BUSINESS
Advocates Philippines
PH Makes History With World's First Methanol-Fueled Bulk Carrier
Screengrab from PCO
BALAMBAN, Cebu — The Philippines took a major step into the future of green shipbuilding as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. joined Tsuneishi Group Corporation in the naming and delivery ceremony of Hull No. SC443 on January 15, 2026.
The vessel, an 81,200-metric ton KAMSARMAX bulk carrier, is the world’s first of its kind powered by dual-fuel methanol technology. Designed to run on both methanol and conventional fuel, the ship offers a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to traditional cargo vessels by significantly reducing harmful emissions.
Built at Tsuneishi’s shipyard in Balamban, Cebu, the milestone vessel reflects the Philippines’ growing role in advanced and environmentally responsible shipbuilding. Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. is recognized globally as one of the leading shipbuilders, producing bulk carriers, container ships, and tankers. Its operations span shipyards in the Philippines, Japan, and China, supported by offices across Asia and Europe.
The ceremony also marked the realization of discussions held during President Marcos Jr.’s working visit to Osaka, Japan in June last year, where he met with Tsuneishi executives to talk about the company’s long-term plans and investments in the Philippines.
Tsuneishi is among the pioneers in the research and development of methanol-fueled bulk carriers, a key innovation aligned with the global maritime industry’s push toward zero-emission vessels.
With more than 30 years of operations at West Cebu Estate, Tsuneishi has launched nearly 400 ships and delivered over 370 vessels worldwide. These achievements underscore the skill and craftsmanship of Filipino shipbuilders, made possible by Aboitiz InfraCapital’s Economic Estates, which provide modern infrastructure and a fully integrated industrial support system.
As the shipping industry looks for cleaner and more sustainable solutions, the successful delivery of Hull No. SC443 positions the Philippines as a key player in shaping the future of global shipbuilding.
The vessel, an 81,200-metric ton KAMSARMAX bulk carrier, is the world’s first of its kind powered by dual-fuel methanol technology. Designed to run on both methanol and conventional fuel, the ship offers a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to traditional cargo vessels by significantly reducing harmful emissions.
Built at Tsuneishi’s shipyard in Balamban, Cebu, the milestone vessel reflects the Philippines’ growing role in advanced and environmentally responsible shipbuilding. Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. is recognized globally as one of the leading shipbuilders, producing bulk carriers, container ships, and tankers. Its operations span shipyards in the Philippines, Japan, and China, supported by offices across Asia and Europe.
The ceremony also marked the realization of discussions held during President Marcos Jr.’s working visit to Osaka, Japan in June last year, where he met with Tsuneishi executives to talk about the company’s long-term plans and investments in the Philippines.
Tsuneishi is among the pioneers in the research and development of methanol-fueled bulk carriers, a key innovation aligned with the global maritime industry’s push toward zero-emission vessels.
With more than 30 years of operations at West Cebu Estate, Tsuneishi has launched nearly 400 ships and delivered over 370 vessels worldwide. These achievements underscore the skill and craftsmanship of Filipino shipbuilders, made possible by Aboitiz InfraCapital’s Economic Estates, which provide modern infrastructure and a fully integrated industrial support system.
As the shipping industry looks for cleaner and more sustainable solutions, the successful delivery of Hull No. SC443 positions the Philippines as a key player in shaping the future of global shipbuilding.
Jan 15, 2026
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