakthrough in Philippine shipbuilding for global push toward greener maritime transport.
As rain fell over the West Estate Special Economic Zone in Balamban yesterday (January 15), Marcos stood before the bulk carrier and christened it “Brave Pioneer.”
The ceremony marked the delivery of Hull No. SC443, a KAMSARMAX-type bulk carrier built by Tsuneishi Heavy Industries (Cebu), Inc. (THI), the Philippine manufacturing arm of Japan-based Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
Marcos said the delivery sends a “clear message to the world” that the Philippines is ready to lead in the global transition toward sustainable shipping.
“Today, as we witness the delivery of the world’s first methanol dual-fuel KAMSARMAX bulk carrier, we mark a historic milestone for Philippine shipbuilding,” Marcos said in his address.
He stressed that the project is more than the launching of a vessel, calling it a celebration of progress, innovation, and Filipino capability in a rapidly changing global industry.
Industry sources describe a bulk carrier, or bulker, as a large merchant ship designed to transport unpackaged, dry bulk cargo like grain, coal, and iron ore.
Filipino craftsmanship
Marcos highlighted the collaboration between Tsuneishi Group of Japan and the Aboitiz Group, describing it as a partnership that brings together advanced ship design, skilled Filipino labor, and a strong domestic manufacturing base.
“While this project is a product of bilateral cooperation, it is also, very importantly, a showcase of Filipino craftsmanship, ingenuity, and competitiveness,” he said.
“It proves once again that what is made in the Philippines can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best anywhere in the world,” the President emphasized.
This lone carrier is designed to significantly reduce harmful emissions, cutting around 10-percent of carbon dioxide (CO?), 80-percent of nitrogen oxides (NOx), and 99-percent of sulfur oxides (SOx) compared with conventional vessels.
In Aboitiz’s Inc. official statement, the use of methanol, particularly green methanol—positions the vessel as a future-ready solution aligned with International Maritime Organization (IMO) decarbonization targets.
With a length of 229 meters, the KAMSARMAX vessel is known for its versatility, featuring both shallow draft and low air draft, allowing it to access a wide range of ports worldwide, including Kamsar Port in Guinea.
Marcos said green shipping is vital as global regulations tighten and demand grows for low-emission and alternative-fuel vessels. “Philippine shipyards that can deliver these vessels gain access to premium international markets,” he said.
The president also underscored the broader economic impact of green shipbuilding, noting that it opens doors to sustainability-linked loans, green bonds, and climate finance, while stimulating growth in ancillary industries such as advanced marine components, coatings, and energy-efficient systems.
He cited that, as of November 2025, the Philippines has more than 130 registered shipyards nationwide, employing over 11,000 workers, around 70 percent of whom are skilled professionals such as welders and fitters.
In 2024 alone, the country constructed 484 vessels, ranging from fishing boats to passenger and cargo ships, underscoring the sector’s continued growth. “This industry continues to be vibrant, dynamic, and growing,” Marcos said.
He added that the administration remains committed to strengthening shipbuilding and ship repair through incentives that encourage modernization, low-carbon technologies, and higher-value manufacturing.
Balamban: Shipbuilding capital
Aboitiz Group president and CEO Sabin M. Aboitiz traced the roots of the project to Balamban’s transformation from a quiet fishing town into what he called the country’s shipbuilding capital.
“Standing here today, looking at this massive ship behind me, it’s hard not to feel a little small—but also deeply proud,” Aboitiz said.
He recalled that, more than 30 years ago, the area was largely undeveloped until Tsuneishi established its operations in partnership with local stakeholders, sparking the rise of the West Cebu Estate.
From a population of about 45,000, Balamban has grown to nearly 100,000, with shipbuilding at the center of its economic expansion.
Aboitiz said the partnership has generated around 12,000 jobs, launched nearly 400 ships, and delivered more than 380 vessels worldwide, all built by Filipino workers. “That’s not just growth, that’s transformation,” he said.
Aboitiz added that the ecosystem created by shipbuilding has fueled skills development, supplier networks, and community growth, enabling the Philippines to compete globally.
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, who also attended the event, said the milestone demonstrates the capability and resilience of Cebuanos, particularly amid current challenges faced by the province.
“I am short of words to describe how proud I am of what Cebuanos … especially Balamban—have accomplished,” Baricuatro said, as she echoed the President’s message that collective effort leads to tremendous achievement.
Vision for green future
Aboitiz thanked the President for approving the expansion of the West Cebu Industrial Park Special Economic Zone last December, a move expected to unlock about $1.8 billion in new investments and generate over 2,000 additional jobs.
Aboitiz said the use of methanol fuel aboard the Brave Pioneer translates into cleaner air, cleaner seas, and a healthier future for the next generation. “That’s what innovation is really about—making bold choices for tomorrow,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tsuneishi Shipbuilding President and CEO Okumura Sachio said the delivery of the Brave Pioneer represents the culmination of years of design expertise and shipbuilding technology within the Tsuneishi Group.
“We are extremely proud to have completed and delivered the world’s first methanol dual-fuelled KAMSARMAX bulk carrier at THI,” Okumura said.
| Written by Avie Villa /Photo by Aldo Banaynal
