World’s 1st methanol-fueled bulk carrier sets sail in Cebu

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January 16, 2026 | 12:00am

Historic milestone for Philippines ship building’

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos witnessed yesterday the naming and delivery ceremony of the world’s first methanol dual-fueled bulk carrier in Cebu, an event that he said highlighted the Philippines’ status as a major shipbuilder and its readiness to lead in the transition to low-carbon and sustainable maritime transport.

Bulk carrier KAMSARMAX SC-443 is designed to significantly cut carbon dioxide emissions by 10 percent, nitrogen oxides by 80 percent and sulfur oxides by 99 percent compared to conventional models.

Named Brave Pioneer, the ship 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.

Marcos described the event as “a historic milestone for Philippine shipbuilding,” hailing the project as “a showcase of Filipino craftsmanship, ingenuity and competitiveness.”

“This accomplishment stands as an example of what can be achieved through strong international partnerships. The collaboration between Japan and the Philippines – between the Tsuneishi Group and the Aboitiz Group – brings together advanced ship design, skilled Filipino labor and a robust domestic manufacturing base,” the President said.

“It proves, once again, that what is made in the Philippines can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best of anywhere in the world,” he added.

According to Marcos, Brave Pioneer  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.

He said green vessels open doors to sustainability-linked loans, green bonds and climate finance.

The transition to low carbon transport also fuels growth in ancillary industries like advanced marine components, coatings, materials and energy-efficient systems, the Chief Executive added.

“This achievement sends a clear message to the whole world: the Philippines is ready to lead in the global transition toward low-carbon and sustainable maritime transport,” he said.

“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.”

Marcos also highlighted the Philippines’ significance to the shipping industry, which he described as “vibrant, dynamic and growing.”

“We are one of the world’s largest shipbuilding nations,” he said.

Marcos noted that as of November last year, the Philippines has over 130 registered shipyards employing more than 11,000 workers.

In 2024, a total of 484 vessels were constructed in the Philippines, including  fishing boats, passenger and cargo ships.

“This administration also remains fully committed to strengthening the shipbuilding and ship repair industry by enhancing its competitiveness, sustainability, and strategic capacity,” the President said.

Marcos cited the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises or the CREATE Law that provides fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to encourage modernization, the adoption of low-carbon technologies and higher-value manufacturing.

“May the delivery of this methanol-fueled KAMSARMAX vessel stand as a symbol of what we can achieve when innovation meets purpose,” he said.