Aboitiz Construction Inc. (ACI), the construction arm of the Aboitiz Group, was recently awarded the contract to design and build the expansion project for Australian shipbuilder unit Austal Philippines Pty Ltd. in Balamban, Cebu.

The scope of the project includes civil and building works, electrical, and pre-fabrication of steel materials.

A 670-man team put up the project which is targeted to start by February next year.

Austal Philippines is an integral partner for the Austal Group in building revolutionary high-speed ships for governments, navies, and ferry and offshore operators around the world, ACI said in a statement.

“This expansion will more than double the capability of the shipyard in terms of output and size of vessels it can manufacture. It will also generate hundreds of additional employment,” Mitch Barnett, Austal Philippines project manager, said.

“With the rapid growth of Austal Philippines reputation and confidence from clients around the world, it is expected that the Philippines will become Austal’s center of excellence for commercial vessel manufacturing. Aboitiz Construction is playing a key role in helping us achieve this,” Barnett added.

In 2012, Austal bought its current shipyard and contracted ACI for refurbishment. The yard was also previously built by ACI.

“Once again, a repeat client has placed its trust in Aboitiz Construction. As a reliable contractor that upholds integrity, we will not fail them,” Alberto Ignacio Jr., Aboitiz Construction President and Chief Operating Officer, said.

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