Photo shows (from left): Sub-Port of Mactan Collector Gerardo A. Campo, Port of Cebu District Collector Atty. Ricardo Uy Morales II, BOC Mactan Economic Zone head Irvin Ho, and Tsuneishi president Yasuaki Seto.

By Junex Doronio

CEBU CITY — Consistently awarded by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) as an Outstanding Exporter since 2012, Bureau of Customs Port of Cebu (BOC-POC) District Collector Atty. Ricardo Uy Morales II, CESE, has lauded Tsuneishi Heavy Industries Inc. for having faith in Filipino skills as the globally renowned Japanese medium-sized shipbuilder is employing more than 10,000 Filipino shipbuilders and seafarers.

In a significant event showcasing the commitment to border protection and trade facilitation,  Morales II, CESE, recently led the final inspection of the 66,000 deadweight metric ton (DWMT) bulk carrier at Tsuneishi Heavy Industries Inc.

“I am delighted to see Tsuneishi recognizing and appreciating the dedication of Filipino skills and hands in the building, repair, and operation of their vessels. In the hands of Tsuneishi, Filipino craftsmanship shines brightly as it is one of the best in the shipbuilding industry worldwide, significantly contributing to the excellence that the maritime industry demands,” Morales II said.

The BOC-POC chief was accompanied by Mactan Subport Collector Gerardo A. Campo, Port of Cebu Piers and Inspection Division (PID) chief Mariano David R. Luminarias Jr., BOC Mactan Economic Zone (MEZ) chief Mr. Irvin Ho, Tsuneishi President Mr. Yasuaki Seto, and Tsuneishi Logistics Staff Mr. Vincent Managbanag.

They meticulously inspected the 66,000-deadweight metric ton bulk carrier named the MV SYLVANER, set for delivery on Tuesday, November 28, which will be manned by an all-Filipino crew.

It was learned that this vessel marks the 17th vessel to be delivered in 2023.

“It brings me great joy to learn that 10,000 Filipino families are uplifted through their employment at Tsuneishi. The impact goes beyond providing livelihoods; it positively influences the lives of these workers and their families,” Morales II noted.

He added: “The economic stability brought about by meaningful employment fosters stronger communities and enhances the overall well-being of our people.”

Tsuneishi Heavy Industries Inc. is a renowned medium-sized shipbuilder globally, and a key player in the maritime industry with shipyards located in Japan, China, and the Philippines. 

The shipyard located in Balamban, Cebu, spanning 150 hectares, is a joint venture between Tsuneishi Group-Japan and Cebu’s Aboitiz Group.

The Balamban, Cebu, shipyard is the company’s biggest shipyard with the capability of building ships weighing more than 100,000 deadweight metric tons.

It is also at this shipyard that Tsuneishi’s largest vessel to date, the MV Tenshu Maru, the first 180,000 deadweight metric ton type bulk carrier was built.

It was gathered that 9 units of this type have been delivered worldwide since 2010.

The shipyard builds at least 20 cargo vessels annually for its customers worldwide and is fully booked for orders until 2027.

(ai/mnm)